Cleaner for volume control

The great thing about the Caig FaderLube that Timnaim so firmly recommended, above, is that it not only cleans theo pot, it lubricates the conductive plastic inside so it won't dry out again in a hurry. You can hear the grunge go away after you use it. Turn on the unit after the cleanup, swing the pot--grunge fades out and goes bye-bye.

I've cleaned pots with other stuff but the grunge always came back. Not with the Caig.

If you want to be compulsive about it you can flush the pot first with a spray of DeOxit (or something cheaper), till the cleaner drips out of it. Then twist the knob a few times and apply the FaderLube

Ljshape10...Did you ever actually try WD-40? (That arguement seems to work around here when talking about audio tweeks):-)

I use proper contact/control cleaner myself and agree that it is best. But I have used WD-40, and never had a problem due to it.

Eldartford, WD-40 can dissolve some plastics (see the label), and can also dissolve the carbon resistive elements on some potentiometers, I've seen it personally. It's not as harsh as some other stuff that people try, and you might try it if you don't care too much about the given piece of gear, but definately NOT a safe general recommendation.

The "industry standard" for decades was Cramolin R-5, which is now sold as Caig D-5 DeOxit . . . the only difference is that the latter is HCFC-free. It works very well, but I recommend using the SMALLEST necessary dose, applied directly to the resistive element(s) and wipers. This usually means partial disassembly of the equipment, and spraying through the openings in the back of the potentiometer. The included little red straw is a must . . . you can even put a little bend in the end by heating it slightly, and blowing through it while bending.

I recommend using ONLY enough of the product to de-oxidize the contacts, and NOT to dissolve the lubricants used inside the potentiometer during manufacture. This means a tiny, tiny, little squirt! Or alternatively, DeOxit is available in a 100% solution in a squeeze-dropper bottle, where literally a single tiny drop is enough. The "flush, clean, and re-lubricate" process is usually only necessary in extreme cases (i.e. sliders on a mixer that lives in a smokey bar and has had a beer spilled on it).

Google "wd 40 contact cleaner" and you will find a lot of reasons NOT to use it. I'm not saying they are all valid but if even one of them is it shouldn't be used. I say get some good contact cleaner, why take the chance?

Among the reasons I found:

WD-40 will conduct electricity

WD40 is nothing but a degreaser, does not remove grime and such

WD-40 is a bad idea on contacts that might spark. The residue is flammable

WD-40 leaves a sticky residue that can attract dust.

Initially, you will find the crackly noise vanishes, but the oil then attracts dust, and starts to thicken up. You can't clean it out, it also sprays everywhere making the inside of the device a real mess.

WD 40 will attack some plastics

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Kirkus, thanks for the benefit of your experience. I'll follow your lead on pot cleaning.