Cleaning calfskin heads

[Whatarethese123]

Hey y'all. Got a set that I'm restoring and it still has the original calfskin heads. Unfortunately, they've got dirt, stick marks, and a bunch of other stuff on them. I want to keep the heads on, because they're cool (and look great despite the dirt/stick marks for the age of the drum.

I was wondering if anyone here has experience cleaning 60+ year old calfskin heads and could lend some advice.

Any help, as always, is greatly appreciated!

[kdg]

I remember this topic came up recently on this or another forum.
I have never tried this, but I do use Calf quite a lot.
For dirt and stick marks, I would try a soft scrub sponge/toothbrush with mild soap and water (or possibly a very soft rubber eraser). Work in small areas at a time and use as little water as you can, otherwise you may free the head from the fleshhoop.
For hand oil and sweat....I have no idea.

[Whatarethese123]

Here are pics of what I'm dealing with. It's much worse than I remembered.

[Whatarethese123]

Well, I'm responding to this for anyone who wonders this in the future.


I saw on a banjo forum that people recommended using a melamine foam eraser (a la, Mr. Clean Magic eraser). Works like...well magic. Drum heads look brand new, I didn't press very hard, and I took care about the ink logo. Took off all the stick marks, but kept the logo on.

[kdg]

Bravo!!
Before and after pics??

[Whatarethese123]

Originally Posted by kdg

Bravo!!
Before and after pics??

Meant to say kdg, I appreciated your advice. Don't want to seem like I ignored it, but unfortunately, those stick marks were a bit too stuck on!


Before and after below. I'm not sure if I really need to point out which is which, I think it's obvious. I should say, one of the heads did have areas that were clear before, and some of the brown spots didn't come off, but oh well. Maybe those are from the cow.


Pictures.

[kdg]

Amazing job man!!
Those heads almost look new!

[idrum4fun]

Mr. Clean strikes again! Your head really came out great!

-Mark

[Hoppy]

Wow that Magic Eraser did the trick!!!
And I was going to recommend something like this, sheesh what was I thinkin' ;-)

[Multijd]

Yes Magic Eraser.