Cleaning a boombox

[Robb]

What do you guys use to clean dust and dirt on boomboxes ? Is wd40 good ? Or 90% alcohol ?

I use a car detailing brush to get in between.

 

[gsbadbmr]

I use an electric pressure washer on the grimey ones, then let dry for 24hrs before use!

 

[mellymelsr]

I use good old liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. I also have a set of horsehair paint brushes for dusting. I also use a light coat of cleaner wax to polish the painted surfaces once the boombox is clean.

 

[Robb]

I use an electric pressure washer on the grimey ones, then let dry for 24hrs before use!

What ? Do you take it all apart first and wash the plastic covers or do you wash it all as is ?

 

[tshorba]

What do you guys use to clean dust and dirt on boomboxes ? Is wd40 good ? Or 90% alcohol ?

Avoid WD40, it is around 50% solvent and might remove labels/silk screening. WD40 is a water displacer and is overused in many applications, in my opinion, never ever use it on switches or pots
If using alcohol it is again a solvent and can have disastrous effects on the paint finish and labels. The best solution is dish soap, it is a light grease remover that will not damage any finishes. The cloth or scourer you use can be damaging to the finish, I use micro fiber cloth.

What ? Do you take it all apart first and wash the plastic covers or do you wash it all as is ?

Always take the box apart, the speakers would be trashed if left in the unit when submersing in water. Circuit boards can be washed but I avoid submersion and if they need a clean I use a soft toothbrush, avoid getting water near the tuner variable capacitor, it can have a negative effect on its function. Before putting the unit back together make sure it is 100% dry.

 

[Robb]

I have alot of car wash soap. I think that is better than dishwasher soap.

 

[Fatdog]

I use good old liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. I also have a set of horsehair paint brushes for dusting.

I second that.

 

[JustCruisin]

This stuff is the bomb! It has a light foaming action that dissolves finger smudges and light grease without hurting the lettering...
Tuner windows, plastic casings, cleans the shyt outta everything!

 

[baddboybill]

I got one. Is there anything safe to use on plastic to clean up cigarette smoke without harming anything especially lettering


Bad Boy Bill

 

[superlew]

I got one. Is there anything safe to use on plastic to clean up cigarette smoke without harming anything especially lettering


Bad Boy Bill

I find that Fantastic works ... well ... fantastic for this.
When I got my C 100 it looked like it had a 2-pack-a-day habit. Now it's fine example of a healthy boombox.
Hint: You're gonna need a lot of paper towels.

 

[gsbadbmr]

Paper towels IMO aren't recommended as some brands are actually quite abrasive...I use old bits of soft t-shirts.

 

[baddboybill]

I got one. Is there anything safe to use on plastic to clean up cigarette smoke without harming anything especially lettering


Bad Boy Bill

I find that Fantastic works ... well ... fantastic for this.
When I got my C 100 it looked like it had a 2-pack-a-day habit. Now it's fine example of a healthy boombox.
Hint: You're gonna need a lot of paper towels.

Ok but is it safe for writing


Bad Boy Bill

 

[mrjnr]

I am a little worried about taking it apart any tips ?

 

[baddboybill]

I am a little worried about taking it apart any tips ?

Take plenty of pics plus label things

 

[superlew]

Bill, I have never had a problem with Fantasic taking off lettering, screen printed or applied. I don't find it to be a particularly aggressive cleaner, but it is effective.

Paper towels IMO aren't recommended as some brands are actually quite abrasive...I use old bits of soft t-shirts.

...some cheap paper towels are like sandpaper, but Bounty is plenty soft. I also like to use a soft cloth on glossy or softer surfaces.

Edit: And, tshorba, are you saying I should take my little JVC tuner board out of the dishwasher?

Sorry - I couldn't help myself.

 

[Line Out]

I'd say this topic should be stickied.

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Paper towels IMO aren't recommended as some brands are actually quite abrasive...I use old bits of soft t-shirts.

Paper is abrasive!

You can buy the new cut pieces of undershirts from menards. This can be used for cleaning, But for cleaning the dials and all use microfiber cloth.

I love the Quik Interior Detailerâ„¢ Wipes

After using it wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. I use it on my car GPS screen, instrument cluster cover and all. It works fantastic

 

[Lasonic TRC-920]

I got one. Is there anything safe to use on plastic to clean up cigarette smoke without harming anything especially lettering


Bad Boy Bill

The only way I have gotten rid of cigarette tar and smell has been with dawn dish washing liquid like Melly said....and be patient, it takes some elbow grease.

 

[Channon]

What do you guys use to clean dust and dirt on boomboxes ? Is wd40 good ? Or 90% alcohol ?

Avoid WD40, it is around 50% solvent and might remove labels/silk screening. WD40 is a water displacer and is overused in many applications, in my opinion, never ever use it on switches or pots
If using alcohol it is again a solvent and can have disastrous effects on the paint finish and labels. The best solution is dish soap, it is a light grease remover that will not damage any finishes. The cloth or scourer you use can be damaging to the finish, I use micro fiber cloth.

What ? Do you take it all apart first and wash the plastic covers or do you wash it all as is ?

Always take the box apart, the speakers would be trashed if left in the unit when submersing in water. Circuit boards can be washed but I avoid submersion and if they need a clean I use a soft toothbrush, avoid getting water near the tuner variable capacitor, it can have a negative effect on its function. Before putting the unit back together make sure it is 100% dry.

 

[Mark GF-575]

I use the wifes make-up removing wipes for giving a 'box the once-over. They aren't the creamy type and don't contain alcohol. For anything chrome and shiny window and glass cleaner works well.