How often do you clean cables? And which types do you clean most often?


So, how often do you clean your cables? Such as with Deoxit or other cleaning solution?
- weekly?
- monthly?
- annually?
- other?
- never?

And do some types of cables benefit more than others from cleaning? I'm thinking analog cables such as interconnects and speaker cables might need cleaning more often than digital cables such as coax and USB. What's your experience here?

Also, when you clean cables, do you also clean the connectors on the units? Such as RCA or speaker outputs and inputs?

Lastly, for now, I mentioned Deoxit among cleaning solutions. If you do clean cables, what are your favorite products and why?

Dave, who also wonders if cleaning matters less or is simply more difficult with XLR jacks and connectors
sun-warrior

Showing 3 responses by bcowen

I usually clean once a year, and beyond I/C’s and speaker cables, include power cords and the AC outlet itself. I use Deoxit applied with a pipe cleaner or business card followed with alcohol to remove any Deoxit residue. Deoxit does a great job cleaning, but its residue leads to a very fatiguing, irritating sound if not removed. I really like Kontak as a cleaner, as it cleans as well as Deoxit and doesn't require a "rinse."  It's just too darn expensive for my tastes.
You have to be friggin' kidding me....even the subject of connector cleaning brings the ABX trolls out from under the bridge?

Why do you care?


@douglas_schroeder

Ok.  Put in proper context, I humbly retract my troll accusation.   Thanks for taking the time to explain!