What's your favourite stylus cleaner?

[Cotlake]

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.

[Marco]

Hi Greg

Welcome back and thanks for your comments

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.

That is absolutely correct. 'Source first' and all that!

Marco.

[RobHolt]

Blow the dust off between sides,

Dab of isopropyl on a short bristled Dynavector brush every few albums.

30 seconds on a vibrating AT637 pad one a week.

All approximate and I often forget and discover an Axminster being woven on the end of stylus.

[combwork]

Linn sandpaper. This never seemed right so I stopped years ago.

Back in the 1960's, there was a storm over a record with comedy sleeve notes that included the advice that to improve playing quality, the record should be cleaned with fine emery paper.

[Yomanze]

I use a JML Magic Eraser

Works very well!

[KMair]

I have used the Record Research stylus cleaner regularly for 2 years and it does improve sound. Am also convinced that it adds tremendous life to your stylus.

[niklasthedolphin]

I use no fluid on my stylus.
many of them being "snake oil" and some of them even damaging the stylus attatchment to the fan.

Carbonfiber brush with the hairs stuck tight together does it excellent.

Sometimes (when I don't have bad breath :-) I use my tongue.

My records get the grease desolving hand wash with a mixture of as hot water as my hands can endure, some pure isopropylalcohol and some non-perfumed dishwashingsoap/detergent. I use a wounded natural hair washing-up brush.
the saop is the rinse aid that makes sure no calcium or other minerals stay in the rills.

Sometimes i centrifuge the LP's dry with drilling machine.

I have a device to protect the labels.

Next step is to clean LP's in ultrasound bath.

"dolph"

[thrunobulaxx]

Being a vinyl obsessive person i have several methods.

Most used is my AT 637 inspired vibrating razor with the foam full of tiny hooks pad instead of a blade, (£7.99)

For heavy build up i use the clearaudio brush with a wee drop of fluid, the AT imposter keeps on top of after that.

Glad to see another who is not afraid to use the kitchen sink,

[Cotlake]

My records get the grease desolving hand wash with a mixture of as hot water as my hands can endure, some pure isopropylalcohol and some non-perfumed dishwashingsoap/detergent. I use a wounded natural hair washing-up brush.
the saop is the rinse aid that makes sure no calcium or other minerals stay in the rills.
"dolph"

Hmmm, well having experimented with various methods of record cleaning I would say your method is about the best example of how not to do it! Sorry, that's my personal view.

In contrast I 100% agree with your aspiration towards ultrasonic cleaning. Surely this is the way to go. I have experience of using ultrasonic cleaners on the components from SCUBA breathing valves subject to the corrosive effect of salt water and without doubt it is the ultimate cleaning method. A while ago someone developing such an LP cleaner visited the WD site but we've heard nothing since.

[thrunobulaxx]

I have to admit that the "water as hot as my hands can stand" shocked me, thats how we used to turn old 78`s into ashtrays.
Before i had a DIY RCM i had put S/H records from charity shops etc into TEPID soapy water and used a brush and a good rinse with distilled water, being carefull to dry the label before putting the LP in a plate rack to dry.