I am a proponent of acetone. Yes, I am well aware that you have to be very careful with this stuff since many plastics are readily attacked by it - but not all are. So always try a little on a test sample / obscured piece first. However, acetone can be remarkably efficient at removing all sorts of grime and muckite from many a surface: it is a remarkably powerful chemical. Always use a clean cotton cloth and change the contact surface of it regularly.
Caution: Always have a good supply of fresh air in the environment where you are working and no naked flames there either.
I haven't yet tried caustic soda in the workshop. But I do know that it is remarkably efficient for shifting grease from dirty grease-laden utensils in the kitchen. But be very careful when using it on aluminium: there is a powerful reaction and the resulting fumes are very unpleasant and are harmful if breathed in in sufficient quantities. Always wash of the cleaned article afterwards with copious amounts of cold water.
Caution: Always add the caustic soda to a wet surface, never the other war round. That way you avoid splashes of undiluted caustic soda on your face, clothes, etc. Always have a good supply of fresh air through the room you are working in. Always wear rubber gloves on your hands and eye-protection. Caustic soda readily attacks all organic compounds: that includes many items of clothing, the human body and all parts of it!
Al.
Afterthought edit. If used carefully, acetone can be remarkable effective at cleaning dirty 'white' mains cables.
Al.
Caution: Always have a good supply of fresh air in the environment where you are working and no naked flames there either.
I haven't yet tried caustic soda in the workshop. But I do know that it is remarkably efficient for shifting grease from dirty grease-laden utensils in the kitchen. But be very careful when using it on aluminium: there is a powerful reaction and the resulting fumes are very unpleasant and are harmful if breathed in in sufficient quantities. Always wash of the cleaned article afterwards with copious amounts of cold water.
Caution: Always add the caustic soda to a wet surface, never the other war round. That way you avoid splashes of undiluted caustic soda on your face, clothes, etc. Always have a good supply of fresh air through the room you are working in. Always wear rubber gloves on your hands and eye-protection. Caustic soda readily attacks all organic compounds: that includes many items of clothing, the human body and all parts of it!
Al.
Afterthought edit. If used carefully, acetone can be remarkable effective at cleaning dirty 'white' mains cables.
Al.
