Which cleaner is safe for surface cleaning on black plastics?

[MotherGunner]

Hi all, looking to surface-clean all my stuff so asking which cleaner is safe for black plastics?  I hear automotive producs like ArmorAll can actually cause damage...

[esteban]

Acetone.

[DragonmasterDan]

I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.

[MotherGunner]

I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.

I've had goo-gone dissolve plastic before, negative ghostrider.

[RNSpeed]

There is a product for cars called Forever Black.  I like the results on black plastics

[mickcris]

I've used goo-gone on black plastic and not had any issues.

I've had goo-gone dissolve plastic before, negative ghostrider.

You sure you arent thinking of "Goof Off".  I have always thought Goo Gone was safe.  I have never had any issue with it.

[wilykat]

Goof Off are often used to remove markers stain and other stubborn mess but they smell so offensively even if you got a full environmental suit and air tanks, you will still smell them and your nose hair will curl permanently.

Goo Gone is a lot more plesant smelling (usually like oranges) and is usually used to remove sticky residue like old tape and stickers.  They don't do cleaning well so it's probably not Goo Gone for cleaning.

Some common glass cleaner should work fine, they typically have ammonia and bits of other stuff and would get around 99% cleaning done.  Save the stronger stuff for really bad mess.

[PCEngineHell]

Acetone.

That is a no no for most plastics. It will melt it.

[MotherGunner]

Some common glass cleaner should work fine

Any of them that you know of that clean AND leave a nice black shine?  Personal experience?

[ClodBusted]

When cleaning controllers, I disassemble them completely and use dish-washing liquid and warm water for all plastic parts. If there's something really sticky like glue residue, cleaning alcohol helps.

Acetone.

No, please, no. It will not only damage plastic, but also dissolve paint/prints immediately.
Methoxypropanol PM is much safer for plastic IF your intention is to get rid of paint. I use it for plastic model kits and resin mold garage kits that I want to re-paint. I still wouldn't use it for general cleaning.

[wilykat]

for really clean and shiny plastic, I've used Pledge.  I've used it on plexi and lexan and also on some cheap printer to get rid of the dust. The printer hasn't melted

[esteban]

NOTE: Of course you shouldn't use acetone.

That doesn't stop me from suggesting it every single time this question is asked, though. Clearly, I amuse myself too easily.

[LostFlunky]

Just use Windex.  Use a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels, though.. paper towels leave their own dust behind.

[ClodBusted]

That doesn't stop me from suggesting it every single time this question is asked, though. Clearly, I amuse myself too easily.

Is Acetone the new hair dryer?

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Some common glass cleaner should work fine, they typically have ammonia and bits of other stuff and would get around 99% cleaning done.  Save the stronger stuff for really bad mess.

I'd use an ammonia free glass cleaner.  The black plastic of a Duo or Turbob will probably be fine, but ammonia can cloud some clear plastics over time, and I'd rather not find out if it affects the little CD window or not.

[MotherGunner]

Thanks Guys, I will get some ammonia-free glass cleaner today (if Windex is available without it, I will get that).

Got plenty of microfiber rags too!

[mickcris]

I use this stuff on my car windows as it doesn't have ammonia:
http://www.invisibleglass.com/


here are the windexs that are amonia free:

    The following products do not contain ammonia. They can be used in cases where ammonia is not recommended for use on surface.

    Windex® Crystal Rain™, Windex® Multi-Surface with Glade® Clear Springs™, Windex® Multi-Surface Antibacterial, Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar, Windex® Outdoor Multi-Surface Concentrated Cleaner and Windex™ Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool

[MotherGunner]

Awesome, thank you!

[esteban]

That doesn't stop me from suggesting it every single time this question is asked, though. Clearly, I amuse myself too easily.

Is Acetone the new hair dryer?

I think Bernie wants us to continue promoting the hairdryer. Forever.

[MotherGunner]

Wait, Bernie is ClodBusted now?

No wonder my PM's went unanswered!

[Dicer]

Acetone.

Horrible bit of comedy, some people won't know better and melt their shit...

[ClodBusted]

Acetone does, what Turrican't.

[Gentlegamer]

Uh, rubbing alcohol?

[bozo55]

^ I use Rubbing Alcohol and liquid hand soap to clean my consoles when they're taken apart. 

For shiny, non-textured plastic I use Autoglym Super Resin Polish to remove scratches.
http://www.autoglym-canada.com/products/products/super-resin-polish-2
You have to be careful to avoid logos and textured plastic for this stuff, but it does miracles to old scratched shiny plastic such as CD lid windows, etc.

For stubborn stains I carefully and sparingly use a very damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

Finally, for that shiny clean look I apply some Autoglym Rubber & Vinyl Care Spray with a clean rag.
http://www.autoglym-canada.com/products/products/vinyl-and-rubber-care-2
Works great.

[GoldenWheels]

I use 50/50 white vinegar/water for...basically everything. It doesn't provide a gloss or sheen but does leave stuff squeaky clean with no streaks.

[MotherGunner]

Lot's of good info.  I will go with the glass cleaner sans ammonia first and go from there.  I am still hesitant on using any automotive products on my TG and Duo though.  =)

[esteban]

Acetone.

[MotherGunner]

Acetone. 

NO!  Don't do it Esty!  Drinking that is NOT the answer!  We fucking HEART YOU!

[martinine]

When cleaning controllers, I disassemble them completely and use dish-washing liquid and warm water for all plastic parts. If there's something really sticky like glue residue, cleaning alcohol helps.

This so much! If they are really gross I let them sit in the sink for a while. For the really grungy areas, find an extra soft toothbrush somewhere (not always the easiest).

Shout out to GameTech US for making a video about cleaning old consoles. Check Youtube. His channel is awesome for mod walkthroughs as well.

At least in my experience, cleaning with dish soap, I've been using Palmolive and Dawn, does restore that new from the factory shine (like the Sega Genesis has), but does not give an Armor-All look.