hideout Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Anybody got any suggestions on a safe cleaning solution that won't eat away at the Helix's markings or paint? Mine is really grimy from playing a lot of outdoor gigs this summer. I've tried just a damp cloth but that doesn't seem to work that well. One the thing that is particularly difficult to clean is the expression pedal itself. I wonder if a computer screen cleaner would work. Is alcohol too harsh? Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Ahh, leave it...grime gives it character. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 Noooo. Me likely pretty! 🤓 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbieb61 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I've had mine since Oct. 2015. I just spray some windex on a paper towel and wipe it clean. Everything still looks great on it. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 robbie61, Windex really? And it hasn't damaged the finish? Well... ok, I'll try it if I get desperate. What do you say, digital_igloo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saks Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I use a damp cloth, not dripping, just damp (same with my computer monitors ). For hard to clean areas like the foot pedal I use an old toothbrush to break the grime free then wipe with the damp cloth. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbieb61 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 robbie61, Windex really? And it hasn't damaged the finish? Well... ok, I'll try it if I get desperate. What do you say, digital_igloo? Yep, never even occurred to me that it might hurt the finish.Used Windex on all pedals and midi controllers, etc. I've ever used since the 1970s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinon2 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Yep, never even occurred to me that it might hurt the finish. Used Windex on all pedals and midi controllers, etc. I've ever used since the 1970s. ~83% of life's problems can be solved by Windex, duct tape, or WD40...or some combination thereof. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigGT Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I've not found anything that can't be cleaned with baby wipes. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD1967 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 I agree about the baby wipes. My wife and I have saved tons of money using baby wipes to clean almost everything in the house instead of buying something from the store that may have harsh chemicals. If baby wipes can clean the stuff that has come out of my kids behinds then it will most definitely clean the Helix. You might need to buff it with a terry clothe afterwards but will clean it nicely. I would use the baby wipes over the Windex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigGT Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Yes, just make sure you get original ones not the ones with moisturisers. I go through packets of them cleaning my bikes! Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions, guys! I've always hesitated using Windex because of its ammonia content. I've ruined a pair of anti-glare glasses by using Windex and or soap. Both have ammonia. I knew a guy who did window tinting for a living and he used Windex soaked paper towels to remove the old window tinting film from cars. He also advised me to never use Windex on tinted windows because of the ammonia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigGT Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 Sounds like you need babywipes then hideout, get Johnsons because they're cloth whereas some other brands use a paper material. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 7, 2017 Author Share Posted September 7, 2017 Thanks, CraigGT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbieb61 Posted September 7, 2017 Share Posted September 7, 2017 And if I'm in a hurry I'll just spit on a paper towel...Yeah, I'm not too picky. lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLF2007 Posted September 8, 2017 Share Posted September 8, 2017 I keep a pack of travel baby wipes in my gig box. I find I usually have to squeeze out a bunch of juice before I use them but they safely clean gear and wipe down poly coated guitars/basses etc. +1 on a spare terry towel to buff things out if needed and to double as a helix cover before/after sets. Its preserved it here and there from the (well documented) audience splashing beer syndrome that seems to set in between the 2-3rd set break through the end of the night. I think I did try Windex on Helix before when I had it out at home and didn't notice any ill effects but interesting comment on wheat it does to tinted windows etc. I'll stick with the baby wipes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRalphN Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 I've not found anything that can't be cleaned with baby wipes. Craig And I thought the topic title sounded a little wrong!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 So what in the world caused the "grime" in the 1st place? Are the fans having a food fight during the 2nd set? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 10, 2017 Author Share Posted September 10, 2017 So what in the world caused the "grime" in the 1st place? Are the fans having a food fight during the 2nd set? ;) Well, I was positioned near the grill so oil and other particulates are in the air. Actually, even when I play mainly indoors, there still some accumulation of schmutz on the beast. I don't know shy. I can understand the spittle spots 'cause I sing but the other stuff... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spikey Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 I see... Send um a cleaning bill, after they pay you for playing of course. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hideout Posted September 10, 2017 Author Share Posted September 10, 2017 I see... Send um a cleaning bill, after they pay you for playing of course. ;) Bwaha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erniedenov Posted September 10, 2017 Share Posted September 10, 2017 Baby Wipes, who knew?! And I just happen to have a 1 year old step-granddaughter living with me now. Thanks for the tip! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigGT Posted September 11, 2017 Share Posted September 11, 2017 Baby Wipes, who knew?! And I just happen to have a 1 year old step-granddaughter living with me now. Thanks for the tip! When I first took a packet on a cycling holiday to clean my bike everybody thought it was a bit weird, they all ended up borrowing them by the end though! Craig 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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