Cleaning question

[Inspiribomb]

I searched a bit and couldn't really find what I was looking for, so thought I'd ask the experts! Do any of you have a standard equipment cleaning kit? I like to use toothpicks, q-tips, paper towels and alcohol. I was also wondering if alcohol is OK to use on the aluminum knobs and faceplates? I don't think it hurts them at all, but just thought I would check before I clean up my new KA-9100, it'd be a shame to start that off on the wrong foot. I find that alcohol with a water rinse works very well for cleaning grimy knobs and even faceplates. What are some other methods of cleaning these beauties up? Thanks!

 

[glen65]

Ive had good luck with glass cleaner when it comes to the
face plate and knobs. Cant say Ive had any trouble with it
in terms of harming the finish or lettering.
I usually use a soft toothbrush on the knobs.

 

[ferninando]

100psi comp air, soft bristle brush, iso alky, glass cleaner, rags, Goo Gone or equiv., anything else I mite need to get the job done. Just be careful of the silkscreen lettering, it can be wiped off if too much rubbing or too strong cleaner. I be gentle there. Usually remove nobs and soak separately in cleaner. all works for me.

 

[oldschool]

I have always used diluted Windex, but recently started using diluted Simple Green. Wipe it on and wipe it off before it dries. Soak and soft toothbrush for the knobs. I think others have followed with a thin coat of non-abrasive car polish. I've considered trying Zaino car polish on some of my silver face plates and knobs - I guess it's safe on the lettering as long as you don't rub it into the finish???

 

[timoteus]

I have tried many different cleaners over the years, many which work just fine. But the best cleaner by far I have used is Stainless Steel Magic. It is for cleaning and shining Stainless Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome. I use a soft cotton terry cloth for the large areas and a handful of Qtips for the nooks and crannies. Just clean in the direction of the grain if you're cleaning brushed aluminum. It's a superior product that also leaves behind a light protective shield that resists streaks and finger marks. I can't get it in my town any more but did find my last spray can in a neighboring town's Home Depot next to the stainless steel kitchen sinks. It only costs about $3 US for a 17 oz. can.

 

[brosenau]

Cleaning with Chemistry

Q-Tips and compressed air work well by themselves. If you must resort to using cleaners, all of the proposed solutions are good. When using alcohol, I might mention to use denatured alcohol v.s. isopropal. Denatured doesn't leave a film. I also use denatured alcohol with a lint-free cloth to clean head surfaces. It works very well.

When using cleaners on the faceplates, be sure to spray the cloth or Q-tip and not the faceplate surfaces directly. If alcohol-based cleaners get behind the faceplate, you could be creating other problems that are more difficult to cure.

Just enjoy!

 

[d3imlay]

If I'm doing a thorough cleaning, the knobs go into a small pan of water with dish washing soap to soak. If I remove the front panel it gets the soap solution, rinsed very well. I used to use Big Wally as a general cleaner but haven't had it for a long time. Seems to me it leaves a film like windex. Would like to find a safe cleaner that doesn't leave a film.