Record Cleaning (Ohhhh yes that old chestnut again)

[Jac Hawk]

While i've always believed that any record cleaning process is better than non at all, i must admit that non in my humble opinion are perfect. Back in the 70's and 80's we used the velvet brush and that little bottle of liquid, it got the rough off but that was about it, no real deep cleaning.

About 10 or so years ago i tried the PVA technique, it was ok and got a lot of ground in dirt out but was very messy and took ages to dry so you couldn't do a big batch, then i got a Knosti Disco Antistat which essentially is a manual fluid bath and brush technique, the problem here was the drying times again, and the fact that there wasn't a rinse tank although i've known people buy 2 units, 1 for wash and 1 for rinse, but essentially it's a manual process and it's a bit messy, although having said that for about £70 if you're on a tight budget it will give you good results in my opinion.

After the Knosti i bought a Ultrasonic bath type cleaner, like most mine was a commercially available 6ltr bath with a motor and spindle assembly made to turn the records, the results are good I must say, however there isn't a dryer or a rinse bath, so dirt suspended in the cleaning fluid can and will stick, usually towards the centre of the record, so regular filtering of dirty cleaning liquid is necessary and there's 6lts of it so it can get expensive.

A few days ago i saw a Project VC-S vacuum cleaning machine for a very reasonable price, so decided to get it, my idea being to carry out a 2 stage clean and dry, that should give the best of both worlds, by using the VC-S 1st, then rinsing in the ultrasonic tank filled only with distilled water, then a final vacuum dry my LP's should be as clean as possible, ok it isn't as simple as some of the very expensive machines, but the combined cleaning process should give me clean records every time and without having them sat drying and potentially attracting more dust.

[Jimbo]

You have recorded your history of record cleaning succinctly and it has detailed an ever increasing effective approach to cleaning those round bits of plastic. I too have been on this quest and could write pages on methodology, equipment and many cleaning liquid formulations but it would take pages.

I always feel that whatever you do there is always another method/ piece of equipment that could be even more effective.

Thanks for sharing your record cleaning history and good luck with the latest method!

[Jac Hawk]

No problem James, i'm keeping my fingers crossed. out of interest is there any cleaning fluid for the VC-S you would recommend, it came with a bottle of Project Wash It, so i'll give that a go but if there is a particularly good gleaning fluid for these type of brush / vacuum machines, then i'll get some.

[Jimbo]

The project VC -S looks like a slightly more sophisticated version of the VPI 16.5 rcm machine I use and I am sure your have ample opportunity to experiment with various record cleaning fluid concoctions. To be honest Mike I think it is where you plunge down the rabbit hole as there are now 10 times as many available on the market than there were 5 years ago!

Personally I use a very pure IPA solution with distilled water. 1/4 IPA to 3/4 water and sometimes a surfactant. However `I also do a number of washes and cleans with a final rinse of distilled water. The biggest problem as you know with any of these machines is their ability to introduce static via the brush/vacuum so I have now got this down to a minimum of just one revolution and then air dry.

Obviously your vinyl has such a wide range of dirt/static and dust depending on age/storage/use etc so I find I approach each record as an individual project and vary my cleaning accordingly from a light touch clean to a full repeated cleaning session depending on the amount of dirt / static. I often find two cleans need to be implemented but when a record is just full of static maybe one and a light use of cleaning fluid.

I know IPA is frowned upon by some in the audiophile community but it works for me and I have had no long term adverse side effects.

I do sometimes do a deep clean with some L'Art Du Son cleaning fluid if I have a particularly old record which has never been cleaned before. Then launch into my usual process with IPA and water.

I have tried loads of other solutions but many are much of a muchness although there are some new ones on the market that I have not tried yet.

One day I would very much like to move to one of these machines in the link below but I will need to save a few pennies for this one!

https://www.analogueseduction.net/record-cleaning-machines/audio-desk-systeme-vinyl-cleaner-pro-x-record-cleaning-machine.html

[Jac Hawk]

One day I would very much like to move to one of these machines in the link below but I will need to save a few pennies for this one!

https://www.analogueseduction.net/record-cleaning-machines/audio-desk-systeme-vinyl-cleaner-pro-x-record-cleaning-machine.html

Ha! me too

[AJSki2fly]

The project VC -S looks like a slightly more sophisticated version of the VPI 16.5 rcm machine I use and I am sure your have ample opportunity to experiment with various record cleaning fluid concoctions. To be honest Mike I think it is where you plunge down the rabbit hole as there are now 10 times as many available on the market than there were 5 years ago!

Personally I use a very pure IPA solution with distilled water. 1/4 IPA to 3/4 water and sometimes a surfactant. However `I also do a number of washes and cleans with a final rinse of distilled water. The biggest problem as you know with any of these machines is their ability to introduce static via the brush/vacuum so I have now got this down to a minimum of just one revolution and then air dry.

Obviously your vinyl has such a wide range of dirt/static and dust depending on age/storage/use etc so I find I approach each record as an individual project and vary my cleaning accordingly from a light touch clean to a full repeated cleaning session depending on the amount of dirt / static. I often find two cleans need to be implemented but when a record is just full of static maybe one and a light use of cleaning fluid.

I know IPA is frowned upon by some in the audiophile community but it works for me and I have had no long term adverse side effects.

I do sometimes do a deep clean with some L'Art Du Son cleaning fluid if I have a particularly old record which has never been cleaned before. Then launch into my usual process with IPA and water.

I have tried loads of other solutions but many are much of a muchness although there are some new ones on the market that I have not tried yet.

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Much the same as me, I made my own rinse unit from and old TT and modified a wet/dry hoover using the small nozzle with a slit cut along its length, a hole for the TT spindle and luxury velvet cribbon glued to the nozzle to protect the record when vacuum drying. It works and I have got some pretty dirty records back to sounding excellent. It can be hit and miss a record that looks great can even after many clean still not sound too good, long term poor stylus abuse probably, or another can require many cleans probably due to heavy nicotine layer which is hard to remove.

[Jac Hawk]

Yes it's that years old dried in crud that is hard to shift and is what the ultrasonic machine gets to grips with particularly well, but once off it can float around in the solution and stick back to the record when lifted out, that's where i think the vac will come into it's own, literally sucking all the loose crap off the disk

[Jimbo]

Yes there is only so much crud liquid / wet cleaning vacuum machines can achieve. The trick with the ultrasonic machines is they create air bubbles of just the right size and intensity to dislodge dirt in the grooves and are therefore the ultimate RCM in my book. I know someone who has one and he gets dead silent records after a clean which are far quieter than a traditional can achieve.

[Ali Tait]

Have jumped in on this Kickstarter, be a good price for one if it comes off-

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1780568218/vinylsonic-supersonic-vinyl-record-auto-cleaner-and-turntable?ref=ksr_email_backer_backer_confirmation&PC=OUTLIOS&FORM=OUTLSB

Just the cleaner, not the TT.

[Jimbo]

Have jumped in on this Kickstarter, be a good price for one if it comes off-

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1780568218/vinylsonic-supersonic-vinyl-record-auto-cleaner-and-turntable?ref=ksr_email_backer_backer_confirmation&PC=OUTLIOS&FORM=OUTLSB

Just the cleaner, not the TT.

Looks good Ali.

[Pigmy Pony]

Looks interesting Ali, but what is this Kickstarter thing? What do I have to do? Only want the cleaner.

[Ali Tait]

It's a website that can accumulate backers for a new idea or gadget. If there's enough interest and the required funding is raised, the project goes ahead. Early backers get the item at a cheaper price. You only pay if it goes ahead.

Follow the link and pledge for what you want to receive from the options-
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1780568218/vinylsonic-supersonic-vinyl-record-auto-cleaner-and-turntable?ref=ksr_email_backer_backer_confirmation

[Pigmy Pony]

Ah, so I only pay if it becomes a thing. Nothing upfront. Sounds like a good thing to me.

[CageyH]

You only pay if the project meets the funding goal, which it has.
You may, or may not get a product at the end.

[Ali Tait]

Yep, but you'll only be charged if you do.

[Ali Tait]

Ah, so I only pay if it becomes a thing. Nothing upfront. Sounds like a good thing to me.

Yes, but you have to give your card details up front, they tell you when you'll be charged. Looks like they’ll be shipping in December.

[Pigmy Pony]

Yes, but you have to give your card details up front, they tell you when you'll be charged. Looks like they’ll be shipping in December.

Done it. Hers's hoping...:)

[Ali Tait]

Me too.��

[Jac Hawk]

Done it. Hers's hoping...:)

i'll be coming round yours in December to get my records cleaned then Steve:eyebrows::eyebrows::eyebrows:

[Pigmy Pony]

i'll be coming round yours in December to get my records cleaned then Steve:eyebrows::eyebrows::eyebrows:

:D Pity that expected (possibly) delivery is December. I could have brought it up to NEBO for folk to try out. Maybe getting ahead of myself, at the moment it is no more than a picture on my laptop screen.

[Pigmy Pony]

Bit of a hiccup today. Kickstarter tried to take £132 for this Vinylsonic RCM, but the bank flagged it as "unusual activity" and blocked payment. Had a devil of a job getting it sorted, which it is now. Mrs. P was a bit freaked out by it all, thinking it was a scam, and called me at work. I probably should have told her about it when first signing up :doh:

[Qwin]

Folks are starting to get concerned over at Kickstart.
No update in 60 days and all requests for info ignored.
What worries me is the shipping cost.
"It will be collected at the end of the campaign" the price quoted for shipping is just an estimate, they could charge you what ever they want if they have your card details.

I hope for you guys sake, its not a scam.
There are similar machines for sale in the UK for around the same price, or less.

[struth]

Ive always been wary of kickstarters.

[Jac Hawk]

Ive always been wary of kickstarters.

Same here Grant, an electric starter is always going to be better and easier on the shins:lol::lol: seriously though I hope that everyone who have parted with their hard earned cash don't get left high and dry

[Tim]

I did a music Kickstarter once for a band I quite liked who were a bit niche and hadn't recorded anything in years - I actually promoted it on here, but thankfully no-one took it up except me. Pledged £20.00 which was more than needed, the project hit goal and they apparently went into the studio to start recording. Got charged my twenty quid and got diddly squat . . . unless they're still making it, but it was about 10 years ago!

So hopefully you guys will be OK, most Kickstarters I know about seem to be fine, I was just unlucky I reckon :)

[Pigmy Pony]

I did that Kickstarter thing for the Vinylsonic RCM. Only info I've seen is "Estimated delivery December 2022". My main concern is that if it turns out I've been diddled, Mrs. P will batter me to a pulp - she wasn't happy about it from day one. That's my Christmas present that is :(

[Lawrence001]

I did that Kickstarter thing for the Vinylsonic RCM. Only info I've seen is "Estimated delivery December 2022". My main concern is that if it turns out I've been diddled, Mrs. P will batter me to a pulp - she wasn't happy about it from day one. That's my Christmas present that is :(Funny Christmas present if Mrs P thought it was a scam when the bank phoned to check the payment [emoji23] or is it a present to yourself [emoji1787]

[struth]

I did that Kickstarter thing for the Vinylsonic RCM. Only info I've seen is "Estimated delivery December 2022". My main concern is that if it turns out I've been diddled, Mrs. P will batter me to a pulp - she wasn't happy about it from day one. That's my Christmas present that is :(

hope it all works out steve... although looking like it might be next year now.

[Pigmy Pony]

Funny Christmas present if Mrs P thought it was a scam when the bank phoned to check the payment [emoji23] or is it a present to yourself [emoji1787]

I told her it could be my Christmas present from her, when she asked what the bloody hell have I been buying now... seemed like a good idea at the time :)

[Pigmy Pony]

hope it all works out steve... although looking like it might be next year now.

My records will have to stay looking like cow pats for a bit longer... I can live with that :)

[Barry]

A University friend of mine, who was, let's say, a little on the stout side, used to clean his LPs by wiping them across his jumper-clad mid-drift! :D

Me - I just use a Brillo pad.

[Jac Hawk]

I did that Kickstarter thing for the Vinylsonic RCM. Only info I've seen is "Estimated delivery December 2022". My main concern is that if it turns out I've been diddled, Mrs. P will batter me to a pulp - she wasn't happy about it from day one. That's my Christmas present that is :(

You can loan my RMC mate, i'll bring it round in a box and pretend i'm from DHL, your missus will be non the wiser and you will dodge a trip to A&E :eyebrows::eyebrows::lol::lol::lol:

[Qwin]

:rfl:

[Pigmy Pony]

You can loan my RMC mate, i'll bring it round in a box and pretend i'm from DHL, your missus will be non the wiser and you will dodge a trip to A&E :eyebrows::eyebrows::lol::lol::lol:

:D Kind offer Mike, but that kind of deception can easily snowball... Imagine you turned up in your DHL outfit (which by the way suits you so much better than that nurse's uniform): All goes well until the actual item finally arrives. Then I have two RCMs. So then I have to say it must be a cock up on their part and I should return it. "Sod that," she will say, "I'm putting it on Ebay!" So then you have to be the winning bidder, funded by me.

Then at a later date, when you come over to evaluate the merits of my latest stylus guard, she will recognise you. "Why have you become pally with your DHL bloke? Is there something you're not telling me?" That's what you get for being more handsome than yer average delivery bloke...

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but i find honesty is the simplest route. And if that shows me to be a bit thick, well, she knew that already :doh:

[AJSki2fly]

:D Kind offer Mike, but that kind of deception can easily snowball... Imagine you turned up in your DHL outfit (which by the way suits you so much better than that nurse's uniform): All goes well until the actual item finally arrives. Then I have two RCMs. So then I have to say it must be a cock up on their part and I should return it. "Sod that," she will say, "I'm putting it on Ebay!" So then you have to be the winning bidder, funded by me.

Then at a later date, when you come over to evaluate the merits of my latest stylus guard, she will recognise you. "Why have you become pally with your DHL bloke? Is there something you're not telling me?" That's what you get for being more handsome than yer average delivery bloke...

Maybe I'm overthinking it, but i find honesty is the simplest route. And if that shows me to be a bit thick, well, she knew that already :doh:

Why not get Mike to pop over dressed up as Santa with the RCM, then you can tell SWMBO its was on your Christmas list to Santa. If she tells you to send it back then you can say you can't, or not at least until Santa comes back next year. Ho Ho Ho.:christmas:

[Pigmy Pony]

Why not get Mike to pop over dressed up as Santa with the RCM, then you can tell SWMBO its was on your Christmas list to Santa. If she tells you to send it back then you can say you can't, or not at least until Santa comes back next year. Ho Ho Ho.:christmas:

You're a dastardly bunch at AoS, I wouldn't get these kind of "solutions" on my lampshade making forum ;)

[Lawrence001]

Ah, so I only pay if it becomes a thing. Nothing upfront. Sounds like a good thing to me.
You only pay if the project meets the funding goal, which it has.
You may, or may not get a product at the end.
Yep, but you'll only be charged if you do.Think there was a bit of confusion back then about how this crowdfunding lark works. Cagey seems to have been right. Don't think I'll be jumping on any soon...

[WOStantonCS100]

I wasn't aware of that campaign; but, I don't always keep my ear to the ground.

Late to the party as usual but here's the road I'm on...

I took the plunge on an (inexpensive) ultrasonic RCM (tank + motor) for Christmas (Vevor). Money well spent IMHO. To get the same results without it was a very long process. Whereas I used to clean 10 records in a week, I can now clean that many in a few hours. With the right cleaning formula, this thing cuts through just about any muck that can get on a record without manual labor, huge plus. I still do a final rinse in the Spin Clean (distilled water only) and let them air dry. (A vacuum RCM would likely be a great replacement for the Spin Clean in this scenario.) I could be completely lazy. The major drawback (which really isn't one) is that the ultrasonic is so fast that I can't bugger off and go fart around doing other stuff because every ten minutes it's time to switch records. Additionally I'm having to buy inner sleeves more often. Quite happy so far but only two months in and 150~ super clean LPs. Time will tell.

[WOStantonCS100]

As a follow up, I am still using and quite satisfied with the ultrasonic cleaning method.

Today a came home with 100-150 45's. (At a quick glance, there were some good ones in the stack, so at a bulk price I just went for it.) I rarely if ever buy 45's. Typically, I find, by virtue of their purpose, they tend to be in the wild without sleeves and dirty as all get out, if not trashed. Well shiver me timbers... the ultrasonic is making listenable spins out of the lion's share of these. Again, I am very, very impressed. I was hesitant about running the styrene 45's through; but, it is handling these well without damaging them. I have boxes of 45's but have not bothered with them because of their need for cleaning and the time it would previously take to accomplish that. This is a game changer. (I still prefer LP's by far; however, I wouldn't mind digitizing and making "45 compilations".)