Running a case through the dishwasher

Howdy folks.

Picked up another Atari 520STe recently (don't hate!) and while its in overall pretty good condition, I would like to clean the case and especially the keys a little bit better. Thinking of taking the machine apart and while recapping the board, running the case through the dish washer.


Any suggestions on what settings to use? Do I use my regular dish washing liquid? Drying cycle or no?

How would I do the keys? Perhaps put them in one of those mesh laundry bags and put it in the dishwasher.


Also, how would I protect the case badge and label on the bottom of the case?

Low or no salt, regular dishwashing liquid/tablet's are fine

No drying cycle, let them dry naturally in the air

You have the solution to your key's dilemma - use the mesh bag :thumbsup:

When I recently put my spare A1200 case through the dishwasher, I didn't protect any labels or badges and they survived fully intact

I've done it with several computers. Wife thought I was crazy LOL!

As blankstare said, don't run the dry cycle. I have had the glue on labels loosen, but not come off. I just re-position the labels and blot them with a towel and the glue re-hardens. My dishwasher has a built in basket for silverware. Works perfect for holding keys.

Is there an option to disable the drying cycle or do you have to manually abort the program? Our washer is an integrated model and the controls are not accessible during the wash, so you really should be able to disable it beforehand.

The symbol on the dial of my dishwasher for drying is a pot with vertical wavy lines above it.

I manually stop the dishwasher by pressing the on/off button and remove any plastics before reaching this point.

You might have to make an educated guess or ask the wife :p

Do it in a sink with washing up liquid and a sponge - don't be lazy :p

(non dish washer owner) :(

IMPORTANT!

Choose a cool wash cycle, or bad things will happen..... case plastics can distort badly with heat. Or wash it 'handraulically' as Steve suggests....:D

I'm with Steve and Merlin, I always wash my old retro gear with a toothbrush and bowl of good ol' hot soapy water, and take my time :)

I do think you do not need a machine, do it by hand with a lot of cleaning products for normal dish cleaning.

Then you can see if you need retrobright or not. After that you can have basic paint job as well if you are to laizy to sand. I use the metal sponge for plastic cleaning before spray, it leaves micro scratches witch helps to fix the paint real good.

Most of old equipment need retrobright anyhow if you like it look as new:whistle:

You rich lazy people with dishwashers sheesh :)