Thread: Help with cleaning high relief plastic scales

I have a razor identical to this one with the same yellowing/smokiness on the white ivoroid scales.

I need a suggestion for cleaning the scales. Toothbrush and toothpaste didn't really touch it. Also I have tried thick terry towel cloth with Maas but can't get the brown out of the crevices/low spots. Thoughts?

Is it staining or crud?
A small ultrasonic cleaner works miricales, but if it's stained, a compounded polish will be needed.

That's what I have, others may have more. Let's see what they say.

Start with a firm toothbrush and dish washing liquid.

Originally Posted by bouschie

Start with a firm toothbrush and dish washing liquid.

Yes and I would also try some Simple Green cleaner.

Bob

Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner,, the non bleach foaming type,,,tape off the blade,,,, let it sit for 4 to 5 minutes with the Scrubbing Bubbles on it, rinse well,,,, use WD-40 to push out the water from the pivot area,,,,

I have used Soft Scrub and a toothbrush on scales with crud.
Some have used Comet and others have used Bar Keepers Friend.

As John says, protect the blade.

I kindof think the brown in the low spots is desirable. It makes the pattern stand out. If you get them all yellow, I don't think it would look as good. You might be dealing with paint down in there from the time it was made.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I kindof think the brown in the low spots is desirable. It makes the pattern stand out. If you get them all yellow, I don't think it would look as good. You might be dealing with paint down in there from the time it was made.

I thought the same thing, the contrast makes the relief stand out, it looks to me like the way it is supposed to be.

I agree. As long as it isn't dirt or some other crud build up I wouldn't remove the coloring. I made the mistake of removing the coloring on a set and the scales were really plain looking and couldn't see the design afterwards. I ended up having to use paint to highlight the design just to make them look nice.

Over here ther's a hand cleanser called swarfega - not sure if it's something available in that name for you but it's the kind of stuff you apply before working with grease. One of the guys on the UK forum found it really good for getting ingrained dirt out of knurled razor handles.