Several times I have broken wires on
Flybacks trying to clean 70 years of
Crud from flybacks. For that reason
I like to find NOS replacements
When possible. I would be interested
To know what techniques other, more
Experienced collectors have developed
To eliminate the baked on dirt
Without damaging the flyback.
I appreciate your responses
Greatly and hope your methods
May also be helpful to other
Restorers. Thanks.

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), soft artist brush, Q-tip swabs.

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

I blow it out with compressed air, from a bit of a distance so it doesn't do harm, and then give it a wipe down with dry paper towels. I especially clean the rectifier socket and wire. I don't do anything more invasive, because I would rather it be a bit dirty than non working.

About the only time I clean the fly it's self is on color sets that have arcing and a dirty fly or any fly where there is corona, arcing or evidence of it... otherwise I typically try not to touch the fly to reduce risk of lead damage.

Of the few that I have done. I use VM & P Naphtha on q-tips. Pour a small amount in a glass jar with lid (jam jar ?) Paper towel off the excess from q-tip. It works great on the donut part that seems to attract a lot of greasy muck. Also can be used on the sides with the fine wires, carefully of course. Any areas that can't seem to be reached with the wide head of a q-tip, get some small artists paint brushes. i might use upwards of 50 q-tips on one flyback. Any fine fibers left from the q-tips can be pulled off with tweezers.
Just my 2 cents...
Tony
https://www.menards.com/main/paint/solvents-cleaners-removers/thinners-solvents/sunnyside-reg-naphtha-thinners-1-qt/80032/p-1444444215139-c-19345.htm?tid=8301825745765410309&ipos=2

Of the few that I have done. I use VM & P Naphtha on q-tips. Pour a small amount in a glass jar with lid (jam jar ?) Paper towel off the excess from q-tip. It works great on the donut part that seems to attract a lot of greasy muck. Also can be used on the sides with the fine wires, carefully of course. Any areas that can't seem to be reached with the wide head of a q-tip, get some small artists paint brushes. i might use upwards of 50 q-tips on one flyback. Any fine fibers left from the q-tips can be pulled off with tweezers.

Fiber free, but more expensive are the foam tipped swabs, available in a number of different sizes, such as these listed on ‘zon:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=foam+q+tips

not affiliated,
jr

Thanks for the tips everyone!