The PHILCO Phorum
Dry Cleaning grill cloth - Printable Version

+- The PHILCO Phorum (https://philcoradio.com/phorum)
+-- Forum: Philco Radio Discussions (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=5)
+--- Forum: Philco Cabinet Restoration (https://philcoradio.com/phorum/forumdisplay.php?fid=9)
+--- Thread: Dry Cleaning grill cloth (/showthread.php?tid=23320)



Dry Cleaning grill cloth - madsowry - 02-23-2022

Hi  All   Just wondering, since the grill cloth on my 38-116 only has a couple small holes but is very dirty, has anyone taken their grill cloth to a dry cleaners while still attached to the sound board?  I would think they could be more careful when it is still stretched out than when it is loose.  Any experience or opinions are welcome.  
Thanks
Dick


RE: Dry Cleaning grill cloth - Ron Ramirez - 02-24-2022

I have tried soaking old cloth in a mixture of Woolite and water, with mixed results. Most turned out ok but some fell apart in the Woolite bath.

I doubt that the dry cleaners could do anything with the cloth while still attached to the board, but I could be wrong...


RE: Dry Cleaning grill cloth - madsowry - 02-24-2022

Thanks for the response Ron.  I agree I kind of doubt they can do anything also but I might just visit a local dry cleaner and get their opinion.  Can't hurt to ask.  
As far as washing myself, I have yet to have one stand up to the task even when trying to be very gentile.  The cloth just seems to evaporate.
Thanks again
Dick


RE: Dry Cleaning grill cloth - falcon123 - 04-30-2022

i used to repair dry cleaning machines. they are nothing more than a front load washer that uses a chemical rather than soap and water. so thats a non starter. older perchlorethylene machines might even melt what you have if it is synthetic. on my 48-482 i removed the grill cloth and let it soak in strong dish soap/water  solution. the method is to squeeze not rub it against itself. as it was sun faded.so after i rinsed and dried it i flipped it around  and reglued it back on. considering i couldnt find anything really close, gold with a reddish tint  im reasonably happy although like most times at bat it would be better with practice. beware of irish pennants during the re-glue if you re use it .


RE: Dry Cleaning grill cloth - klondike98 - 04-30-2022

I agree that trying to wash most grill cloth is a frustrating exercise and I have not been successful trying it.  I did get lucky when restoring my 48-482 cloth with a find in a Joann's Fabric store.  It was blind luck I think and probably not something that will be repeated but the replacement was remarkably similar to the original.