Cleaning your gear

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited July 2008 in Electronics
What's a good cleaning agent for my gear that won't fade, smear, or remove the lettering?

Thanks.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
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Comments

  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited July 2008
    Purified water with a very gentle buffing cloth. You could mix in some non-ammonia windex at a 25/75 H2)/Windex blend.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited July 2008
    I tried to pump Doro for his advice, but he would not give up his secret. I heard goo gone is supposed to be good.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    I use a microfibre cloth and turtle wax. Apply gently and you shouldn't have a problem. I use this method on some of my McIntosh gear from the 60's and the silk screening is still intact.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited July 2008
    Chamois and warm water. Ask anyone who has bought gear from me--plastic display faces look brand new. I also use a chamois on my rear projection DLP screen, and dusty speaker cones. Works great for CD/DVD disc cleaning too. Just make sure it's a real chamois--not some synthetic crap. Local auto parts store has them.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • TNRabbit
    TNRabbit Posts: 2,168
    edited July 2008
    For all electronic parts including pots & INSIDE RCA connectors, use Caig DeOxit Gold. Don't get the cheezy spray; use a q-tip with the liquid. one of the best things you can do for an old piece.
    TNRabbit
    NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
    Sunfire TG-IV
    Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
    Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
    Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
    Carver AL-III Speakers
    Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer
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  • Ethancf
    Ethancf Posts: 461
    edited July 2008
    Laquer thinner or acetone works really well. Ok I'm kidding.
    THE SYSTEM
    Polk Audio LSi25 Mains
    Polk LSiF/X Surrounds
    Polk Audio LSiC Center
    Definitive Technology PowerField 1800 Subwoofer
    Parasound Classic 7100 Pre/Pro
    Parasound 2205A Amplifier
    Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD Blu-ray Player
    Monster HTS 2600
    Microsoft XBox 360
    Samsung PN64D550 64" Plasma
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,959
    edited July 2008
    I use "Invisible Glass". A Stoner product. Makes my gear and glass shelves look like they just left the factory.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,421
    edited July 2008
    Endust makes an electronics cleaner that works great. Anti-static cleaning and dusting spray. It used to be in a blue can where you buy regular Endust. I've used it for a couple years now and it works great. Gets rid of smudges and cleans things up real nice, including glass display windows and TV screens (CRT anyways).

    Highly recommended.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited July 2008
    Just a damp clothe works well for me. Some things it doesn't clean up 100%, but its worth it to me knowing that I'm not **** anything up.
    Jake
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,703
    edited July 2008
    I've been using Windex, sprayed lightly on a soft cotton cloth, then wiped lightly on the gear, for years and years. I've never had any problems. YMMV
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,421
    edited July 2008
    Keiko wrote: »
    Windex is good stuph w/lots of uses...I've been using it on cuts and bruises ever since I can remember. :rolleyes:

    But Windex has Ammonia in it. Not good for the lettering etc. The Endust Electronics cleaner works the best of anything I've tried, except for extremely stubborn stains. It's oil, ammonia and wax free as well as static free.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    F1nut wrote: »
    I've been using Windex, sprayed lightly on a soft cotton cloth, then wiped lightly on the gear, for years and years. I've never had any problems. YMMV



    +1...
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Keiko wrote: »
    Windex is good stuph w/lots of uses...I've been using it on cuts and bruises ever since I can remember. :rolleyes:
    LOL @ the Greek Wedding reference.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,703
    edited July 2008
    heiney9 wrote: »
    But Windex has Ammonia in it. Not good for the lettering etc.

    I've heard that before and wanting to be sure, so I tested the use of Windex on an old Pioneer's faceplate. I sprayed the Windex directly on the faceplate and rubbed really hard, repeating the process over and over. In the end, the lettering looked as good as before the test. Now, that's not to say it wouldn't affect some other piece of gear, so it's always best to test any cleaning product before using.

    BTW, the Pioneer is in some landfill now. :D
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited July 2008
    I use windex on my gloss finished products (Lsi's, meridian, anything shiny). For other stuff, usually just warm water and a soft / microfiber cloth. I'll used deoxit on old stuff that comes in beat up or real dirty.

    A lot of times I'll just wipe it off with a pledge dry dust-cloth. Those things are great for everyday use with audio gear and/or anything else.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    F1nut wrote: »
    BTW, the Pioneer is in some landfill now. :D
    Are you sure it's not the one Danger Boy has been battling with? :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited July 2008
    I used Windex today on my preamp. Works great.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • Marty913
    Marty913 Posts: 760
    edited July 2008
    heiney9 wrote: »
    But Windex has Ammonia in it. Not good for the lettering etc. The Endust Electronics cleaner works the best of anything I've tried, except for extremely stubborn stains. It's oil, ammonia and wax free as well as static free.

    The blue stuff does. They make some "ammonia free" Windex but if you look at the ingredients it has .18 lactic-acid, whatever the hell that is. I vote for the Endust although that product for "stoners" sounds interesting.
    Sony 60'' SXRD 1080p
    Amp = Carver AV-705THX 5-Channel
    Processor = NAD T747
    Panasonic BD35 Blu-Ray
    Main = SDA-1C Studio with RD0s, spikes, XO rebuild, rings, I/C upgrade
    Center=Polk CS10, Surround = Athena Dipoles, Sub= Boston 12HO
    Music/Video Streaming = Netgear NEO550
    TT = Audio Technica
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited July 2008
    Ethancf wrote: »
    Laquer thinner or acetone works really well. Ok I'm kidding.

    Anyone uses laquer thinner or acetone will learn a good lesson for life. I am not kidding.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited July 2008
    I just used distilled water and microfiber cloth.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,806
    edited July 2008
    I use Windex, the blue stuff. I have a couple of components that are twenty years old, and have been using Windex on them the whole time. They still have all the lettering intact, and look as good as the day I bought them. The ammonia is not going to harm anything, especially if you wipe it on, and wipe it right off.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,421
    edited July 2008
    I am telling you guys. The ENDUST product for cleaning electronics works about the best out there and it's 100% safe. Ditch the Windex and get this stuff.

    It comes in baby wipe packaging

    END259000_1_1.JPG


    OR

    In a spray can

    yhst-48642232917848_2004_12034732

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • xandra
    xandra Posts: 291
    edited July 2008
    'll just wipe it off with a pledge dry dust-cloth. Those things are great for everyday use with audio gear and/or anything else.

    If "pledge dry dust-cloth" contains pledge - Keep it away from wood.- the stuff prevents refinishing. (you'd need to strip down to bare wood - and scrubb the bejezes out of it.
    LR Setup:
    Polk RTi10's, RTi6's, CSiA6 (5 ch setup)
    Onkyo 705 & Denon 3808ci Receiver, Onk 875
    Parasound 2250 Amp
    Sony 26" KDL series Bravia LCD
    Panny DMR-EH75 Recorder
    Panny DVD-F87 (5 disk DVD player)
    NAD T585 (DVD/SACD)
    Yamaha DVD-C961 (5 disk SACD/DVD)
    SciAnt Explorer 8500HD Cable Box
    Orig & 5Gen iPods, , Wii
    Plans/Fantasies:
    • 400 disk player that handles ALL formats, sounds as good as NAD with Panasonic interface & compatability.
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  • bigaudiofanatic
    bigaudiofanatic Posts: 4,415
    edited July 2008
    treitz3 wrote: »
    I use "Invisible Glass". A Stoner product. Makes my gear and glass shelves look like they just left the factory.

    I use that as well but if I want things to shine I use meguiers NXT tech protect. It's like armorall BUT its not gressy like it and does not atract dust as well. I also use it in my car :D
    HT setup
    Panasonic 50" TH-50PZ80U
    Denon DBP-1610
    Monster HTS 1650
    Carver A400X :cool:
    MIT Exp 3 Speaker Wire
    Kef 104/2
    URC MX-780 Remote
    Sonos Play 1

    Living Room
    63 inch Samsung PN63C800YF
    Polk Surroundbar 3000
    Samsung BD-C7900
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  • seeclear
    seeclear Posts: 1,244
    edited July 2008
    Keiko wrote: »
    hehe ;)

    Hey, it really does work great on cuts and bruises though. Try it the next time you get a headache.


    Apply directly to the forehead? Apply directly to the forehead? Apply directly to the forehead?
    :D:D:D:D:D:D;)
    "Don't forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason."
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited July 2008
    heiney9 wrote: »
    I am telling you guys. The ENDUST product for cleaning electronics works about the best out there and it's 100% safe. Ditch the Windex and get this stuff.

    It comes in baby wipe packaging

    END259000_1_1.JPG


    OR

    In a spray can

    yhst-48642232917848_2004_12034732

    H9

    I'm listening:)
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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