Cleaning Amplifier & other gears


Category: Amplifiers

What do you use in cleaning the outside of any equipment safely so it looks pristine and in show-room condition?
dalton
I second the recommendation of "Glass Plus" as a great cleaner for components, and anodized faceplates, plexiglass, etc. A small amount on a soft cloth, (don't spray directly on the gear!) and follow with buffing with another soft cloth. (It's not a polish, just a surface cleaner.) It really works to remove fingerprint smears, cigarette smoke residue, accumulated household "dust & dirt" etc. Most importantly, it contains no ammonia, which can cause a permanent discoloration of anodized and other finishes.
Thorman's recommendation actually has a scientific basis -- which has to do with the small amount of skin oil contained in his bath towel, which provides a microscopic layer of "gloss".

A little better technique, is to get a towel or clean rag, soak it with water (filtered if poss.) and while it's still soppy, spray it with just a puff or two of automotive silicon spray. Then wring it out well and clean the equipment. This is especially effective on black anodized aluminum.

If something is really dirty, first clean it with a rag or towel dampened with a solution of filtered water 20 parts to pure household ammonia (1 part) and 98% alcohol (5 - 10 parts) works great -- on windows too! (This is like Windex, but without the detergents and additives.)

If the "windex" formula doesn't get it, my "solvent of last resort" is Ronsonal Lighter Fluid, which is pure naptha same as used by dry cleaners.
has anyone ever used a deoxidizer spray to clean the pots and inputs on a solid state amp? does this work well. i was told this would get ride of the static noise im getting. no wires or other electrical components are shorted in anyway.
perfectdrug83, if you're referring to a product like Caig deOxit, yes that's great stuff.
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