Tolex cleaning advice?

[Sludgenutz]

What type of cleaners/detergents/soaps, even process, do you guys use to gently deep clean tolex coverings. Some tolexes are deeper grain than others, and dirt seems to get lodged into the deep crevices.

I was poking through the achive on another topic, and someone suggested Murphy's Oil Soap (?)(seen it a million times on the store shelf).

A nice finishing product recommendation would be nice too. What I am trying to accomplish, is a nice clean tolex without a fake illusion of many over-shiny vinyl car care product. I am going to sell a cab on ebay, and I do not want to give a false impression with a cheap coating of spit-polish for photos. Thanks!

 

[SonofaMitch]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

the best stuff i ever found for using is the armor-all car cleaners(milky white liquid), used with a shammy, works GREAT gives the tolex some lubrication so it doesn't dry out and crack/tear/peel thats what i use for all tolex amps/guit cases/ etc.

 

[ParameterMan]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

I would stay away from Armour-All if you're trying to avoid that glossy vinyl look. Sure gives things a shine, though.

 

[Tom M]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

I hate Armor All. It makes things extremely greasy - not good if you're carrying a heavy, expensive (and now greasy) amp down some stairs. I know it can also turn tires brown.

I've never had to really deep-clean an amp. I usually use a damp cloth. Gearjoneser has time and again recommended Murphys Oil Soap for cleaning amps, though.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

I'm gonna try the Murphy's oil soap, I've used the low shine Armor All before and it works for like a day and then its gone.

Hey Sludge, What cab you sellin????

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

ArmorAll makes a car interior leather/vinyl spray cleaner. It leaves a shine but nothing like the regular stuff. Its more of a cleaner for seats and works pretty well on amps also.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

Saddle soap & warm water...follow the instructions on the tin.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

I used to have a carpet/upholstery cleaning business, and found out how good Murphy's Oil Soap is from a guy who specialized in restoring the interior in vintage cars. We had a 61 Cadillac with white leather, and nothing was working to remove the grime in the cracks/crevices. Then we tried Murphy's Oil Soap in a bowl with warm water, and a sponge. It made the 40 year old white leather look like new again.

I use that on any old amp that needs to look new again. I remove the chassis first, so nothing gets rusty. Just the Murphy's, warm water, sponge, and a dry towel. Don't buy the Murphy's Wipes, only get the large bottle.

 

[Sludgenutz]

Re: Tolex cleaning advice?

I'm gonna try the Murphy's oil soap, I've used the low shine Armor All before and it works for like a day and then its gone.

Hey Sludge, What cab you sellin????

Hey Dirty, I am getting rid of an empty/open back Fender 1x12. It was actually design as the the lower/matching extension cab for low/mid eighties Fender Concert II. It is 24" wide. Silver grille.


Joneser, I like the Murphs idea! I think you are onto something, as the soapy water would tend to "float" the grime out of the deep crevices.