Dave MacKay Posted August 9, 2021 Share Posted August 9, 2021 I recently bought a pair of 1986 Lascalas and am in the process of sprucing them up. I've removed the network, tweeter, squawker and woofer from one speaker so that I can repair and refinish the cabinet. When I removed the woofer access panel I found that mice had been in the speaker. The mice left droppings inside the cabinet and dirtied the woofer. Luckily, they didn't chew anything. I can clean the cabinet easily enough, but I'd like recommendations on how best to clean the woofer. I'm leery of using a vacuum for fear of tearing the cone. I was planning to use a dry paintbrush, followed by a dry microfibre cloth to wipe the obvious dirt off the woofer cone. However, the cone has some areas of discolouration, I''m guessing from mouse pee. I was thinking I'd attack those areas with a damp cloth. Apart from the dirt, the woofers don't appear to be damaged, so that I'm hoping that a good cleaning will take care of things. I'd like to avoid having to re-cone them. I'd welcome any suggestions on how to clean the woofers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBCODD Posted August 9, 2021 Share Posted August 9, 2021 I would be leery of wetting the cone too much. Some others with restoration experience may have more precise recommendations. I do advise wearing an good mask and eye protection and latex/vinyl or nitrile gloves when cleaning areas contaminated with rodent droppings. In my part of the country the rodents carry various viruses (Hanta; West Nile; etc.) and these may be transmitted by the urine and feces. Enjoy the ‘Scalas! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter P. Posted August 9, 2021 Share Posted August 9, 2021 If you can't remove it with a slightly stiff brush, then I'd leave it there. The woofer is never seen, and the mouse droppings don't appear to affect the sound so leave it alone. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEH Synergy Posted August 9, 2021 Share Posted August 9, 2021 26 minutes ago, JBCODD said: I would be leery of wetting the cone too much Hasn't been my experience. VERY slightly damp textured cloth and time and patience. Let it dry in the sun. Boom. Have done it many times. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted August 9, 2021 Share Posted August 9, 2021 1 hour ago, Dave MacKay said: I'd welcome any suggestions on how to clean the woofers. you can blow air on the speaker while using a soft brush , so an air hose can do , by adjusting the air pressure stay clear of the dust cap , except with the brush then , use some diluted Detol cleaner on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the cone ,, do the same inside the dog house 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 On 8/8/2021 at 10:53 PM, RandyH said: use some diluted Detol cleaner on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the cone ,, do the same inside the dog house Randy, do you mean Dettol? I had never heard of that before. I would think you would definitely want something that would neutralize the urine and not attack the paper. Those woofer cones are pretty tough and durable, though. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 36 minutes ago, Marvel said: Randy, do you mean Dettol? Hi - Bruce Yes , Dettol --- 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DizRotus Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 As @JBCODD said above, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up rodent droppings. My nephew was hospitalized recently with a life threatening virus (leptospirosis) contracted while cleaning up a rats’ nest in Chicago. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wetowne Posted August 10, 2021 Share Posted August 10, 2021 For mouse pee I would use a product called "Nature's Miracle". It's made specifically to neutralize urine odor using enzymes. Effective and safe. Get it at a pet supply store. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave MacKay Posted August 10, 2021 Author Share Posted August 10, 2021 4 hours ago, DizRotus said: As @JBCODD said above, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning up rodent droppings. My nephew was hospitalized recently with a life threatening virus (leptospirosis) contracted while cleaning up a rats’ nest in Chicago. Thanks to both of you for highlighting the need to take precautions when cleaning up the mouse nest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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