Cleaning a Philips Disc Jockey Major - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Colourstar · 14th Feb 2010, 10:54 am

Hello all

This little Philips record player was filthy when I acquired it- I don't know what people do with them! The cabinet finish is best described as 'faux snakeskin' and has responded reasonably well to my usual method of green Fairy soap, a little warm water and a soft nail brush. It still looks a bit patchy however and I am never sure how far to go with this type of finish. If you go too far you are in danger of removing the pattern all together and end up with unsightly off-white 'bald patches'. I made this mistake last time I owned one of these when I was about 16!

Anyone have any tips on cleaning this type of finish?

Cheers
Steve J

geofy · 14th Feb 2010, 12:33 pm

Hi Steve

I would consider using some of the car products like upholstery or dashboard cleaner, try on a small part first. Or one of the foam cleaners.

Geof

dseymo1 · 14th Feb 2010, 2:08 pm

The foam cleaner sold in pound shops as car wheel cleaner is usually very effective and safe on these finishes. Do try it on an invisible area first though!

Colourstar · 15th Feb 2010, 9:18 pm

Ah, the wonders of the Pound Shop! I will acquire the magic stuff and report back on the results.

Thanks to both you chaps for the replies.

Steve

14th Feb 2010, 10:54 am	#1
Colourstar Octode Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 1,398	Cleaning a Philips Disc Jockey Major Hello all This little Philips record player was filthy when I acquired it- I don't know what people do with them! The cabinet finish is best described as 'faux snakeskin' and has responded reasonably well to my usual method of green Fairy soap, a little warm water and a soft nail brush. It still looks a bit patchy however and I am never sure how far to go with this type of finish. If you go too far you are in danger of removing the pattern all together and end up with unsightly off-white 'bald patches'. I made this mistake last time I owned one of these when I was about 16! Anyone have any tips on cleaning this type of finish? Cheers Steve J Attached Thumbnails

14th Feb 2010, 12:33 pm	#2
geofy Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,798	Re: Cleaning a Philips Disc Jockey Major Hi Steve I would consider using some of the car products like upholstery or dashboard cleaner, try on a small part first. Or one of the foam cleaners. Geof

14th Feb 2010, 2:08 pm	#3
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: Cleaning a Philips Disc Jockey Major The foam cleaner sold in pound shops as car wheel cleaner is usually very effective and safe on these finishes. Do try it on an invisible area first though!

15th Feb 2010, 9:18 pm	#4
Colourstar Octode Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ilkeston, Derbyshire, UK. Posts: 1,398	Re: Cleaning a Philips Disc Jockey Major Ah, the wonders of the Pound Shop! I will acquire the magic stuff and report back on the results. Thanks to both you chaps for the replies. Steve