At the risk of getting beat up by the Blue Wonder crowd and others here that have a specific favorite cleaning method for the polymer frame, I would like to share the response that I received from Springfield Armory:
My question to SA:
"I recently purchased a Springfield Armory XD40. This is the first firearm with polymer components that I have owned.
What solvents or cleaning materials do you recommend for the polymer frame of the firearm? Would WD-40 or like spray cleaners harm the frame and weaken it.
What would the effects be if I were to use a fast drying spray like Birchwood Casey's Gun Scrubber?
Or, what are your thoughts about using a "soap and water" approach with Simple Green solution?
Your expert advise is very much appreciated, thank you."
Response from Springfield Armory (Terry Bowers):
"You can use the same solvents on the polymer frame as you would use on the steel slide. However, some solvents, such as WD-40 could possibly leave behind a slippery residue. Your best bet would be to stick with the soap and water or simple green approach. That polymer is very resistant to most solvents. Try to stay away from the very powerful solvents, as all you will need to clean the polymer will be a good cleaning oil. I hope this helps a little. Please let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks."
I am a purist when it comes to firearms, I trust the experts. Seems like the Simple Green crowd is on to something here. Going to buy a bottle tonight.
Caveat: I'm sure that everyone here has a better way of doing things. Whatever works for you is good for you. Every man has a right to care for his firearm as he sees fit. As it is his life that he will be defending, as well as the lives of those he loves.
My question to SA:
"I recently purchased a Springfield Armory XD40. This is the first firearm with polymer components that I have owned.
What solvents or cleaning materials do you recommend for the polymer frame of the firearm? Would WD-40 or like spray cleaners harm the frame and weaken it.
What would the effects be if I were to use a fast drying spray like Birchwood Casey's Gun Scrubber?
Or, what are your thoughts about using a "soap and water" approach with Simple Green solution?
Your expert advise is very much appreciated, thank you."
Response from Springfield Armory (Terry Bowers):
"You can use the same solvents on the polymer frame as you would use on the steel slide. However, some solvents, such as WD-40 could possibly leave behind a slippery residue. Your best bet would be to stick with the soap and water or simple green approach. That polymer is very resistant to most solvents. Try to stay away from the very powerful solvents, as all you will need to clean the polymer will be a good cleaning oil. I hope this helps a little. Please let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks."
I am a purist when it comes to firearms, I trust the experts. Seems like the Simple Green crowd is on to something here. Going to buy a bottle tonight.
Caveat: I'm sure that everyone here has a better way of doing things. Whatever works for you is good for you. Every man has a right to care for his firearm as he sees fit. As it is his life that he will be defending, as well as the lives of those he loves.