Here's a couple of project Kenmores!

[gansky1]

When I was around eight years old, my summer babysitter had a set of these 65's in her laundry room. One of the first I was around a lot that had lighted panels, I thought they were the most beautiful things I'd ever seen and stared at them in wonder for hours. She dried much of her washing outside everyday so it was a real treat to see both washer and dryer lit up and running a the same time. Don S. gave me a set of these panels - still one of my favorite Kenmo's.

 

[jons1077]

Here's what I did...

I got a bakelite ramp activator a while back for my GE. It was completely covered with hard water deposit. Some places a couple of milimeters thick!

I went to my local grocer and bought several bottles of very cheap vinegar. Filled up a bucket with vinegar and soaked it for a few days periodically taking a brush and scrubbing. The vinegar eventually turns that stuff into paste and it wipes off for the most part.

That would be a lot safer than muratic acid. That stuff is VERY dangerous. You can't touch it and particularly cannot inhale it. It will do damage. I say vinegar soak first.

Jon

 

[revvinkevin]

Muriatic acid

I agree with Jon COMPLETELY about the muriatic acid.... I have some because of the pool in my back yard and YES this stuff is very, VERY nasty! The fumes.... even from an arms length are horrible!!!!

I would NOT suggest using that. Definitely try the vinegar before other, stronger options!

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Jon and Kevin,

THANKS for the feedback. I'm going to try the vinegar on the gold agitator. I will let you know what happens.

As I mentioned earlier, I'm leary about doing much to the Roto-Swirl. You'd be surprised how deep shiny black this agitator is. Most of the crud is off of it, with trace lines of minerals remaining. I'd almost rather 'cheat' and use another agitator that I have vs. inadvertently dulling the luster of this one. I am however going to let it soak in water for a day or so and see what happens.

 

[dnastrau]

Diluted vinegar

Hi Gordon:

You could try a diluted vinegar solution - perhaps 50/50 with distilled water to get the rest of the minerals off. I wouldn't use tap water as that will just make the vinegar work harder...

Andrew S.

 

[retro-man]

Are we missing the obvious

Just a thought, how about a clean trash barrel with a hefty dose of laundry detergent and hot water. Immerse for a few hours and a good scrubbing with a towel or a soft brush or a brush with a towel over it. I bet alot of that residue would be removable with no damage to the finish. Can't hurt since this was what it was made for.
Jon

 

[kenmoreguy64]

John & Andrew -

I did a lot of work on the machine today, and spent some time cleaning the agitator. I used the vinegar idea, and with three or four tries, most of the residue has come off. It was etched into the plastic, and some still remains.

The trash barrel idea is a good one, but the agitator will actually fit sitting down or on it's side in my kitchen sink so I could do it that way if necessary. I may work on the black roto-swirl that way.

I have a lot of pictures from today's work, that I'll try to post later tonight.

Gordon

 

[jons1077]

Very good!

Vinegar does work but very slowly. I went through quite a bit and over a period of a few days. It didn't clean it 100% but pretty darn close. I'm anxious to see your progress. I finally should have some time tonight and will get photos and videos of the 900 series I just got.

Jon

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I'll be back at it today on the '65 800. The basket locknut is stuck tight. I am going to try heating the area with a torch, so we'll see how that goes. It should be interesting!

Wish me luck....

 

[dnastrau]

PB Blaster , CRC Freeze-off or Kroil

PB Blaster, CRC Freeze-off or Kroil are very good penetrating oils. I'd give those a try. The first two are available at any Wal-Mart or your closest auto parts store. Contrary to what a lot of people think, WD-40 is really not a good penetrating oil.

Good luck!

Andrew S.