[Boatanchors] Cleaning Solutions

[Jim Wilhite]

Something I tried recently is "Clean Shower" by Arm & Hammer.  Nicotine is 
difficult to remove with most cleaner but this stuff will get most of it 
with two cleanings.  It is also good on light grease and does not seem to 
harm painted surfaces.  It also has a bit of a pleasant smell that is not 
offensive.

I avoid any cleaning solution that contains citrus (orange, lemon, etc). 
They are a mild acid and I don't know what they will do over the long run. 
Another good thing to use following any water bath, is purchase some 
denatured alcohol and rinse the part to help displace the water.   I have 
chosen to leave the chassis marred rather than risk water in transformers 
(voltage, chokes and IF).  I really don't want to risk loosing them due to 
their availability.  I just use alcohol or such to wipe them off to remove 
oil and dust.

I haven't tried Clean Shower on plastic yet.  I just finished cleaning a 
couple of plastic covers over a VFO dial and meter.  After removing them, I 
used mild liquid dish soap and water.  After drying, I used toothpaste to 
polish the surfaces.  As you know toothpaste is a light abrasive so it is 
great for final polishing of smooth surfaces.  On a chassis I have used 
Brasso for some shining.

Clean Shower will not take care of corrosion, but seems to be a good all 
around cleaner.  Do rinse following use.  This is something that should be 
done with any cleaner because they will leave some residue.  You don't want 
residue in any insulator of any kind , anywhere.  Especially RF and high 
voltage.

73  Jim
W5JO




> The reason that Simple Green, etc. may be the better product to use is 
> that it is not toxic.  Be very careful with ammonia because the stuff is 
> dangerous to your health.  I have used it on occasion but only under 
> controlled conditions.
>
>
> Dave, W3ST