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Hey all. What do you use to safely clean up turntable felt?

Searched Tips, Tricks & Technical Info, but didn't see a post of this topic.

Clay

Hi Clay.

I've heard others use Woolite. I've always been afraid that the water would mess it up. I've gotten great results from using Naptha. I get it at Home Depot in the paint department. It really gets out dirt, oil and grease spots. Since it is a solvent, it's best to work outside to prevent flammable fumes from building-up. Use gloves and keep it away from points of ignition (ie: don't smoke while using it.) I found that a very, very small amount of scrubbing with an old tooth brush helped on the worst spots. This can be done with the cloth on or off of the turntable.

Here's a link to a semi-related thread from the early days of this board:
http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=7&t=3537

Good luck!

Martin

Upholstery cleaner and gentle brushing works, too.

Here's how I do it:

Remove turntable. Wet a paper towel with turpentine. WET THE FELT WITH TURPENTINE. Let is sit 2 minutes. Now, pat it dry with paper towels....DO NOT RUB as this will disrupt the felt and make it pill up.

I used Woolite on my XI turntable felt, with satisfying results. IMO harsh solvents are not first choice. Apply the Woolite with a soft toothbrush and scrub very gently; avoid over-wetting by using more of the foam than water. Allow to air dry, then brush the nap to restore some loft to the felt. Stubborn areas may require repeated applications. Only in the case of stubborn grease stains that don't yield to the Woolite would I then try a solvent, such as naptha (lighter fluid).

Thanks every one. Lots of good ideas to try!

Clay

I use a carpet cleaning foam called "Vanish" applied to the turntable from several inches, and brushed in well in a circular motion with a clothes brush, then left for a short period. Next, remove excess foam with a clean cloth, and leave in a warm place to dry. The soft clothes brush will not damage the nap of the felt. Can also be used on velvet covered plattens, such as on Columbia machines.

I have used a carpet cleaning foam in an aerosol can, called "Vanish" this is sprayed from several inches onto the felt of the turntable, and worked in carefully with an old soft haired clothes brush, in a circular motion. Left for a few minutes, then wiped over well with clean soft cloth, and left to dry in warm place. The soft clothes brush will not injure the nap of the felt, and this preparation is also suitable for velvet covered plattens, such as on Columbia machines. Well worth a try.

I try woolite in the sink with water and use my fingers to scrub the felt. It does wonders. Then I dry it felt down on a towel. If its summer I put it in the sun after I soak the water out with a towel.

A soft cloth soaked in clinical spirit will do the trick.
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