View Full Version : Record cleaning solution
What record cleaning solution are you guys using currently.
Any good recommendations?
Boyse6748
22-05-2023, 19:36
What record cleaning solution are you guys using currently.
Any good recommendations?
Been using the Jazz Collective mix for years…. Nothing better[emoji106]
400 ml Distilled Water
100 ml IPL
2.5 ml Ilfotol
Other mixes available, but none better, than the above.
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What these guys (https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/for-audiophiles/home-brew-cleaner-for-vacuum-rcms/) recommend:
https://londonjazzcollector.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/ingredients-x1600px.jpg
That's pretty much what I use at the moment.
Pigmy Pony
22-05-2023, 21:49
Firebottle gave me some of what he was using - I think it was called 'The One', from MCRU. Worked well.
Mikeandvan
22-05-2023, 22:07
How about CD cleaning, this Meridian G08 is picky on what you put inside her.
Pigmy Pony
23-05-2023, 05:50
How about CD cleaning, this Meridian G08 is picky on what you put inside her.
What's she doing living in Brighton then? :ner: A mate of mine used to swear by T Cut. Which sounds drastic, and probably is, but his CDs had a really hard life - no cases and constantly trodden on :doh:
What's she doing living in Brighton then? :ner: A mate of mine used to swear by T Cut. Which sounds drastic, and probably is, but his CDs had a really hard life - no cases and constantly trodden on :doh:
it worked on most older cds, although it had to be done carefully and cds needed to be badly scratched as you could screw them completely if not careful. you can buy cd cleaning fluid tho and even machines
walpurgis
23-05-2023, 07:34
How about CD cleaning, this Meridian G08 is picky on what you put inside her.
Good point, my Meridian 507 objects to the occasional CD and I don't have a specific CD cleaning routine.
AJSki2fly
23-05-2023, 08:01
What these guys (https://londonjazzcollector.wordpress.com/for-audiophiles/home-brew-cleaner-for-vacuum-rcms/) recommend:
https://londonjazzcollector.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/ingredients-x1600px.jpg
That is my mix but I add 8ml of a Triton X-100 surfactant solution to 6 litres of the above cleaning mixture, my machine takes 6L The solution is made up from 9ml of distilled water with 1ml of Triton X-100, this needs to be allowed to dissolve and mix for 12 hours. The surfactant solution will assist in removal of stubborn dirt and nicotine, it is the basis of many washing and cleaning products. Do not be tempted to add more of the solution, if you do you will have a bubble bath on your hands.
I spent many months investigating record cleaning and found a chap who used the above through a forum thread, and several others had tried it and recommended it, I think one was a chemist. The surfactant will not damage the vinyl, PVC is extremely robust and is NOT bio-degradable, unlike dust, dirt and grease.
I have found that adding the surfactant I get better and more consistent results cleaning records in my ultrasonic cleaner, I then rinse off in distilled water and vacuum dry. I always wear nitrile gloves throughout the cleaning process to stop grease from hands getting on records and to protect hands.
Some records which look perfect I have found still can have some light surface noise, odd crackles, I have found that often 2 or 3 20 minute cleans in the machine will restore it back to like new, presumably it takes this to get rid of stubborn sticky/greasy dust in the grooves. One record I thought was a throw away, is now quite acceptable.
WARNING - Triton X-100 is a neat cleaning chemical that kills bacteria, cells and some viruses, if you use it always wear rubber gloves and protective glasses, follow the instructions on the bottle completely. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_X-100
Quantities of Triton Solution to use from other forum:-
For a 50 ml batch of solution:
(1 teaspoon = 4.929 ml> say 5 ml for those using droppers)
5 ml (1 teaspoon) of Triton X-100
45 ml (9 teaspoons) of Distilled Water
Mix solution and let sit approx 10 hrs (overnight) or add 99% IPA to speed dilution
From Vince on a cleaning thread "You want a final concentration of detergent around 0.1 to 0.2%"
50 ml = 1.69 oz
1 gal = 128 oz
1.69 oz solution / 128 (oz/gal) water = 0.013 =1.3%
therefore
1.69 oz of solution to 1 gal water = 1.3%;
1.69 oz of solution to 10 gal water = 0.13%;
Use 5 ml solution per gallon of water [for .13% concentration (light rinsing & ultrasonics), use 50 ml solution per gallon of water for rough cleaning]
For a 10 L Ultrasonic Cleaner that uses 2 gals of Distilled Water, you would need 10 ml of solution.
For the Spin Clean tank that uses 24 ozs (.1875 gals) of Distilled Water, you would need 2 ml of solution.
For 5L Ultrasonic Cleaner need 6.5ml of solution.
For 6L Ultrasonic Cleaner need 7.8ml of solution.
Those are the proportions I use but I don't use the Ilford surfactant.
AJSki2fly
23-05-2023, 11:18
Those are the proportions I use but I don't use the Ilford surfactant.
The Ilford is not a surfactant it is "ILFORD ILFOTOL is a non-ionic wetting agent used as a final rinse before drying films. It can be used in all manual and machine processes to greatly reduce the risk of drying marks being formed."
By adding it in a small amount it lowers the viscosity(breaking surface tension of water) and thus the cleaning mix can get in the grooves so to speak. I also add a small amount to the distilled water I use for rinsing off before vacuum drying. This seems to work very well.https://www.ilfordphoto.com/1905162
I doubt that Triton X-100 can be purchased easily now.
It looks like nasty stuff.
in many cases they are the same tho.
Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may function as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, foaming agents, or dispersants.
Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may function as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, foaming agents, or dispersants.:)
Same thing.:)
in many cases they are the same tho.
Surfactants are chemical compounds that decrease the surface tension or interfacial tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid. Surfactants may function as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, foaming agents, or dispersants.
Beat me too it Grant.:)
I doubt that Triton X-100 can be purchased easily now.
It looks like nasty stuff.
you can still buy it
€171 for 50ml :lol::eek::mental:
https://www.fishersci.fr/shop/products/triton-x-100-detergent-surfact-ams-solution/p-6014005
Regulation: This product contains a substance listed in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, all customers must complete a declaration before delivery.
better price here..
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265027587171?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=265027587171&targetid=1405282543879&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046909&poi=&campaignid=17218284410&mkgroupid=142217514411&rlsatarget=pla-1405282543879&abcId=9300867&merchantid=113800149&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW98CY8r133LwiMoLd1X zcy84Gg04WquOitXTbtDowvfP929MyYS460aAtdVEALw_wcB
The surfactant I use is tergitol.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TERGIKLEEN-Record-Cleaning-Solution-with-Tergitol-Professional-Record-Cleaning/265530779139?pageci=7afd1b05-6c7e-4958-9ec5-950a1b84198d&redirect=mobile
As used by the Library of Congress and by the Canadian Conservation Institute.
As others have said, 80/20 distilled water/isopropyl with a splash of Ilfotol. Works a charm in my VC-E.
If I manage to get the cash together I think I will end up with a Cavitation machine.
How about CD cleaning, this Meridian G08 is picky on what you put inside her.
CD cleaning ya say?
I use this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brillianize-Acrylic-Perspex-Cleaner-Polisher/dp/B075M49MGJ
https://restore-products.co.uk/cdn/shop/products/Brillianize240ml_773x.jpg?v=1618832238 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brillianize-Acrylic-Perspex-Cleaner-Polisher/dp/B075M49MGJ)
I've treated all my CDs and Blurays with it, its a plastic cleaner/ polish/ antistatic coating product from the US,
been used for decades in Art Gallerys for cleaning display cases 'n stuff.
Read the Amazon Reviews? :thumbsup:
An American product,
many testimonials on American Audio forums from guys who have "been using it for years".
Good enough for me, took a punt and it works REALLY well on Music CDs and movie discs.
For record cleaning I still have some of my 5L tub of the original "The Right One" cleaning fluid.
Not sure if the MCRU stuff is the same, could be.
Works really well.
Also a few spraybottles of Grant's homebru stuff, (I bought his Moth cleaner from him)
...not tried it on LPs yet,
but makes for a nice dram with a splash of Ginger Ale! :D
For record cleaning I still have some of my 5L tub of the original "The Right One" cleaning fluid.
Not sure if the MCRU stuff is the same, could be.
Works really well.
Also a few spraybottles of Grant's homebru stuff, (I bought his Moth cleaner from him)
...not tried it on LPs yet,
but makes for a nice dram with a splash of Ginger Ale! :D
home bru was good stuff. not sure how long cleaner lasts for tho but should be still ok. try it on an older one first. it might surprise.
thought it was you who go it but wasnt absolutely sure gary..
Yup, was me. :)
Been a while since I was over Amigo, gotta sort that.
Covid, My health n stuff kinda got in the way a bit.
Yup, was me. :)
Been a while since I was over Amigo, gotta sort that.
Covid, My health n stuff kinda got in the way a bit.Yes look after yirsel. Your at an age when you'll appreciate it down the line mate.[emoji106]
Good advice that. https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji106.png
Pete The Cat
11-07-2023, 17:09
Another vote for The One here.
It's an important point. I find it odd that many ads for second hand records refer to the machine that vacuumed them but no mention of whatever stuff was sprayed onto them :scratch:
Pete
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