Rob wrote:

Eeyore wrote:
Rob wrote:
Eeyore wrote:
Rob wrote:

What would cleaning a dirty plug do to the sound?
Remove potentially rectifying oxides. Also re-tighten the connection, making it
more secure / less electrical resistance.

I was clearing out the last of the accumulated rubbish following a move
the other day, and came across some 'Goldring Magic Contact Cleaning
Fluid' - a bit of a faff involving two liquids and pipe cleaners. In
view of the fact I haven't cleaned a lead since buying it (20 odd years
ago) I might as well use it up - although i'd assume normal contact
cleaner or isopropanol alcohol would be just as good?

Isopropyl will remove greases but not much else AFAIK. God only knows what's in
'contact cleaner'. I try and avoid the stuff.

So it's an 'oxide remover' that's needed?

And general muck and dust remover. A clean cloth can be very effective.


Then, I suppose it depends on
the oxide, and gold is less likely to oxidise than other things,

I believe gold should not oxidise in normal domestic use. A 'proper' decent thickness
of gold plating that is.


so it's more muck removal? I'd guess you use, or would use if forced, Brasso or
some such?

Used to use Brasso to clean studio patch cords which were once unplated brass.


No idea what's in the Goldring stuff, or indeed this:

http://www.cybermarket.co.uk/shopscr1655.html

which seems to work on switches, in the sense they don't crackle after
use - although the effect doesn't last forever, which might be related
to why you don't use it.

Indeed. Tends to be a temp fix only.

Graham