Rust on Triple.Fi cable pins

[kellte2]

Does anyone have any idea on how to safely clean a small amount of rust off some Triple.Fi cable pins?  I have been wearing mine to work out and I guess some sweat got the pin setting and rusted a little on the connection.  They still work fine, but I guess I can't wear them to the gym anymore.
 
Thankfully, the earbuds themselves are not damaged.  Has anyone every had anything like this happen?

 

[ethan961]

A small amount of steel wool maybe?

 

[High_Q]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=rust+clean

 

[kellte2]

Quote:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=rust+clean

haha, already took care of that.  
 
Just was seeing if anyone else had ever experienced anything like this - or seeing if people would suggest that I just ditch the cable since they're user replaceable.

 

[ethan961]

Quote:

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=rust+clean

Removing rust from a large piece of metal is different than the delicate pins, he simply does not want to damage them or his earphones. I say no harm in asking.

 

[ClieOS]

Don't bother to remove the rust, just replace the cable.
 
Those pins are gold plated. If it rusts, it can only means the protective layer has began to fail and it will only get wort from this point onward.
 
Quote:

haha, already took care of that.  
 
Just was seeing if anyone else had ever experienced anything like this - or seeing if people would suggest that I just ditch the cable since they're user replaceable.

 

[ethan961]

Ah, sorry, I forgot about the gold plating. I've never owned an IEM with such pins so that wouldn't be the first thing I would think of.
I hope I didn't cause you any damage or anything.

 

[RadiatedAnt]

I'm a lab tech and I restore electronic equipment on a daily basis, just get a clean toothbrush and 91% alcohol and go to town on the contact

 

[kellte2]

Thanks for the responses everyone!  I already got most of it with q-tips and rubbing alcohol, but I'm going to go in for the kill with RadiatedAnt's suggestion.
 
If all else fails, replacement cables are cheap.  I'm just thankful that the rust didn't get into the earbud connection side of things.