Cleaning Tolex

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jrgrady

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Anyone know how to remove stains from white tolex? I had a THD HotPlate sitting on top of my white Marhall head and when I took the HotPlate off (it had been there awhile) the head had yellowed where the rubber feet on the HotPlate were touching the tolex. I have tried using some mild cleaners to remove the yellowing but it didn't work. Any ideas or is my head marked for life? Thanks for any tips you guys might have.
 
I think you're screwed. I had the same thing happen to a Fender Tonemaster with blond tolex and I found nothing that could remove the stains.
One thing that I didn't try that may be worth a shot is whitewall tire cleaner like Wesley's Bleach White...I'd try it in an inconspicuous spot first though as its pretty caustic stuff.
 
I was going to suggest the Wesleys. We used to use it to scrub white vinyl seats on boats and it worked excellent.You could dilute it a little too to start and see how it works out.
 
Sounds like a chemical reaction between the 2 materials from touching each other for such a long period of time....

I would try Mineral Spirits if that does not work, Nothing will work and the chemical reaction permanently damaged the Tolex..
 
I would suggest some Goo Gone. It's an orange oil derivative with numerous uses. It's mainly to be used on sticker residue, but this may be something it could work on.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I guess I'll give the Wesleys a try to see if that works. If not, I'll probably leave it alone. It's only a faint yellowing and not really noticeable unless you're really close and looking for it.
 
You might want to try 303 cleaner first. This stuff is great, and you can get free samples from their web site.

Cleaner
http://www.303products.com/shop303/inde ... leaner.cfm

Protectant
http://www.303products.com/shop303/inde ... ectant.cfm

I use these products on all my amps, cases, and my cars. The cleaner is great, and safe on everything, and the protectant repels dust, and nothing sticks to it so cleaning is very easy.

This might work as well
http://www.303products.com/shop303/inde ... emover.cfm
 
Try Mr Clean Magic Eraser. Try a small spot first to make sure it doesn't dull the tolex too much. The 303 might work too. I use it on my boat and it works great.
 
OldSkoolNJ":36temks0 said:
Sounds like a chemical reaction between the 2 materials from touching each other for such a long period of time....

I would try Mineral Spirits if that does not work, Nothing will work and the chemical reaction permanently damaged the Tolex..
Click to expand...
+1 my thoughts exactly
 
If Odorless Mineral spirits does not work, then it is permanent.
You could also try denatured alcohol.
What you have is a vinyl tolex that has sucked the petroleum out of the rubber.
More than likely, it is permanent.
I wouldn't waste any money on Westleys, goo gone etc.
They will clean the surface, but will not get into the stained core of the vinyl.
Same with a magic eraser.
All the magic eraser is, is super fine 1500 grit sand paper built into a sponge.

PS- Any time you put anything with rubber feet on top of tolex, protect it with a towel or piece of plastic etc.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. Based on some of the last replies, I'll see if I can track down some mineral spirits (hadn't gotten around to trying anything else yet). I'm probably screwed but it's worth a shot. I'm usually pretty careful with my gear but didn't really think that sitting a HotPlate on top of an amp would result in discoloration. Oh well, live and learn.
 
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