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While putting in humidifiers yesterday, I noticed that the cloth cover on one case is really dirty and dusty. Â I have removed a couple of covers from the foam/plywood case before so that a seamstress could replace zippers, and it is pretty easily done. Â I am thinking that I could remove the cover and launder it in my washing machine and tumble dry it. Â Has anyone done this before or see any problems?
Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.  —Werner von Braun
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.     —Frank Zappa
Experience is a difficult teacher, it gives the test first and the lesson after.
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How about some spray foam upholstery cleaner like Resolve. Spray it on, let it sit and dry, vacuum off. I don't know if it would work but sounds a lot easier then removing the whole outside of a case.Â
Opportunity is often missed because it wears suspenders and looks like hard work.
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I thought that a product like that might cause a problem with the foam backing, but a chair (and a car seat) uses a similar material. Â There are only about 8 small screws holding the fabric cover on, so that is not a big deal either.
Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.  —Werner von Braun
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.     —Frank Zappa
Experience is a difficult teacher, it gives the test first and the lesson after.
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Ah ok. Mine is non removable. If you can remove it, go for it. I'd wash it by hand though.
Opportunity is often missed because it wears suspenders and looks like hard work.
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How's your case cover laundry caper going, @Irv ?
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Similarly (?), in a downpour, how do you protect your case? Garden bin bags are all I can think of, unless I buy some tarpaulin and custom-make a cover. Anyone done anything like that?
Andrew
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Hi Andrew. Â Funny that you should mention rain. Â Heard Angela and Jennifer Chun last week at a world premiere of a dance choreographed by Jonah Bokaer (Late Nights on Air) and I swear their instruments were in Cecilio vinyl cases. Â At first I excitedly hoped that the violins were Cecilio as well, since their tone was excellent. Â That hope was dashed when I learned via the internet that they play valuable antique instruments. Â Perhaps that night?
All of their album covers seems to have photographs of them walking in the rain with their respective violin cases exposed to the full down pour (more credence that they might be Cecilio violins). Â Hope springs eternal.
A vinyl covered case, as well as fiberglass and carbon fiber, should protect from rain quite well. Â I have seen photos of expensive cases with a removable cloth envelope. Â It would be fairly inexpensive to provide a cover of gortex cloth and taped seams to provide excellent water proofing. Â And your idea of a plastic bin bag should also work.
Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.  —Werner von Braun
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.     —Frank Zappa
Experience is a difficult teacher, it gives the test first and the lesson after.
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Irv said
It would be fairly inexpensive to provide a cover of gortex cloth and taped seams to provide excellent water proofing.  And your idea of a plastic bin bag should also work. Â
Hmm, just about the only thing I have never seen made from Goretex is condoms (am I allowed to say that on this forum?).
The bin-bag would be my second choice. I'll look into customising something, be it breathable or plastic.
Andrew
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Goretex sheds water but passes water vapor. Â I use it for diy violin case humidifiers. Â It may also be possible to use a waterproofing spray commonly used on outdoor jackets. Â
Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.  —Werner von Braun
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.     —Frank Zappa
Experience is a difficult teacher, it gives the test first and the lesson after.
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Spurred on by the insistence of bocaholly, I laundered the Cecilio violin case cover today with Tide Ultra Stain Release detergent. Â I took photos but there is little to see.
I had thought that the fabric was nylon. Â I now think that it is cotton with a substantial amount of black sizing (perhaps paint). Â Some of the sizing/paint came off in the dryer and I needed to use a vacuum cleaner to remove (the particles must have been electrically charged because a damp paper towel was useless). Â Washed in cold water with gentle heat tumble dry. Â An extremely small amount of shrinkage (could still use existing screw holes in fabric). Â I shut all zippers before washing but main zipper opened during washing anyways. Â Lost Cecilio nameplate during wash but small loss indeed.
Fabric is now completely stain free and looks great.  Due to release of sizing, I don’t think that the fabric could take this more than a couple of times.  Â
Research is what I’m doing when I don’t know what I’m doing.  —Werner von Braun
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.     —Frank Zappa
Experience is a difficult teacher, it gives the test first and the lesson after.
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What started out sounding like a calamity finally turned out just fine. Glad to hear that, Irv, especially since I allegedly nudged you into finally trying 🙂
Admittedly, I had to look up "sizing". Pathetic for someone (me) whose father spent his whole life in the garment business. I guess not much rubbed off.
Speaking of rubbing off, since you're not going to want to rewash that case cover too often, may I suggest some spray protection. If you'd rather go the crunchy-granola route, how about this rubbed into the fabric?: