How to Clean Vintage Stereo Equipment

Getting Started

• 1

  To avoid the risk of electrical shock during the cleaning process, be sure the stereo is unplugged before you begin the cleaning process until the ending of each step. Also be sure to have all your supplies used for cleaning located within easy reach.

• 2

  Many vintage stereos have a back plate made of particle board that covers the inner parts and wires of the stereo equipment. Remove this back plate with the appropriate screwdriver. Set the back plate aside.

• 3

  Use the can of compressed air to blow dust and spider webs all to one side of the inner cabinet of the vintage stereo. When you have blown all the debris to one side, use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment to vacuum away the dust and debris. Replace the back plate. Plug in the stereo and attempt to listen to the radio, the phonograph or another sound source to verify the equipment works

• 4

  The exterior of many vintage stereos is made from wood. Clean the exterior of the wood with a sponge dampened with furniture polish. To clean the plastic plate where the radio station indicators are located, use a small amount of alcohol on a sponge. Plug the stereo in and verify working order of all the functions of the stereo.

• 5

  To clean the needle on the phonograph, blow away dust with either your breath or a little canned air. You can clean the needle without unplugging the stereo from the wall outlet.

• 6

  To ensure the volume knob, function selector knob, and other knobs are clean, remove the knobs from the stereo. Spray them with contact cleaner and allow them to dry before re-installing. This eliminates any hissing and "whoosh" sounds you hear when you turn the power on and off, adjust the volume or select the function. Plug in the unit and test each function for proper working order.

• 7

  The tape player heads--whether it's an eight-track player or cassette tape player--on your vintage stereo equipment will probably need cleaning before you can enjoy sound from your tapes. Dip a cotton swab into the alcohol. Press "Play" on your tape deck and rub the cotton swab around the play heads and the rollers of the tape deck. Let the alcohol dry for 5 to 10 minutes before attempting to play a cassette or 8-track. Plug the unit in before attempting to play a cassette tape or an 8-track tape.