Here's a chance to make fun of me... and answer a question...

[itschris]

I just ordered a bunch of new cables after realizing what a disaster my system was when I pushed my cabinet out from the wall. I have cables everywhere. It was a hodgepodge of silliness. I'm bit OCD about that sort of thing so I decided to rip everything apart. As you can see... my equipment is filthy. Here's some of it:



There's so much dust in my cabinet.. it's not even funny. I guess a lot of it comes from the fireplace. Okay... opportunity number one to bust my balls... Yes... I live in Florida. Yes.... I have a fireplace. Yes... I use it a lot. Why... because when it gets to be 50 degrees, most Floridians are cold. There you have it.

When I took everything apart, I remembered I have these:


I realize revealing this could get me banned. I got these a long time ago... maybe 15 years ago. I got my start in car audio and Monster was the only game in town to make your wiring look good. When I got into home audio... I wanted the same. What can I say? I like cables. I didn't buy them because I felt they were superior in any way (although you'll note the fat speaker cable has a green boot on it to signify it was designed specifically for center channels ) but I knew they were quality and they looked good. So there you go... chance number 2 to humiliate me.

So now that I'm cleaning this stuff up... I got a quick question. You can see how dirty my stuff is. What should I clean it with? Should blow some air in the boxes... should I try a vacuum through the vents? What about the back where all the connectors are? Just wipe em down? I've read that pledge or something like it to clean the boxes works great and helps repel dust. Others warn just a damp cloth towel. What say you?

My Def Tech Center is disgusting... not even sure how to clean that sock on it being that it's so dirty. Ideas?

 

[psbfan9]

So now that I'm cleaning this stuff up... I got a quick question. You can see how dirty my stuff is. What should I clean it with? Should blow some air in the boxes... should I try a vacuum through the vents? What about the back where all the connectors are? Just wipe em down? I've read that pledge or something like it to clean the boxes works great and helps repel dust. Others warn just a damp cloth towel. What say you?

My Def Tech Center is disgusting... not even sure how to clean that sock on it being that it's so dirty. Ideas?

If you use any kind of spray, spray it on the clothe, not directly on the electronics. Not even on the back where the connectors are. I use a dryer sheet (unscented) a vacuum with a soft brush attachment and for the speaker cabinetry, I use a clothe like what one would for wiping eye glasses.

http://www.amazon.com/Microfiber-Cleaning-Apex-Healthcare-Products/dp/B000J0JPJI/ref=zg_bs_3779791_4

 

[ski2xblack]

That's for the Def Tech speaker, after a little gentle vacuuming.

 

[psbfan9]

View attachment 12902

That's for the Def Tech speaker, after a little gentle vacuuming.

Yep. Forgot about that. It's what I used when I had my Def Tech set up. And still use on my Def Tech surrounds.

 

[itschris]

View attachment 12902

That's for the Def Tech speaker, after a little gentle vacuuming.

i wouldve never thought of that. I have a big fat hairy cat, so the sticky rollers are a staple here.

 

[slipperybidness]

This thing is nice in keeping the out of and off electronics. I haven't used mine in a while, if I remember, it is a blower and not a vac
Metro Vacuum ED500P DataVac 500-Watt, .75-HP Electric Duster - Amazon.com

 

[Alex2507]

Vacuum with a fuzzy wuzzy soft bristle thingy and then a Swifter does it for me.

 

[ImcLoud]

I would pull the covers off of everything, wash and pledge them separate from the component, blow out and clean everything you can then put the cover back on... I have done it, but we have a cleaning women that makes sure there is no dust in the house and I try to use the most open racks so you can see the entire unit...

 

[Adam]

I use Swiffer dusting clothes to clean my grills and the outside of equipment. Works really well.

I got this duster from Amazon to clean out my computer and other gear. Does a real nice job. You probably don't want to use it in the house, though.

 

[markw]

Vacuum with a fuzzy wuzzy soft bristle thingy and then a Swifter does it for me.

Agree with the vacuum but I'd use a small, soft bristled brush, like a small paint brush. They even make tiny ones for putting together models if you have tight spaces to deal with.

 

[Pyrrho]

...
There's so much dust in my cabinet.. it's not even funny. I guess a lot of it comes from the fireplace. Okay... opportunity number one to bust my balls... Yes... I live in Florida. Yes.... I have a fireplace. Yes... I use it a lot. Why... because when it gets to be 50 degrees, most Floridians are cold. There you have it.
...

You might want to consider relocating your system into a room without a fireplace. Perhaps convert an unneeded extra bedroom into a home theater? Otherwise, after you clean everything up, it will get filthy all over again. Fireplaces do not belong in home theaters.

You can still have music in the fireplace room by having a pair of speakers located there. They might still get dirty, but the rest of your gear need not get so dirty. And you could try to locate them as far as reasonably possible from the fireplace to minimize how dirty they will get.

 

[slipperybidness]

I use Swiffer dusting clothes to clean my grills and the outside of equipment. Works really well.

I got this duster from Amazon to clean out my computer and other gear. Does a real nice job. You probably don't want to use it in the house, though.

I like the swiffer duster, but I always be sure to get the febreeze-free one.

Also, these are nice
http://www.microfibertech.com/Extra-Fluffy-Korean-Microfiber-Detailing-Towel-16x16.html

 

[Adam]

I like the swiffer duster, but I always be sure to get the febreeze-free one.

Good point. I've never used that variety and probably never will. Years ago I read that Febreeze is bad for dogs...don't know if it really is, don't really care...I'm not going to take the chance.

 

[psbfan9]

Years ago I read that Febreeze is bad for dogs...don't know if it really is, don't really care...I'm not going to take the chance.

Actually that is false. I remember reading the same thing about Febreeze and cats.

snopes.com: Febreze Pet Danger

 

[slipperybidness]

Actually that is false. I remember reading the same thing about Febreeze and cats.

snopes.com: Febreze Pet Danger

That isn't what bothers me, it is the possible residue. I'm not putting it anywhere near my gear.

 

[DannyA]

There's so much dust in my cabinet.. it's not even funny. I guess a lot of it comes from the fireplace. Okay... opportunity number one to bust my balls... Yes... I live in Florida. Yes.... I have a fireplace. Yes... I use it a lot. Why... because when it gets to be 50 degrees, most Floridians are cold. There you have it.

My co-worker is from Florida. It was -15 degrees here this morning. He might be going back to Florida soon...

Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Yamaha RX-V3800
Samsung BD-F5700 Blu-ray Player
Sony - PS3
Definitive Technology BP7006 Mains
Definitive Technology CS-8060 HD Center
Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 1000 Surround
Power Sound Audio XS 15 Subwoofer

 

[itschris]

My co-worker is from Florida. It was -15 degrees here this morning. He might be going back to Florida soon...

Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Yamaha RX-V3800
Samsung BD-F5700 Blu-ray Player
Sony - PS3
Definitive Technology BP7006 Mains
Definitive Technology CS-8060 HD Center
Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 1000 Surround
Power Sound Audio XS 15 Subwoofer

It's ridiculous. 3 days ago it was 40. This morning it was 72 leaving the house around 8am. Now them temp is falling and it's in the high 50's right now ans upposed to dip below 40. By the end of the week, we'll probably be back to 80. It's just stupid.

 

[DannyA]

When I took everything apart, I remembered I have these:
View attachment 12901

I realize revealing this could get me banned. I got these a long time ago... maybe 15 years ago. I got my start in car audio and Monster was the only game in town to make your wiring look good. When I got into home audio... I wanted the same. What can I say? I like cables. I didn't buy them because I felt they were superior in any way (although you'll note the fat speaker cable has a green boot on it to signify it was designed specifically for center channels ) but I knew they were quality and they looked good. So there you go... chance number 2 to humiliate me.

It's nice to see someone actually bought something because it looked good or had some cool factor. I guess I'm next in line for punishment as I own a few monster cables as well.

"Thank you sir, may I have another?"

Pioneer PDP-5020FD
Yamaha RX-V3800
Samsung BD-F5700 Blu-ray Player
Sony - PS3
Definitive Technology BP7006 Mains
Definitive Technology CS-8060 HD Center
Definitive Technology Pro Monitor 1000 Surround
Power Sound Audio XS 15 Subwoofer