Best practices for speaker cabinet care

Thanks for all the info -- 

@zlone,

No, the Meguiar's Instant Detailer will definitely not remove scratches as it's just a clear liquid with no abrasives. I've never had occasion to try and remove scratches from my speakers. I'd imagine one would have to be skilled in using polishing compounds and a buffer to do that.

“Best practices for speaker cabinet care”

Leave then in their boxes

My speakers are from 1989, they get Howards wood care on them. They look almost new after all this time. Also use it on most of my vintage MCM furniture. 

Spray on a MF towel, wipe speakers, buff off, done. Do it every couple months.

The bigger question is how do you keep a piano black turntable clean? If I look at it, there is a smug mark, even after I clean it, there is dust. Will never get a piano black TT again!

Thanks @photon46, I happen to have some of the Mequiar's and will give it a try if water and microfiber alone are not enough. Will the Mequiar's actually remove scratches, or is it just safe for fine finishes?

I’ve used various products and methods over the years for many different non audio products. One of the items I use is Brillianize which is essentially a very light detail polish. It’s fantastic for TV screens, especially plastic. I was introduced to it decades ago for use on my plexiglass aquariums. I have Mcguires and 303 products too, but I prefer the Brillianize as my final coat and it’s fantastic on polished black. I use it on my TT cover and my motorcycle finishes. I no longer use pledge on anything opting for the Brillianize instead. On my old JBL’s every couple years I use a very light coat on lemon oil, not sure on correctness but it helps the stained laminate from drying out. Another thing I do is keep all my micro fiber cloths separate from other fabrics to wash. I do not use any fabric softeners or fabric pads in the cloths washer to clean them as you can introduce scratch creating particles. I live in central California and it’s extremely dusty and came to realize the importance of removing dust prior to any rubbing of anything. Sorry to be off topic from the original question, but just wanted to add something constructive to the conversation. Cheers , Mike B. 

Sonus Faber provide this cleaning kit as an option to treat/clean their speakers. I purchased these through my local SF dealer for $50 AUD. It does not seem to be anything magical - clear wood cleaner and a microfiber cloth - and most likely can be acquired at much lower cost.

• @zlone, I've had a pair of black piano lacquer Tidal Piano speakers for more than ten years. When they need more than dusting I dust them first with a new Swifter duster and then use a newly laundered micro-fiber cloth and Mequiar's Instant Detailer. Black lacquer shows every little thing you don't get off and it sometimes takes repeated applications and buffing to get it like a black mirror. Works great on my REL black subs too. FWIW, Steinway pianos says plain water on a micro-fiber cloth works fine for most cleanings of their finish.

Great discussion.any cabinet builders.be interested to see what legacy audio uses because the have a organ co at one point doing thier stuff and it looks good.tongue oil ? My cabinet maker said no pledge.the new high gloss paint is like taking care of a car.wounder what yamaha states for thier baby grand.time to break out some owners manuals or go back to tech school . Enjoy the search. I know I'll ask ai

I have seven B&W 800 series speakers and they are good with lemon oil. As @oddiofyl points out some are have many coats of varnish like Sonus Faber I only use a swifter on mine. I use white gloves is I move them. They have the most beautiful finish I have ever seen. 

I was wondering is someone would suggest the JBL info. 😊

Maintaining furniture finish see here! 

Mike

While we are at it, what is the best way to care for the black lacquer finishes without creating micro-scratches?

The only type of wood finishes that need any "conditioners" are wax or oil finishes. Anything other type of finish, the wood is completely sealed and anything applied to the finish just sits on it never penetrating the finish. If the veneer finish gets a film on it from cooking, smoke, or other air pollutants, a furniture cleaning solution is what you need, not a wax. For painted finishes, something like Meguiar's Instant Detailer works well to clean and shine without leaving a film buildup. Just make sure there's no dust on it to cause micro scratches before using. 

I spray Endust on a micro cloth & wipe down my cherry finish, 804s & LaScala ll. No harm here.

Use caution on speaker finishes.   Most are fine with just a microfiber cloth.   Many modern finishes are water soluble and can be damaged with products made for unfinished or oiled wood.   

Sonus Faber is a good example.  Some are lacquer finished,  some are solid wood.   

Klipsch uses a very thin satin finish on Forte , Cornwall, Heresy and it's easily damaged.   

Black Ash veneer is almost always painted , not stained.     

I had CDM1nt and it was a cherry veneer that had a clear coat finish.     I always just dusted them with a  micro fiber cloth.