Cleaning the tolex on an Orange

[funky_wrench]

I have a Rocker 30 that I bought used and sadly the previous owner didn't treat the amp as well as I treat my amps.

The amp's fine with nothing more than minor scuffs here and there in the tolex. One thing that is bugging m however is the tolex being dirty which makes my Orange appear... well less orange.

So I'm wondering if anyone has some tips on the best ways to clean tolex and turn my Ochre amp back into an Orange amp?

[Jondog]

Bucket of warm water, mix in one drop of dish soap, use with a soft cloth dampened with the mixture and clean with a circular motion. Gentle enough not to cause damage to the tolex or glue and will get the grime out. You'll be amazed how much better that works then alot of cleaning solutions sold on the market.

[ironlung40]

I'd use the dish soap and warm water as well, but use a sponge for the initial cleaning, then wipe up the excess with a towel or cloth. The sponge will lather the soapy water better, and allow you to lightly scrub better too.

[Randy Bass]

Yeah - soap and water are effective. Even elbow grease and a wet paper towel can do the trick too if it's not too severe. There's definitely no need for chemicals or solvents.

[RedTerror]

I would avoid paper anything; it breaks up under such pressure and bits get stuck in the grooves of the tolex, and it dries on there and won't come off without the sort of elbow grease that scratches and ruins tolex, and it's extremely unsightly. Orange also advises against applying moisture directly to any of their amps' surfaces due to risk of damage or electric shock, but if you leave your amp unplugged for an hour, most stored current should be gone, and serious risk of damage or electric shock is diminished.

Hope this helps,
The Red Terror

[Randy Bass]

I would avoid paper anything; it breaks up under such pressure and bits get stuck in the grooves of the tolex, and it dries on there and won't come off without the sort of elbow grease that scratches and ruins tolex, and it's extremely unsightly...

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. All of the Orange cabs I've bought have had the black rubber residue from the heads sitting on them. Each time I have easily removed them with nothing more than a wet paper towel and a twisting motion. If there had been any bits of paper left behind in the tolex, a toothbrush would have done the trick. However, a damp rag would still be most effective.

[David Verb]

I would avoid paper anything; it breaks up under such pressure and bits get stuck in the grooves of the tolex, and it dries on there and won't come off without the sort of elbow grease that scratches and ruins tolex, and it's extremely unsightly...

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. All of the Orange cabs I've bought have had the black rubber residue from the heads sitting on them. Each time I have easily removed them with nothing more than a wet paper towel and a twisting motion. If there had been any bits of paper left behind in the tolex, a toothbrush would have done the trick. However, a damp rag would still be most effective.

I've resorted to leaving to pieces of cardboard underneath my head!

[RedTerror]

I just would rather use a cloth and not have to deal with bits of paper, but that's just me. To be fair, though, bits of paper aren't a major concern.

[indianDYsummer]

I would avoid paper anything; it breaks up under such pressure and bits get stuck in the grooves of the tolex, and it dries on there and won't come off without the sort of elbow grease that scratches and ruins tolex, and it's extremely unsightly...

I think that's a bit of an exaggeration. All of the Orange cabs I've bought have had the black rubber residue from the heads sitting on them. Each time I have easily removed them with nothing more than a wet paper towel and a twisting motion. If there had been any bits of paper left behind in the tolex, a toothbrush would have done the trick. However, a damp rag would still be most effective.

I've resorted to leaving to pieces of cardboard underneath my head!

I've thought about taking the feet off my amps and using some heat-shrink plastic wrap to keep the marks off my cabs, but I quickly realized I don't actually care about those marks.

[Y0UNGBL00D]

I've thought about taking the feet off my amps and using some heat-shrink plastic wrap to keep the marks off my cabs, but I quickly realized I don't actually care about those marks.

this

[baytamusic]

I've restored a few amps. I used warm water, dish soap, and a tooth brush. Then wiped down with a damp cloth. Just test an area on the bottom to make sure the tolex can handle the tooth brush scrubbing. I'd also take the chasis out of the head box while you're cleaning just to be safe.

[ironlung40]

I personally don't care if my gear has marks on it, if I know I'm going to keep it for the long haul, but so many times, I'm searching for my tone, and there is a chance I'll resell the gear. In this case, I try to keep it as nice as possible for quicker resell and value. The orange tolex dings easily and if it does get marks, it is nearly impossible to to remove it completely, as most marks will always be visible, if even slightly. On a black tolex amp, you have many ways to blacken the scuff back in to were it is not noticeable.

On my orange PPC412, I put a small strip of cork on the top of the amp. I bought this cork strip at a hobby store, like hobby lobby. It cost maybe 2 bucks. It actually matches the color of the basketweave covering, so doesn't look out of place. It has protected the top nicely.

[RedTerror]

Tolex also tears easily, and it is so beautiful when pristine, and so ugly when torn. It's a real tragedy.

[evansexcellent]

I had my THD Flexi on top of my brand new rockerverb and slid it off to move and noticed black marks from the rubber feet. Was super bummed at first then just used a lightly damp cloth and it came off. Even though I know it can come off I keep the THD on a different amp now haha.

[BaBaBooey]

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.... those things are badass.