Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

lex666

New member
Hey guys,

I tried dusting off my cabs with a moist rag and a little while later it looked really dry with dust still embedded in the texturing. Is there something you'd recommend for cleaning off the vinyl/tolex?

Thanks,
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

The best thing I've ever used to clean vinyl or tolex is Murphy's Oil Soap.

I used to clean carpet, upholstery, and auto detailing. Murphy's Oil Soap in a bowl with hot water and a rag or sponge will erase all the dirt that sits in the crevices.

One time I cleaned the white leather in a classic car with Murphy's, and the owner couldn't believe that his seats looked like new again.

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Another product that works good is Goo Gone.
goo+gone
 
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Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

WD40 works well but use it in moderation!

I like using WD-40 to wipe down the top of the chassis and transformers, then drying it off with a rag. Too bad all the vintage amp owners didn't do this after handling the chassis, to avoid all the rusty fingerprints those old amps have.
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

I like using WD-40 to wipe down the top of the chassis and transformers, then drying it off with a rag. Too bad all the vintage amp owners didn't do this after handling the chassis, to avoid all the rusty fingerprints those old amps have.

Yeah it's a good degreaser and cleaner just as long as you wipe off any excess as it can attack rubber :friday:
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

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nothing else needed. spray it on a rag (microfiber cloth is best) then rub it all over the tolex and it's cleaned and protected.
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

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nothing else needed. spray it on a rag (microfiber cloth is best) then rub it all over the tolex and it's cleaned and protected.

Is that stuff like Armour All? How would Armour All do as a cleaner/protectant? I'm pretty sure I have some in the garage now...
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

Is that stuff like Armour All? How would Armour All do as a cleaner/protectant? I'm pretty sure I have some in the garage now...

I've used the Armor All designed for car interiors (leather, dashboard, etc) on the tolex of my Mesa Stiletto, and it cleaned it up real nice, and made it shine.

Worked for me.
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

Is that stuff like Armour All? How would Armour All do as a cleaner/protectant? I'm pretty sure I have some in the garage now...

NO armor all is not good. it's a greasy dust magnet of a mess. it makes things look a bit too wet and slimy. i wouldn't put that on my worst enemies car or amp.

the vinylex actually cleans and protects and only adds a mild shine which after a day or so will fade away to just a regular brand new clean looking amp.
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

Armor All is the WORST thing you can add IMO. I would rather leave it dirty that put that crap magnet on there.
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

Yep, stay away from Armour All. The Murphys soap is good as that vinyl cleaner...
 
Re: Vinyl/tolex cleaner?

I'll add that the customer who's 61 Cadillac I detailed is the owner of a faucet company. In my early 20's, I was referred to everyone by the owner of Kohler.

For auto upholstery...leather or vinyl, I'd show up with Murphy's Oil Soap, and get paid good like I was a miracle worker. That stuff works.

For an amp that's not dirty, regular dish soap and water will work. But if it's something with dirt embedded in tiny crevices, Murphy's is like magic.

For instance, a white leather sofa that's old and dirty. You could try everything, but as soon as Murphy's Oil Soap hits it, the grime in the crevices just melts away!

So, let's say you have a filthy vintage amp...
Pull the chassis out and wipe it down with a rag and WD-40.

Then, clean the tolex with Murphy's Oil Soap and hot water.

After it's dry, apply any sort of vinyl or leather protectant like Vinylex or Formula 4000 to shine it up.

I've done this to filthy vintage amps that sat in storage, and they almost look like new again.
 
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