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Cleaning contacts, What first?

I've been using the Caig ProGold contact enhancer for years and find it to be a very worthwhile product... my question is this: I've just purchased the Mapleshade Silclear contact enhancer and I want to do a complete system contact cleaning/enhancing from power cords to I/C's, etc.... Should I start from scratch with some sort of "Pure cleaner" like an alcohol or something (Isopropyl or ?) then to the Caig and then to the Silclear or is all that just way too overkill/unnecessary? Honestly I haven't been using anything but the Caig for several years now (every few months or so)... am I overdue for this complete cleaning project [as described] or what? Advice on 'what' and in 'what order', would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
lissnr

Showing 2 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Clean completely first using isopropyl or Kontak (as suggested by Xiekitchen), then apply the Silclear. Don't use the ProGold at all - it's no longer needed.

If you nevertheless decide to use Caig Deoxit or ProGold, be sure to do a "rinse" with isopropyl alcohol before applying the Silclear. To my ear, Deoxit always leaves behind a sonic signature.

As always, use 92% or purer isopropyl; don't use any isopropyl with an additive (such as "rubbing" alcohol).
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rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Lissnr, I'd encourage to at least try the Silclear in those easy to get to places you mentioned. I think you'll find it makes an improvement. I'm a committed user of the Walker Extreme SST, but the Silclear will give you an idea of what sort of improvement is possible. As Freemand opines, the folks who've had a poor experience are likely to be applying way to much. For all of these contact enhancers, apply a very thin wash - less is better.

BTW, the Walker SST removes very easily with a bit of isopropyl alchohol and a cotton swab; it doesn't migrate; and it doesn't degrade over time.
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