B&W Maintenance

[scanido]

Hi Folks,

With all the talk surrounding sound and all, how are you all keeping your speakers looking and sounding great? What do you use to clean the wood veneer or even clean the drivers? How often do you clean/polish the speakers? If you polish your speaker cabinets what polish have you been happy with? Would it be safe to polish?

Sorry for all the questions!

I ask because I notice some liquid stains on my 804S veneer and was wondering what is the best way to clean this off. Would it be wise to use a damp cloth on the veneer or would it be safer to get some wood cleaner/polisher?

With the amount of money invested in these speakers i would hope they look and sound as good as new 10, 15, even 20 years later!

Thanks,

Steve

[photoman]

I dust my system once a week. Once a month I'll use a good furniture polish. Don't over do it on the furniture polish; just treat them like a good hunk of furniture. Twice a year I'll use Murphy's Oil on the speaker cabinets, this will prevent the wood's natural oils from drying out over the years and keeps a nice shine one them.

As for the speaker cones, first I keep the grills on all the time, there is no benefit music wise in taking them off other then they look nicer. For cleaning the cones, I use a very soft duster on them once a month. For the tweeters I use one of my air blowers from my photo equipment and blow a few gentle blasts of air into the screen which will keep the dust from accumulating.

When we go away in excess of two weeks, I'll put throw some old sheets on the speakers, TV's and furniture (we don't like dust) and unplug all electronics from the walls.

[george_k]

I find that the speaker covers muffle the sound and so I prefer to have them off. I have 603's.

As for mine I just dust them lightly with a feather duster

[BTB]

I'm with George...

The speakers do sound better with their grilles off. I dust my cabinets with a fibre type duster. Don't bother much with polish and such. Scanido... AVOID using any polish or cleaning product on the actual drive units, I cannot imagine that a good coat of wax or oil will do anything other than degrade their performance or even straight out cause damage, no matter how shiny they get!

[photoman]

I'm with George...

The speakers do sound better with their grilles off. I dust my cabinets with a fibre type duster. Don't bother much with polish and such. Scanido... AVOID using any polish or cleaning product on the actual drive units, I cannot imagine that a good coat of wax or oil will do anything other than degrade their performance or even straight out cause damage, no matter how shiny they get!

Funny I don't hear a difference at all, tried it several times. Maybe my ears aren't good as some, but I don't hear it. I don't think anyone would be crazy enough to polish the drive units, would they?

[CPALIU]

I find that the speaker covers muffle the sound and so I prefer to have them off. I have 603's.

As for mine I just dust them lightly with a feather duster

agreed. They do sound more lively without the grills on, however I'm just to afraid of something damaging a driver so I leave them on all the time.

[BTB]

Hi Folks,

What do you use to clean the wood veneer or even clean the drivers? Thanks,

Steve

Hence my warning in my reply Photoman. Just in case :W

[RH Customs]

I dust mine weekly, and a light coat of endust and dry them off once a month. I use a lint roller to clean the grilles. As for the grilles coloring the sound, it is true but not a whole lot. As for the drivers I use a lightly damp cloth to wipe the surrounds and that is it.I think the real reason why people like to leave the grilles off is the drivers just look so cool. :spin:

[scanido]

I have to agree with the "Drivers just look so cool"!

So I would assume using a damp cloth is the safest bet for the cabinets, with a yearly touch up of wood polish?

PhotoMan: What polish do you use monthly and has it ever discolored the veneer?
Never heard of Murphy's Oil, i'll have to try to find that.


Keep 'em coming folks. I know there must be more people taking care of their speakers in one form or another.

[Pez]

Those Swiffer Dusters work wonders on speakers and equipment. My place gets pretty dusty so the whole system gets "swiffered" about every other week (my wife wishes I would do it more often - what can I say, I hate to dust). They are great for even getting between compnonets if they are stacked tightly.

[Race Car Driver]

Anyone polish the nautilus black head at all? Im wanting to do something to that, but dont know what to use.

[RH Customs]

I would just use a lint free cloth, like the kind you would use to clean off a camera lens. Using a cleaning agent might discolor it or you could also use a damp towel.

[RebelMan]

Without a doubt one word...Guardsman

It comes highly recommended by fine wood craftsmen, furniture manufacturers and cleaning services; I use it too. For the speaker cabinet, I recommend their wood cleaner, furniture cream and 100% cotton dusting/polishing cloths. For the drivers I use an ultra soft bristle brush that I picked up from the automotive section at Walmart (of all places). I use an air compressor to blow the lint off of the grills - of course while they are detached.

Clean only when necessary to remove stains and other wax buildup from other polishes, polish cabinet twice a year but not more than once a month and dust every week. Makes my speaks look and feel gorgeous!

[RebelMan]

As for the grilles coloring the sound, it is true but not a whole lot.

Agreed

I think the real reason why people like to leave the grilles off is the drivers just look so cool. :spin:

Guilty as charged. :B

[RobP]

Its easiest just to use a leaf blower to remove the dust, then a good heavy coat of Thompsons water seal with a tank sprayer. :



(disclaimer.......DO NOT TRY THIS!)

[george_k]

I've never used any type of cleaning agent on mine but if I did would pledge be okay the gaurdsman stuff would be too expensive to have shipped up to canada

[scanido]

I don't know, I may be a little hesitant on scrubbing my speakers with polish. Doesn't polish remove a fine layer from the finish?

Would this apply to all color veneers, notably the Black Ash since it is painted?

[gross30]

I use the micro-fibre sheets that you can purchase at Costco for $10.00. I think there are 20 sheets per pack, and you can wash them and re-use them. They work quite well, take off any finger grime etc. The swiffer with the handle works good in between stacked components. I leave the grills off when listening or watching, and put them back on when not in use. With 2 great danes in the household, when they shake there mugs, there tends to be several unidentified flying objects occasionaly. As for polish, I have never used any on any of my equipment. There must be a good reason, as it states to not use any in most manuals.

[photoman]

PhotoMan: What polish do you use monthly and has it ever discolored the veneer?

Guardsmen, no discoloration.

[norpus]

I use the microfibre cloth that came with the spare fst plug accessory. The Marlan head does attract the dust, being black

[scanido]

I can't seem to get Gaurdsmen up here in Canada, and they wont ship up here.

I emailed B&W regarding what they recommend for wood polish for the cabinets and they noted that they have been using LIQUID GOLD.

Anyone have success using LIQUID GOLD, especially on Black Ash?

BTW, is the Black ash a natural finish, i.e. varnish, shellac and lacquer or is it simply a painted finish?

[Rolex]

I would recommend not using any furniture polish whatsoever. It can ruin the wood. People that think they are keeping their speakers from "drying out" are confused. True wood workers know that you want as much moisture OUT of the wood as possible.

If finish was applied correctly in the first place, don't use any type of furniture polish. A light dusting is all that is needed.

[scanido]

It seems quite a few folks have been using polish on their cabinets with excellent results. I think if you apply the polish sparingly it shouldn't do any harm. I rather know my speakers are protected than not. Also, most polishes have some sort of UV protection to protect against the sun.

Anyone else using some sort of wood protection on their speaker cabinets?

[Karma]

HI All,
B&W noted in my instruction manuals that a polish like Pledge is fine as long as you spray it on a soft cloth and then apply it to the finish then polish the surface. I do this to my 805S's (and to my other 800 series speakers) and they look fine. I have the stupendious Black Ash finish on all 7 of my speakers. Yum, yum!!

As for grilles, I leave mine on all the time just to provide protection and to keep dust off the driver. I've tried them both on and off and I can't hear any difference. Remember, the 800 series tweeter is not behind the grille.

Honestly, don't you nudie, grilles off folks feel slightly embarassed exposing your speakers to the world? Really, what would your preacher say? :W

Sparky

[Rolex]

I rather know my speakers are protected than not. Also, most polishes have some sort of UV protection to delay to protect against the sun.

Your speakers are protected already. That's the job of the finish.

[KRC]

I just purchased a pair of 703's in Rosenut and used a light coat of lemon oil on them to get the dust and gunk off them from being packed in styrofoam and cardboard boxes. My other speakers that I have had for two years (600 series), I use a damp cloth weekly and maybe once a month a light coat of lemon oil. I know, they have a veneer and not solid wood, but they smell nice when they are done. I do not take the screens off but on occassion I will vacuum the drivers with the upholstery brush to freshen up and make them dust free.

Kevin

[scanido]

Your speakers are protected already. That's the job of the finish.

I know, but it doesn't hurt to have that extra bit of protection.

[KRC]

Bottom line, if it makes you feel good, go for it. I like the shine from them when the sun hits them after being oiled.

Kevin

[audioqueso]

Microfiber cloth & compressed air.
I just wipe down the cabinets on a weekly basis with a microfiber cloth, and use compressed air (without the little straw) and lightly blow over the drivers.

Be careful to not use the compressed air too close to the driver. Just far enough to blow any dust off.

[Rolex]

I know, but it doesn't hurt to have that extra bit of protection.

You'd be surprised how many off the shelf "furniture polishes" do harm the protective layer put on by the manufacturer.

[scanido]

You'd be surprised how many off the shelf "furniture polishes" do harm the protective layer put on by the manufacturer.

Probably so on certain wood polishes, however B&w wouldn't have recommended Liquid Gold if it did harm the finish in any way. The tech emailed me back saying they have been using this polish with excellent results.

Anyhow, last night i put on a little Liquid Gold on an inconspicuous area behind the speaker, just a small spot to spot test the polish. After applying the polish the wood looks a bit shinier and feels more slicker. I think it improves the look. I'll see in a few days if it affects the finish in any negative way. So far so good!

[chinets]

I send mine to the dry cleaners!! :rofl:

[RebelMan]

Probably so on certain wood polishes, however B&w wouldn't have recommended Liquid Gold if it did harm the finish in any way. The tech emailed me back saying they have been using this polish with excellent results.

Anyhow, last night i put on a little Liquid Gold on an inconspicuous area behind the speaker, just a small spot to spot test the polish. After applying the polish the wood looks a bit shinier and feels more slicker. I think it improves the look. I'll see in a few days if it affects the finish in any negative way. So far so good!

I don't think Liquid Gold would be detrimental to the delicate 800 Series veneer finish BUT I still would never use it, though we do use the product on other pieces of funiture within our home.

The problem with polishes like Liquid Gold is that most people do not know how to properly apply the product. A polished surface should never feel greasy or slick and should always appear uniform. Even I have difficulty applying products like Liquid Gold because the trick is not so much in the application but in the buffing.

I am going to reiterrate my earlier advice. If you haven't tried Guardsman then you are doing your speakers a disservice. It goes on easy and it buffs easily too. It smeels like wood, it doesn't color or stain and it leaves a beautiful finish for all to see and it feels velvety smooth. It's what the professionals use and it's what I use. You will thank me for it when you use it too! Just try it. It's fabulous!!!

See if Ace Hardware can send you what you need. They carry the Guardsman product line too.

[scanido]

I don't think Liquid Gold would be detrimental to the delicate 800 Series veneer finish BUT I still would never use it, though we do use the product on other pieces of funiture within our home.

The problem with polishes like Liquid Gold is that most people do not know how to properly apply the product. A polished surface should never feel greasy or slick and should always appear uniform. Even I have difficulty applying products like Liquid Gold because the trick is not so much in the applying but in the buffing.

I am going to reiterrate my earlier advice. If you haven't tried Guardsman than you are doing your speakers a disservice. It goes on easy and it buffs easily too. It smeels like wood, it doesn't color or stain and it leaves a beautiful finish for all to see and it feels velvety smooth. It's what the professionals use and it's what I use. You will thank me for it when you use it too! Just try it. It's fabulous!!!

See if Ace Hardware can send you what you need. They carry the Guardsman product line too.

THanks Rebelman!

I checked out that link and they only ship to the US. Believe me i tried to find Gaurdsman in Canada. I called the company and asked, but there are no retailers or distributors.

Well I finished applying Liquid Gold on all my speakers. It took me most of the morning as i wanted to do a good job. It was like waxing a car, took my time and enjoyed it. When applying I made sure to be liberal on the polish and to buff out the speakers gently and thoroughly.

The results: At the end it was all worth it and my speakers look much better than before. The finish has a sheen on it now that makes them look richer. I highly recommend this polish! :T

[RebelMan]

THanks Rebelman!

I checked out that link and they only ship to the US. Believe me i tried to find Gaurdsman in Canada. I called the company and asked, but there are no retailers or distributors.

Ahh bummer. Well at least you tried. Happy to hear that you had good success with LG. :T

[gerardhn]

Hello
I do nothing with vineer wood. Why should I??? I doesnot look hungry, unsuturated for anything.
Of course marlan head/tweeter has to be cleaned with a dry cloth. Some times a i use a brush to remove the dust in the groove between tweeter and head.

[Rolex]

Hello
I do nothing with vineer wood. Why should I??? I doesnot look hungry, unsuturated for anything.

I agree.

Everyone has their favorite polish. I stand by my original statement. There is NO need for any polishers. Especially on B&W's. But, really on any appropriately applied finish.

You may be changing the look of the finish by applying whatever materail, but that is only making it different and is providing ZERO benefit, except for making it more pleasing to your eye, with possible damage to the original finish applied.

Keep in mind that just because you don't see any issue in the first couple months doesn't mean it's not slowly deteriorating the finish underneath.

There is no need for anything other than a light dusting with a clean cloth. If B&W recommended a polish, they would say so in the manual.

[scanido]

There is no need for anything other than a light dusting with a clean cloth. If B&W recommended a polish, they would say so in the manual.

They do!

Section 8 in the 800 series manual states that they recommend an aerosol cleaner. Now this can be a polish/cleaner product.

If B&W did not recommend any wood polishes then they wouldn't have said so from the two separate emails i sent them. In the two emails i asked what they recommended for maintaining the finish and they recommend a polish like Scott's Liquid Gold on the veneer and a soft paint brush on the cones, nothing more.

If it makes you happy to not use any polish to "protect" the wood then dont. I however believe that a polish will prolong the finish and that makes me happy, which at the end matters.

I think of it this way, just like a car's paint finish you need to maintain it!

[scanido]

The second email i got from B&W UK. I had to verify from a secondary source!


"Dear Steve,

Thank you for purchasing B&W! A simple spray polish such as pledge should be all that is really needed to keep your 804S speakers clean, and on occasion you may want to use a product such as Scott’s Liquid Gold which can really bring out a nice shine to the veneer of the cabinets.

The darkening finish should not be noticeable on Black finishes; this applies primarily to the Natural Cherry veneer.

Best Regards,
Michael xxxxxxxxx
The B&W Group
B&W / Rotel / Classe"

[Rolex]

Keep in mind this is a recommendation from one tech person at B&W, and not from the company. I know, I know, he represents the company. But, it's still his opinion. If B&W felt that strongly about it, they would put it in their manual.

The statement in the manual about the aerosol cleaner I take to mean compressed air. Not a furniture polish. No where does it state anything about a polish. That was your interpretation.

Just know that if you think you are going to prolong the life of the finish, you are confused. Like most consumers that buy into the furniture polishes. It's easy to sell things to people that don't have much knowledge of them.

One difference with the car polish. Cars are subjected to harsh environments outside, speakers not unless you use B&W's as a PA system.

[scanido]

Keep in mind this is a recommendation from one tech person at B&W, and not from the company. I know, I know, he represents the company. But, it's still his opinion. If B&W felt that strongly about it, they would put it in their manual.

The statement in the manual about the aerosol cleaner I take to mean compressed air. Not a furniture polish. No where does it state anything about a polish. That was your interpretation.

Just know that if you think you are going to prolong the life of the finish, you are confused. Like most consumers that buy into the furniture polishes. It's easy to sell things to people that don't have much knowledge of them.

One difference with the car polish. Cars are subjected to harsh environments outside, speakers not unless you use B&W's as a PA system.

I understand your point that is why i got a second opinion and two tech employees made the same recommendation, one from B&W USA and the other B&W UK.

The statement in the manual "could" mean either compressed air or wood cleaner/polish - same thing, that is why i emailed B&W to clarify. If there would be any harm then they would have explicitly said NOT to use ANY polish, which they haven't, so it is fine to use. Take it for what it's worth...

Anyways, I need to get back to listening to these wonderful speakers!

[Race Car Driver]

I think to many people are thinking into this too much.

Its a wood cabinet, sure some are more expensive then others, but it doesnt change the fact that its a wood cabinent. Its not a "special" kind of wood, just shaped and built in a "special" way.

Do as you wish, I doubt a some sort of cleaner/polisher will hurt your speaker cabinets

[RobP]

I think to many people are thinking into this too much.

Its a wood cabinet, sure some are more expensive then others, but it doesnt change the fact that its a wood cabinent. Its not a "special" kind of wood, just shaped and built in a "special" way.

Do as you wish, I doubt a some sort of cleaner/polisher will hurt your speaker cabinets

:agree:

just treat them the same way you would treat the rest of the wood in your home.

[OmegaSpeed]

The second email i got from B&W UK. I had to verify from a secondary source!


"Dear Steve,

Thank you for purchasing B&W! A simple spray polish such as pledge should be all that is really needed to keep your 804S speakers clean, and on occasion you may want to use a product such as Scott’s Liquid Gold which can really bring out a nice shine to the veneer of the cabinets.

The darkening finish should not be noticeable on Black finishes; this applies primarily to the Natural Cherry veneer.

Best Regards,
Michael xxxxxxxxx
The B&W Group
B&W / Rotel / Classe"

Where in Michaels statement does it say this will "prolong" anything? From his statements he is simply giving cleaning advice and how to make the finish shine.

[RobP]

Omega, if you re-read the post from Scanido he says "I however believe that a polish will prolong the finish and that makes me happy, which at the end matters."

I dont see the need to start nitpicking at each others statements, lets stick to the topic at hand which is the treatment of the wood finishes on our beloved B&W speakers.