Tarnished Button Cleaning

[Xylocaine]

I've only had my GGTS for a few days but the button has already gone dark - not a complaint, I use this thing like 16 hours a day. I was just curious if there are any nifty (and safe) household items to clean the button and if anyone else has experienced this? Its not a huge deal I have been polishing it with a microfiber cloth (the SS that is) everyday to get my finger prints off it before setting it up for the night or for a short period. I wasn't sure if some of the brass polishing tips I found on the internet would be as safe on a GG such as soaking in salt and white vinegar.

 

[Clint]

Do not soak in salt and vinegar, its corrosive.

Check out this video from Bishopheals

Brass GGTS How to Clean, Polish, and Seal FORGETABOUTIT!!!! - YouTube

 

[shroom]

SS able to withstand salt, vinegar, and more. That's why it's being used in the kitchen hardware. This OP doesn't know just ignore.

 

[Xylocaine]

I was able to actually clean the button up with a bit of vodka and the tongue scraper of a tooth brush. It could totally use some buffing to make it shine properly again as it now has something of a 'matte' brass look but at least its not almost black! I figured the SS would be safe to clean in vinegar but wasn't sure about the brass parts. Thanks for the info Shroom.

 

[fright88]

Flitz liquit works wonders on brass. Brasso works but can leave a less shiny finish.

 

[imeothanasis]

dont use any kind of steel wool on GG xylo my friend. Just use those special liquid creams that are made to shine metals

 

[Xylocaine]

Thanks Imeo, I think I am just going to invest in a sonic cleaner I should have 20$ in amazon gift cards next month from a research panel can anyone suggest a good one for about 30-40$? I'm seeing a lot of mixed reviews in that price range lol.

 

[RiverNut]

toothpaste and a toothbrush work great. Use Qtips for the inside of the button housing.

 

[blackwater]

$20-30 ultrasonic does wonders on the SS but you will need to use either a polishing cream on the brass or the Bishop toothpaste method. The q tip for inside of button housing is great advice as well.

 

[shroom]

Thanks Imeo, I think I am just going to invest in a sonic cleaner I should have 20$ in amazon gift cards next month from a research panel can anyone suggest a good one for about 30-40$? I'm seeing a lot of mixed reviews in that price range lol.

You won't be impressed by a sonic cleaner unless its an industrial with at least of $400+ in price. I bought Branson( picture below) for $120 to clean my harmonicas. Still I have to take my harmonica apart to clean them in the sonic for about two hours.

 

[blackwater]

You won't be impressed by a sonic cleaner unless its an industrial with at least of $400+ in price. I bought Branson( picture below) for $120 to clean my harmonicas. Still I have to take my harmonica apart to clean them in the sonic for about two hours.

View attachment 223412

Not true. My $20 ultrasonic works beautifully on all of my items including my GG stuff, wife's jewelry and 510 attys that get gunked up.

 

[yankeebobo]

I take my ggts apart when going into the sonic. All GG comes apart into pieces, then a good clean.

 

[blackwater]

I take my ggts apart when going into the sonic. All GG comes apart into pieces, then a good clean.

I do too Yankee. I get nervous with all those little pieces but I make sure I do it before a couple pints. Also I put the metal screen over the sink hole just in case I drop a pin or something while rinsing. Everything comes out shiny.

 

[yankeebobo]

Get yourself a screen filter/strainer with a handle. Those sinking heart feelings end.

 

[cookiejar]

Is it ok to put oring in the sonic cleaner to clean?

 

[yankeebobo]

I do. But only when I use a drop of dish detergent only. Some cleaners would not be good with the orings so I'd take them off. You're already tearing the GG apart.

 

[cookiejar]

Thanks. I'm just reducing the chance of losing those o-ring, either by the cleaner or just lose it. The feeling sucks man =,=

 

[cookiejar]

Oh btw, how to remove the axis plastic from venting cap without damaging it for cleaning? According to Imeo, the thread of the plastic will be damaged.

 

[blackwater]

I would leave that one in there. I don't remove it.

 

[TheSneakerHoarder]

To be clear, the poster that said "$400 ultra-sonics..." is correct. I use them every day for medical uses and the cheap ones barely work, if you can call it that. The cheap ones do not actually have the mechanical parts to truly use sonic waves. However, a ggts isn't a medical grade instrument with blood and bodily fluids died to it. So a cheap one might do the trick, provided the correct detergent is used.