Dusty crust removal from painted metal?

[PeterF]

I have some metal parts, painted with a brown wrinkle finish that would be quite difficult to strip and replace if spoiled, that have that "crusty decades of accumulated dust" on their upper surfaces.

I want to gently clean them, and think a soft toothbrush with a mild soap might be best...but wonder if anyone has a better, proven, method?

[Curt A]

Peter,
Try GoJo or Goop hand cleaner (without pumice) and a toothbrush... it won't hurt your paint and it should work better than soap - at least in my experience. Rinse it off with water when done and if necessary, repeat... Goop is also excellent for removing stains from your clothes, just in case.

[PeterF]

Well, sure - except for the rinsing with water, which would lead to rust. Guess I'll experiment.

[Curt A]

Well, sure - except for the rinsing with water, which would lead to rust. Guess I'll experiment.

It won't rust if you dry it well immediately... and just to be sure spray some gun protectant on it after it's clean... never had any problems with this method. You said you were going to use a toothbrush and mild soap, so I assume that means water is involved in your original plan... One more thing, waterless hand cleaner like GoJo or Goop do not need to be rinsed if you prefer not to...

Merry Christmas!!!

[Benjamin_L]

Good old soap and water has worked the best for me, for cleaning paint dust off tonearms. GoJo and other hand cleaners work really good also.

[novascotia victrola]

I tried Spray Nine and seemed to cut the crud pretty good.