cleaning 2180

[WillB]

I was wondering what the best way to clean these radios is? Mine has been through a couple fires and smells of smoke really bad and I'd like to try and clean that smell off if possible.

[ramal121]

Well the best way is to completely disassemble the radio and scrub the housing parts in a sink and rinse with hot water, then dry. If you're not willing to do that you can still spiff up a grungy radio.

First off, don't use an ammonia based cleaner on plastic. It can leave a haze when it drys.

For a quick clean up I use Simple Green and an old toothbrush. Lightly spritz the bristles and then work that into all the cracks and crannies of the radio. Wipe with a towel and then use compressed air (canned air works good) to blow out the last of the crud/cleaner and wipe again.

The idea is not to get the radio sopping wet. You want just enough cleaner on the bristles to dampen a spot and foam up as you scrub. Also letting the cleaner dry is counter productive, so doing section at a time is the best way.

Anybody else with suggestions?

[llu727]

As crude as it may sound, I have just slipped the front housing off, taken the lens out, and put it on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Seems to work well unless there is a lot of oily gunk on it.
Just dont use the "sanitize" setting!

[powerlineman]

Foaming Lysol...in pink can