Got an old Zenith, all tube chassis, 12" b/w portable in storage in the garage. An ink stamp inside the back cover dates it to 1970. Like most all old Zenith tv sets, it works fine.

The problem is it was stored for years in a dirty garage. The case and chassis are beyond dirty.

Soap/water and sunshine is ok for the chassis. But how the heck does one clean the plastic cabinet??? I ask because the last plastic tv cabinet, and old Capehart radio cabinet I cleaned, using soap and water, spotted badly. I would rather not do that to a perfectly good Zenith.

What cleaners are mild enough to use on old plastic without causing spotting?

You can try white GoJo hand cleaner, followed by Novus #2 polish.

With plastic, as always, try it in a small spot and see if there's any reaction.

A toothbrush will help if the plastic is grained.

I second the Novus polish suggestion. Novus #2 does wonders on smooth unpainted plastic surfaces. You don't even have to completely clean it first. I found an early 70's high-end 19" Zenith B&W in the trash a couple years ago with a white plastic cabinet. It was *filthy* dirty and heavily scratched up (nothing too deep though). A few minutes with Novus #2 (and a little elbow grease), and it looked practically brand new! Really amazing. Now, on that pebble-grained plastic often found on TV cabinets, it's not quite so effective. [The toothbrush suggestion works great though in that situation] I'd also not recommend it on painted cabinets, since it will probably remove the paint/coating. ...But on solid-color smooth plastic surfaces it's hard to beat.

Novus polish should be harmless to plastic, since it's really just an abrasive paste. Follow up with plain water (not soap), and you should be fine.

Tip: Novus polish also works great on scratched-up cloudy-looking plastic headlight bezels on cars. Also for reparing scratched CDs. ...Now how much would you pay? But wait, there's more! :)

...Now how much would you pay? But wait, there's more! :)

Makes me want to pick up the phone and get some Armourcote cookware...:D

I use Meguire's automotive products for plastics, and they work GREAT, better than any other products I've tried. Usually there are three steps: a cleaner, a polish (not always needed, but useful if there are scratches), and a protective coat, but some products are all-in-one. For transparent plastics, use "PlastX". They also make a great paint restorer, for painted parts. I use Meguire's now for about 90 percent of my exterior restorations, and am always satisfied with the results.

I'll second the vote for Novus plastic polish #2. I have used it for years on all types of plastics. Don't bother with Novus #1 I(lighter) and Novus #3 (heavier). I tried them out, and ended up throwing them away -- not necessary!

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

I use Meguire's automotive products for plastics, and they work GREAT, better than any other products I've tried. Usually there are three steps: a cleaner, a polish (not always needed, but useful if there are scratches), and a protective coat, but some products are all-in-one. For transparent plastics, use "PlastX". They also make a great paint restorer, for painted parts. I use Meguire's now for about 90 percent of my exterior restorations, and am always satisfied with the results.

PlastX will work on colored plastics also. Used it many times without a problem.

...

I'll second that andy, I've been using regular Dawn dish soap and water with microfiber cloths for years now with great results. Never ruined or spotted anything yet.

One would certainly think that plain water and a simple soap would do no harm to a plastic cabinet, but I found otherwise. I wasn't really upset about spotting the tv cabinet, but the Capehart clock radio was a different story.
I have heard that a product called "SimpleGreen" works really well and has no toxic chems in it. I think I may go that route first.

You are correct on the microfiber cloths for cleaning. I had never used or heard of one until 2 years ago. I bought a new car, and foolishly chose a charcoal colored interior. A real dust magnet. Those things are amazing. They leave no dust or lint residue at all. Now I use them for cleaning most everything. An amazing product.