Cleaning reflectors?

[epidemic]

I just picked up a few IC T5 SLR that look pretty nasty. I tried using a damp cloth and I tried a mild detergent and nothing really helped. I was thinking maybe CLR or lime away. Any suggestion?

[wkjames]

I just picked up a few IC T5 SLR that look pretty nasty. I tried using a damn cloth and I tried a mild detergent and nothing really helped. I was thinking maybe CLR or lime away. Any suggestion?

Why are you so upset with the "damn cloth" It didn't do anything to you, did it? LOL
Seriously, I used vinegar in a spray bottle on mine, and it worked very well. Windex also works well, as does Fantastik. You may wish to be careful on what chemicals you use to avoid discoloring. If your reflectors are Aluminum, then especially so.

[David Grigor]

Two responses from the IC forum over on RC:

If you have so much salt spray that you constantly have to clean your reflectors you might reconsider your location of them. Secondly as you are cleaning the reflectors, (being an all salt pro myself) depending on the cloth you use, plus the salt creep you are scrubbing off the reflector, you are actually scratching the reflector damaging the protective material and the finish. You should used extreme care when cleaning any reflector product no different than caring for a good pairs of glasses. As for the white spots well the freshwater that you are using probably has a high mineral content leaving deposits or water spots

"Regarding your IceCap SLR (single lamp reflectors) -
After removing the protective film they're shipped with I have found the use of any stainless steel or aluminum cleaner, which is then wiped off, adds protection to your SLR. Pick some up at HD or other hardware store. Cleaning them now will get most of the spots off and prevent further damage. Re-apply yearly depending on salt-spray conditions in your tank. It's unlikely you've lost 1% of the reflectivity after cleaning them up."

I've likewise found that even the best polished coated aluminum available, which is what we use, can spot if not periodically cleaned.
Andy