Cleaning a microphone grill?

[januszian]

Hello, I just found a Shure 545 which is nearly 40 years old and it has an incredible amount of various poo on and in the grill. How can I clean it? Soap and water is propably not a good idea.

There are literally maybe 10 holes "open" and the rest is just covered with a solid layer of goo.

edit: the mic looks and is just like a Shure SM57

 

[night'schild]

A good cleaner to use is called Deoxit made by Caig. I use that stuff all the time. It is great product useful for cleaning all types of electronic equipment that has become dirty. I mostly use it on my male and female XLR's, pots, and faders. I buy it from a store here in Tempe called Antique Electronic Supply, they are cheaper than what most places sale it for. Check them out at www.tubesandmore.com

 

[mishagolin]

if you can take off the grill then its ok to use soap and water. i clean my beta57 this way.

if, like a typical sm57, you can't take off the grill; hold the mic upside down and brush the grill with a soft-bristled tooth brush.

 

[DJL]

Yeap, like mishagolin said... take the grill off and clean it with soap and water... a tooth brush can help too... oh, and let the grill dry out completely before putting it back on.