noisy volume pot

The only problem with "working the control" to break up the dirt is that it might permanently "scar" the track that the "wiper" rides on. Think of it as rubbing a car that is covered in a dirty grit. While you can see the surface more directly now and it looks cleaner, a close inspection of the paint will show that the "grunge" has left little scuff marks behind. This is no different than what happens as you "break up" or "grind" the grit out of the potentiometer.

Like most other "quick and dirty" approaches, the results of rotating a dirty control rapidly are initially positive, noticeable and easy to achieve. There can be long term damage done though and the end result of that is ALWAYS more expensive than taking a "more correct" approach to solving the problem.

If you read the "sales blurb" that typically accompanies most electronic cleaning products, some of them make mention of "tiny scrubbers" and "lubricants" to help repair / protect / seal the tracks that have already been damaged by doing the "self cleaning" approach. A good can of cleaner is WAY cheaper than buying a new potentiometer or paying for the labor that it takes to repair it. Sean
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I have found that just rotating the control repeatedly for a few minute will sometimes remove oxidation from the contacts.

I clean DOZENS of potentiometers on a daily basis. Take a look at this post that i did over on AA some time ago. It might help you or some others out in the long run... Sean
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http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/64237.html

Two better alternatives which I believe are better then the ones stated above are, Caig D5 or LPS #2 cleaner and lubricates. You can get either one at, WWW.MCMelectronics.com or call me at 561-692-2535 M-F 9-5. fro there #.

Beware of cleaners also containing an oily lubricant which will, as Richard cautions, attract more dust into the control. This will work for awhile but then eventually degrade back to noisy again. Electrowash is a good dry-type cleaner that I've used successfully many times. It is basically an industrial product, available from well known vendors such as Allied Electronics or Newark, among others no doubt. I'm sure there are other products of similar dry composition.

Go to Chicken Shack (aka Radio Shack) and pick up a can of "tunner cleaner", great stuff.
Happy listening

Have a look at the Miller-Stephenson website and check out their aerosol contact cleaners as they are very effective (www.miller-stephenson.com)

We have used their products very succesfully over many years to good effect. The best for cleaning pots has been their MS-200 but not sure it is still available

An alternative only if you can gain direct access to the surface requiring cleaning/lubricatation is to lightly spray on WD-40 and ensure you wipe off the residue as it will attract dust, etc and eventually cause more problems

Hope this helps, regards,

Richard