Cleaning Black Rubber?

[Lt. Walker]

Hi:  I have a Western Electric T-30 throat mike which is in decent shape, but the rubber is “chalky” with some sort of grime.  What method should I use to carefully clean and restore (if possible) the rubber?

 

Thanks, Mike

[The Rooster]

I dont know for sure... but Im thinking Armor All. Like you use on your car.?

I spray it on door gaskets etc. Wipe it down gently with Armorall.

It cleans and protects rubber vinyl etc...

But I dont know for sure. Maybe some others will weigh in.

[Bluehawk]

> I'd wash it gently first, using normal detergent (Dawn works well) - then I'd apply a coating of RenWax, lasts a long time and is neutral.

https://www.hollingermetaledge.com/renaissance-wax/

[Airborne-Hunter]

Damp cloth will clean this up no problem. I'd stay away from any "preservation" products.

[Lt. Walker]

Interesting that you mention a damp cloth. In fact, today I was reading a Canadian conservation paper on cleaning soft rubber objects.  The study stated that one should definitely stay away from any chemical substance, and any kid of soap should be avoided as well.  This leaves a lightly damp soft cloth or gentle mechanical efforts such as a light brushing of the surface.  
 

Thank you.

[The Rooster]

I read that you should not use soaps or detergents because they are degreaser's not good for rubber.

"Is wax safe on rubber?

Plastic and Rubber Wax can be applied to plastics or rubber to provide a dramatic improvement in appearance while also creating a barrier effect against rain, dirt, and dust."

 

I suggested Armorall , but maybe a high end water based rubber cleaner

from an automotive store might be the best bet?

 

[Lt. Walker]

On 3/25/2024 at 9:36 PM, Airborne-Hunter said:

Damp cloth will clean this up no problem. I'd stay away from any "preservation" products.

Airborne-Hunter, you were 100% correct in your advice.  Using a damp cloth with minimal effort (zero elbow grease) brought this throat mike back to glory and sans after-worry about harming a thing.  

Thank you.