How do you clean a flex ?

[jmurray01]

The flex on my 1982 Electrolux 502S is absolutely filthy!

I think it should be a yellowy colour to match the body, but it has lots of marks all over it, so I was wondering if any of you had a tip for getting it back to its former glory ?

I normally wouldn't care, but the body is in immaculate condition and the dirty flex stands out like a sore thumb!

 

[james]

I just use furniture polish and a rag, does the job for me.

 

[eurekaprince]

James - doesn't the furniture polish make the flex/cable/cord greasy? I would think something like water and vinegar (or other glass cleaning fluids) would leave it nice and clean and residue-free.

 

[rolls_rapide]

Use a damp cloth, "Cif" (formerly known as "Jif") cream cleaner, and damp cloth to wipe residue off.

 

[petek]

Magic Eraser similar from a dollar type store.. What the heck do you call a dollar store over in the UK.. a 50p. store? LOL

 

[rolls_rapide]

Dollar store?

That be a 99p store.

http://www.99pstoresltd.com/

 

[rolls_rapide]

Also...

Poundland

http://www.poundland.co.uk/

 

[aeoliandave]

You can scrub til your knuckles are sore with water, dish-washing liquid and a potato brush and there will still be sticky greasy black residue.


 


I'm with Pete - a damp Magic Eraser or clone will whisk away all traces of grunge quickly but will not damage or abrade the surface of the rubber/vinyl cord jacket. Begin at one end or the other over a sink clamping the cord under you foot and holding the 24" section taut - wrap the Eraser around the cord and run it up & down the section a few times, paying extra attention to stubborn spots. Once you get to the opposite end of the cord, rinse and wipe thoroughly with a damp towel to remove the 'powdery haze' residue. Finish up with a dry towel and some benign spray glass cleaner to restore the shine. Do NOT use Fantastic!!! or WD-40 - they eat vinyl.


 


I do not recommend the use of a scouring pad. Kurly Kate or steel wool for just this reason - it removes the dermis of the cord jacket.


Likewise, with polishes, waxes and strong cleaners you run the risk of 'infecting' the composition of the jacket material with something that may very well begin the eat the material.


 


Dave.

 

[jmurray01]

I gave the 502S a good thorough clean yesterday, and got the cord looking almost new by just using a rag and some washing up liquid.

Brilliant! She now looks as good as she is reliable.

 

[blackheart]

Rubbing Alcohol

I use rubbing alcohol on my cords it takes a few applications but it usually leaves them looking pretty good