Reflector Cleaning?

Hello All!

I have a Small Sun ZY-T13 that came with lint & finger print/smudges on the reflector. What is the best way to clean it w/o trashing it?

Thanks!

Lick it.

lmao

i tried that but i got skoal on it

instead you might want to search here, if you’d like to find a thorough discussion

otherwise, my advice is, don’t touch it - spray it with something, and blow it dry with compressed air

Steel Wool and Detol.

Seriously anything you do is going to make it worse.
Some people use hand soap and warm water, rub very gently with a clean finger.

I tried hand soap but it left a film that wouldn’t wash off, cheap shampoo worked better.

CRC Contact cleaner

If possible, test the outer edge or unused polished surfaces of the reflector with different cleaning agents. Ive had great success with acetone and MEK where alcohol has destroyed the polished surface. Sometimes they both cause havoc and you are better off leaving the smudges on the reflectors. Sometimes dawn soap in HOT water works well on plastic reflectors. Always use the least amount of scrubbing pressure possible and let the chemical do the work. Spot clean only the effected area quickly and with minimal effort. As soon as the smudge is gone, leave to air dry or use a heat gun or blow dryer. Resist the temptation to polish it as you would a lens. Often times, nothing can remove a smudge without destroying a reflector.

If it appears that I cant initially clean a reflector to my liking, I’ll search for a replacement before going any further. That way I can always order another one if necessary.

would electronics cleaner work?
i’ve never tried it, i’m just throwing it out there

I have the T13 too and also has a small smudge on the reflector (probably made by the same dummy who assembled both our lights) I would highly advise you to leave it alone, you WILL mess it up!

For dust particles, I use compressed air.

For things not able to remove with air… hmmm… be carefull you can destroy the reflector. Normally I use clean cloth, the similar to clean LCD and displays

A few minutes work with some 80 grit carbide sandpaper, and that annoying fingerprint will be history!

I usually use a piece of chamois leather, the same stuff I clean my camera lenses with. Don’t however, try to use any kind of cleaning fluid.
Lens cleaning solution might be fine for optics but I don’t recommend it for the reflectors. Also, use a blower-brush to gently blow away any dust particles on the reflector before wiping it (gently) :slight_smile: Use as little force as possible always-and don’t rush it!

Buy a new reflector or send the light back or complain to the manufacturer or complain to the supplier and manufacturer… (sorry, decisions are not my thing at the moment lol )

Microfiber towel & lcd - lens cleaning fluid :slight_smile:

I still think that the recommendations over at CPF by vinhnguyen54 are the best. Shake the reflector in warm water with soap, rinse with clear water, then blow it dry with compressed air. If that doesnt work, lick it, rinse it with clear water, then blow it dry with compressed air.

Works.

wait, you guys are SERIOUS about the licking?

you gotta get 300% of your recommended daily intake of Lead somehow

Yup: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?330011-vinhnguyen54-How-Clean-A-P60-Reflector

Hahaha! NightCrawl, thanks. It sounds sensible. I’ll try it soon. :slight_smile:

… stickytape,