Just returned here after a few months away. Things have improved

For years I have used the AT637 always wet (no extreme fluid) with absolutely no problems and after 20 secs, stylus is always perfectly clean. I'm dubious about silly putty/bluetak etc but that's just my un-evidenced opinion.

Of course, the real secret is a good record cleaner. I use a reasonably priced Okki Nokki and since having that I've found attention to stylus cleaning is a rare event.