Ribbon Bar Cleaning?

[Scott C.]

I've got a WWII German 5-place ribbon bar that is quite dirty. It's not 'soiled' or stained, but just dirty - like it's been rolling around in an old desk drawer for several decades. I've gone over it lightly with a very soft, dry toothbrush which helped remove surface dust, but the ribbons are still dirty. Is there a safe way to bring some life back to old ribbon bars without ruining them?

Thanks.

Scott

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

I've got a WWII German 5-place ribbon bar that is quite dirty. It's not 'soiled' or stained, but just dirty - like it's been rolling around in an old desk drawer for several decades. I've gone over it lightly with a very soft, dry toothbrush which helped remove surface dust, but the ribbons are still dirty. Is there a safe way to bring some life back to old ribbon bars without ruining them?

Thanks.

Scott

How about blowing canned air, like used on computer components after you gently disturb the surface with a gentle brushing?

Also, I have seen small vacuum handhelds that have a small bristle brush at the end so that any dirt that is disturbed will be taken away immediately.

Maybe some super duper adhesive cream colored packing tape can be applied and rubed on the ribbon surface and then gently removed...don't know if this helps, just thinking out loud...

[Scott C.]

Thanks Steven. I think the small vaccume would cost more than the bar is worth. However, I'll give the compressed air idea a try

Scott