I use the 'millwax' made for pinball machines
although it takes a few cleanings maybe 3-4 times

Just use a general cleaner. I like using a cloth with simply orange .. it's not alcohol based and gets the dirt/grime off things before waxing. Plus my fingers smell good afterwards

There are a bunch of citrus oil based cleaners out there. Try one and see what you think. I don't like alcohol or chemical based cleaners as they tend to dry out the plastics and especially the rubbers if you get them on there.

Aren't you supposed to wax the playfield with a carnuba wax?

Use Novus2 to clean the playfield if it is really dirty. Followed with Novus1 to get the 2 off. Novus1 for regular cleaning. 100% Carnuba Paste wax (Mothers, Macguires, Turtle) for waxing. Do not use a cleaner/wax.

i use a magic eraser first, then i apply novus2 (2 times), a heavy coat of novus1. then wax everything (ramps, guides, wire forms, subways) anywhere the ball touches.. using regular turtle wax (2 coats). ...wax the pinballs... good to go.

it may be overkill ...but it's better than the pinballs/dirt eating away at the playfield.

Handy tip - buy a beaten playfield if you ever get the chance - great to experiment on.

Also, I use the Novus 3/2 for plastics - works nice. Not so swell on the PF. I like using the Millwax made for playfields and lots of various terry cloths/old t-shirts. Lots of elbow grease really works out the dirt that otherwise seems permanent.

Before: (notice mylar, center clouds at top of playfield, generally dirty)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/super8man/4651809286/sizes/l/

After: (most of the dirt gone, much nicer, brighter)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/super8man/4653533453/sizes/l/

Novus 2 really cleaned up the circle targets and the yellow of the pop bumpers.

playfield1.jpg playfield9.jpg

going with raijin on this one - magic eraser(if needed) then novus 2, I dont use much novus 1 - but then 10 coats of wax and just keep on buffing. I also use meguiars plastx
for my plastics.

the magic eraser is good -but easy to go too far if not careful

one would have to have a heavy hand to do damage.

...but i wouldn't doubt it.

magic eraser </= 1500 grit sandpaper.

but the thing is magic...!!!

Now, at what point is your playfield too worn to clean like this? Can age and wear reach a point where you'll just be chipping paint off the playfield if you try to give it a good cleaning?

If the paint is cracked or worn down to the white.

My suggestion was just for cleaning before waxing like initially asked. I just don't see the need to use the expensive Novus products. A good non-alcohol based oil cleaner and a good store bought car wax works great for me. I also like using the spray car touch up products in between cleanings and waxes. Ok .. label me a Novus traitor.

NOVUS TRAITOR!!!!!

You probably buy no-name brand gasoline too,eh?? I thought pinball was a hobby for the rich?

Simple Orange and Simple Green are quite different. Both are excellent though. I use Simple Green, personally. Simple Orange is citrus based, Simple Green is not.

I use Simple Beer. The foaming action does wonders for my ability to think the job I'm doing is just fine.

Novus has fantastic products. Thanks for all the kind jabs etc. The most important thing is that you in any way clean and wax and take care of your machines. Just don't let them deteriorate so future generations get less than the best out of them.