atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Telephone Repairs & Equipment Cleaning telephones

Guys-
On occasion, I get old phones given to me. Most of the time they are pretty dirty and dingy. What do you recommend to clean and or disinfect telephones?
Thanks-
Jeff

Jeff:

The best way is to completely disassemble the plastic components and run them through the dishwasher. Granted, this will dull the finish but you can polish it back up. At least this will remove all oils and dirt, especially if you are painting the plastic parts.

We used to use kitchen wax spray to shine them up. I don't know if they even make that stuff anymore, but a little spray on a rag worked miracles.

If you are painting the parts, go one extra step and wipe the parts down with pure rubbing alcohol to remove any oils from your fingers while handling them prior to painting. Make sure that the alcohol has completely evaporated before you go any further.

If disassembly is too much trouble, the tried and true Windex or 409 and a soft cloth will do a pretty good job.

I use Novus

Ed, is this it? https://www.scjbrands.com/mailorder/

Yep, Jubilee it is,

I wonder if my sources in the hardware world can locate it for me...
I also have used Magnolia Glayzit but that's more of a finish after cleaning the phones.
I'm not looking to paint these; just clean them up a bit so they aren't so nasty looking.

I tear mine down then brush and soak them in Simple Green, rubout any spots before using Magnolia and after a few coats they look good to go.

Jeff -

Someone, (I think Magnolia) used to make a line of telephone cleaning products. You had one solution to wash the phone with and another to polish it. (And maybe even a third for something else).

We used to use it way back, but i don't think I've seen it in 25 years.

Sam

I still use Glazit by Magnolia at my shop. A thorough cleaning with isopropal alcohol and hit it with Magnolia and buff to a high shine. Doesn't work on the newer matte surfaces.

Simple green, goo-gone, soft scrub, sometimes Isopropyl, sometimes an ink remover (used to use Bo-Link but it is not longer being made. Now we use a product from Tower Hobbies for ink removal). Most of the new finishes are matte so that trying to polish them is pointless.