Paraffin as a switch cleaner.

[diydidi]

Can anyone confirm whether paraffin could double as a cleaner for stubborn switches?
I have used it one or twice on some Behringer mixers, using it mainly on the pushbutton switches. Seems to work.
Just wondering if the "cleanness" will last month or two down the line.
Any thoughts?

 

[kooma]

Can anyone confirm whether paraffin could double as a cleaner for stubborn switches?
I have used it one or twice on some Behringer mixers, using it mainly on the pushbutton switches. Seems to work.
Just wondering if the "cleanness" will last month or two down the line.
Any thoughts?

Never heard of using it for cleaning electronics,
I know those guitar guys use that  wax in mics and I ques it's good insulation.

 

[Script]

Paraffin -- ain't that oil/wax based?

Why not use isopropyl alcohol? You should get it for real cheap at any pharmacy. Just tell them you need it for cleaning -- and never use it on wounds! That's what the pharmacist is most likely to ask you.

 

[sodderboy]

Tell a yank "don't store paraffin in your boot" and they have no idea what you mean.  In studios here paraffin is in the scented candles ;-)

If you want to land on the ruin side of the repair/ruin continuum, then use paraffin (kerosene) to clean switches in modern electronics.  Use any kind of petroleum based liquid to melt certain irreplaceable plastics in your studio equipment.  Use it in a Neve VR to start a fire.

Caig has much better chemicals for switch cleaning.  Keep the paraffin in the tiki torches.

It is in memory for possible post-apocolypse use, but  nothing more. . .
Mike

PS: these comments are for entertainment purposes only and are in no way to be intended as professional advice to start fires or damage the plastics in priceless studio equipment.  Seek a competent technician and not the inter webs for advice regarding the cleaning of dirty switches.  sodderboy is not an employee or affiliate of CAIG Laboratories.  sodderboy legal team,  c2015

 

[Brian Roth]

Hehe  Soderboy....and don't keep paraffin in your bonnet, either!

More seriously...anyone used Tefrawn (sp?)?  Sounds interesting.

Bri

 

[mjrippe]

Hehe  Soderboy....and don't keep paraffin in your bonnet, either!

More seriously...anyone used Tefrawn (sp?)?  Sounds interesting.

Bri

I bought a can on the advice of a tech that I highly respect.  Have only used it a little but so far it seems quite good.

 

[sodderboy]

Teflon by Rawn.  I found this on eBay.

I'm interested in something new for me, but the disclaimer

"(Use with caution on ITT open frame switches. I have has some freeze up. Test first on any switch!)"

does not leave me with confidence.

Mike

 

[Brian Roth]

I've had some contact cleaner problems on the Dialistat switches used in some "newer" Neve analog desks such as the 5116,  I wonder if that is what he's referring to?

Bri

 

[RuudNL]

The problem with most contact cleaners is that they don't evaporate completely and leave a residue that will collect dust and often make the situation worse than it was before. Don't know how this Tefrawn will react.
(I noticed that in the Tefrawn demo movie he used an ample amount in the pots! I could imagine the liquid is dripping out...)

 

[Brian Roth]

The Dialistat switch problems I recall involved using a no residue spray and in some cases the switch would mechanically "freeze up".  Of course, there was always the possibility some other cleaner/lube had been used prior and somehow reacted with the QD non-residue cleaner.

Bri

 

[mjrippe]

Some switches and pots need a bit of lubrication to ensure smooth movement.  Using a no residue cleaner can remove this and cause the elements to wear out.  I'm still trying to figure out which solution (pun intended) is best!

 

[Gold]

I got some vintage cleaner called "Quietrole". It's worked very well so far if you can find a bottle. It was recommended to me by an old timer.

 

[gyraf]

Dialistat switches NEEDS vaseline or similar grease in the locking pin mechanics after cleaning..

Jakob E.

 

[tv]

I have had some success with Kontakt Chemie "Tuner 600" spray for audio electronics. Actually I used it for years with no apparent ill side effects.

 

[jensenmann]

I´m using pure Isopropanol Alcohol for cleaning switches for the same reasons mentioned before. Our desk has Toneluck gold switches which don´t need any lube. Isopropanol leaves no residues which makes it the best solution for that task. I´d never use anything with a oil-derivate solvent inside switches.