Added -
So far, there have been some decent tips. Ill add them to my post so you can read them without the psychobabble if you need answers now. The untreated rubber on your cymbals require a different care method then the rest of your kit, and are the hardest to clean, treat, and keep from fading.
1. Clean with a damp, soft rag, using warm water.
2. If its really dirty, use a damp soft rag with a non abrasive cleaner that breaks down completely with no grit, and is water soluble.
3. Polish.
303
So far 303 Aerospace Protectant has shown us the best results to make the cymbals rubber pads look out of the box new. Then again, TD has been the only one to show before and after pics using any products, and its expensive.
Plexus Anti Static Cleaner, Protectant and Polish
Works great on any hard plastic.
Need more input!
4. Products that dont work on rubber cymbal pads.
Pledge.
JO System Lubricant.
(When testing products, use a small section of your pad!)
You will find that cleaning the rest of your kit is pretty easy. Warm water and a soft pad should do the trick.
Looking forward to more comments!
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Hi guys.
Ive got a early DM6, and the pads and cymbals have lost their luster.
Id like to know if anyone has found a good way to keep them clean, as well as bring back their luster.
I bought a new pad that doesnt look like its the same materials as the rest of the kit. Its also somewhat sticky. The older ones arent scored or pitted, just ground in dusty.
What do you use for your hard plastic and rubber pieces and soft Alesis pad heads? My drum head has an impact circle, but it doesnt have a problem triggering.
Im about to break out a damp soft cloth with just water. After some reading, a mild detergent on the new pad to reduce the sticky has been suggested. Ive also read that pledge and tire polish can get it gleaming. Not going to try that untill someone says its a good thing, lol.
Thanks for reading guys.
Added -
Used a soft, damp cloth on the pads, worked wonders.
I had a stash of some plastic cleaner/polish I used on the rims and plastic parts of the cymbals.
The rubber bits are more difficult. I tried a few things in small areas I read on the net. Pledge, guitar polish, mild dish soap and water..
Every time after it drys, I end up with a milky finish. While the Pledge had the best results, I really had to coat it. However the rubber is still milkish.
Id like the rubber bits on the cymbals to be a dark and shiny black. Next up is tire cleaner. Might even try 3 in 1 oil in a very light coat.