Vintage equipment is just a part of us. I don’t think it’s something we are going to outgrow anytime soon. The look, the feel, the tone, the atmosphere, everything just feels good. These vintage components are often very expensive and out of stock. Unfortunately, both vintage and modern equipment need proper care and maintenance to keep them in good shape. It is a great form of investment and, who knows, you might get to show your grandkids someday. In this article I will be discussing how to clean vintage stereo equipment.
Get a contact cleaner
First off, you should get a cleaner (a contact cleaner) that says it’s safe to use on plastics. Contact cleaner is a spray cleaner that is designed to dissolve corrosion on metal and plastics caused by scratches, sounds, and microphone jacks. Choosing a cleaner that will retain and not harm your equipment is better than those cheap cleaners. Cheap cleaners can destroy the components of your vintage stereo, and replacing your original parts can be tedious and sometimes impossible. So you had better not clean your vintage stereo equipment with questionable products. Use cleaners from registered brands only.
Unplug your stereo equipment.
Before you start any cleaning, you should make sure that there is no electricity in the equipment. It is not enough to switch off the player and unplug it from the power socket, as accidents can occur.
Remove the case from the stereo equipment
The case of the stereo equipment is usually attached with screws or bolts. These screws can be found on the side, bottom, and front of the equipment. With the appropriate screwdriver, remove these screws and keep them in a safe place.
Spray compressed air if the interior is dusty
If the interior components of the stereo are particularly dusty, use compressed air to clear the dust away. Do not use a piece of clothing to clear the dust, as this can cause scratches and damage to delicate parts.
Spray the contact cleaner on parts that need to be cleaned
Contact cleaners can be used to remove stubborn dirt in interior parts. You should spray the contact cleaner on parts that are problematic due to oxidation. You can use it on plugs, switches, buttons, and removable connectors.
The contact clear may air dry in a few minutes. A cloth wipe is not necessary.
Use the contact cleaner to clean the pots, faders, and buttons.
To clean push buttons and faders, you sometimes have to spray the contact clear behind the controls. You can also slide the faders back and forth while spraying the cleaner.
Allow the equipment to dry for a few hours
After spraying the contact cleaner, you should leave the stereo to dry off for just a few hours.
Replace the case back
With the screws and bolts, you should replace the stereo equipment case. You should make sure each screw is fitted in place to prevent malfunctions.