how come non-exposed pots get dirty?

[TinNedd]

Curious about this. How come mixer pots get dirty when they are not exposed? Of course the mixer sliders are exposed to dirt or whatever. How do you know the EQ knob is dirty? I suppose cleaning knobs would require mixer to be completely dismantled?

 

[tntkemp]

One obvious way that even a sealed pot would become dirty is this: Each time the pot is turned, or adjusted, it creates friction between the parts...regardless of grease. Parts gradually break down into ...dust. That dust collects over time. Another way would be corrosion, due to environmental conditions, such as humidity...or dryness.

Obviously, a sealed pot can't be cleaned. A pot that is not sealed can be cleaned by tuner cleaners...but they should be cleaned with a lubricated cleaner to help slow corrosion and natural break-down. Opening the unit obviously will provide more direct access to the pots, but these cleaner/lubricants are fine to the point that you can often spray them into the outside, along the shaft, and accomplish the goal. The spray will get down inside to some degree.

What more can you say about dirty pots?

 

[pianodano]

What more can you say about dirty pots?

Use the old engineers trick. Wrap a shoestring around the knob and rotate briskly for a few seconds. Good as new.


Danny

 

[Slowrider]

Use the old engineers trick. Wrap a shoestring around the knob and rotate briskly for a few seconds. Good as new.


Danny

Actually, that usually cleans them.