How to Apply Deoxit

If you want to use Deoxit to clean electrical components like a stereo receiver it's important to know the right way to handle it. Luckily, we can help you safely get your delicate electronics clean again.

Steps

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DeoxIT is manufactured in over a dozen varieties, so you should read carefully about the uses of each type before your purchase. For cleaning and lubricating potentiometers ("pots") or contacts, the standard "D5" spray should be used. Other formulations are available for more specialized applications, though, such as cleaning gold or conductive plastics.^{[1]XResearch source}
To access the pots, you will have to remove the case. This can usually be done by removing a few screws on the underside of the unit. Remove these screws carefully and set them aside. Slide the case away from the chassis of the receiver. To access the pots, you only need about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of room behind the faceplate.
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Just behind the knobs on the faceplate (the ones that control volume, tone, balance, et cetera) you will find the pots. The pots are small cylinders that are controlled through the knobs. Each pot should have a small rectangular hole that allows access to the internal components.
Attach the long, straw-shaped nozzle to the can of Deoxit and place the tip of this nozzle into the hole in the pot. Spray a small amount of the cleaner into the hole and remove the nozzle.^{[2]XResearch source}
After spraying the cleaner into the first pot, turn the control back and forth repeatedly from its minimum position to its maximum position. This will spread the cleaner across the inside of the pot and help work loose any corrosion or dirt. Do this for about 2 minutes continuously. Repeat this process with each pot in sequence.^{[3]XResearch source}
After cleaning each pot, reattach the receiver's case. Allow the unit to sit for an hour so that the Deoxit dries sufficiently. Plug the unit in and test it. The knobs should now rotate smoothly and no distortion should be audible when rotating each control.

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Warnings

Make sure to unplug any electronic component before taking it apart or performing work on it.
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Opening your stereo equipment and working with the internal components is almost sure to void your warranty, if applicable.
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