Good Vinyl Cleaning Process . . .
SolidSqual
Posts: 5,218
Since a couple guys like me seem to be making the uncertain jump from digital to vinyl, I figured this post might be helpful. So far the directions below have been the easiest to follow and provided the best results. Eventually I am sure that I will get a record cleaning machine, but I also think it's important to pay one's dues and understand what's necessary to clean a record. After all, knowing what's required can only lead to selecting a better cleaning machine later.
Care of Disc Doctor: http://www.discdoc.com/p14.html
PREPARATIONS:
1) Work Surface: a flat, firm surface such as a kitchen table. A smooth surface under the record is needed to avoid scratching. lp turntable platter mats are excellent work surfaces; using a pair saves having to clean the work surface between sides. options include a piece of heavy plastic table cloth or oilcloth to protect the record and prevent wetting the table itself; the ribbed pad accompanying the dish drainer; a soft vinyl sink protector mat with raised ribs to channel water from the underside of the record.
2) Solution Strength: as purchased, THE DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE RECORD CLEANER is an extra strength solution suitable for cleaning every disc recording you own. Average condition vinyl pressings and well cared for shellac and acetate discs can be cleaned with a solution of 2 parts CLEANER to 1 part distilled water. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION: To safely clean Pre-1910 shellac pressings, use a solution of 1 part CLEANER to 2 parts distilled water.
3) Rinse Water: fill clean container with warm distilled or filtered water.
4) Pre-brushing: for excessively dirty shellac or acetate pressings & Edison Diamond Discs a pre-brushing to remove loose dirt and debris is recommended before wet cleaning. Stand each dry record vertically on a piece of paper and dry brush the grooves with an inexpensive, tapered bristle paint brush (2-4" wide).
CLEANING PROCEDURE:
1) CLEANING Place record flat on work surface (see above). Apply CLEANER to a DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE WET BRUSH so that the fiber surface is almost saturated with fluid [for an LP-sized brush, 1/2 tsp, (2-3 ml) for the initial wetting and approx. half as much for subsequent sides]. Lightly run the saturated brush around the disc to wet the entire surface. Avoid wetting the record label. Then firmly scrub 1/3 of the groove surface at a time with three back and forth sweeps. Apply enough pressure on the brush to insure good contact without crushing the pad into the grooves. There should have been enough fluid in the brush to provide a small puddle in front of the moving brush. Move this puddle around as cleaning progresses. When cleaning is complete, remove most of the fluid by sweeping it up into the cleaning brush as it is lightly dragged around the disc surface. Remove residual fluid from the groove surface by cotton cloth, vacuum or cheap non-perfumed, flat sheet toilet paper. Remove residual Cleaner from the brush by gently squeegeeing the upper pile of the pad with the handle of a cleaned nylon toothbrush or your index finger, cleaned & degreased with a little Cleaner. Never try to take the record to complete dryness by scrubbing with cloth, paper or dry vacuum strips.
2) RINSING* Saturate second WET BRUSH with distilled water from clean container. Spread water around the disc and scrub as in Step (1). Avoid wetting label. Remove residual rinse water from the grooves with a second cotton square, rinsed vacuum wand or fresh toilet paper. Use the slightly dampened cloth or toilet paper to gently wipe label. Always remove excess water from labels by patting, not wiping.
3) The fine film of moisture which remains after the Cleaner is removed is advantageous to the rinse step. The film of moisture remaining after the rinse cycle is thoroughly degreased & any lint (from cloth or paper) remaining after the disc is completely dry, is readily removed with a clean carbon fiber brush.
4) DRYING After cleaning the reverse side, allow the record to thoroughly air dry (30-60 min),depending on room humidity and air flow) before playing or sleeving.
5) POST CLEANING & REGULAR MAINTENANCE When dry, apply a clean Carbon Fiber Brush to vinyl surfaces or a DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE DRY BRUSH to shellac, acetate & Edison Discs. Store in a fresh sleeve. All recordings should be dry brushed before and after regular use. Use a clean, Carbon Fiber Brush on vinyl discs and THE DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE DRY BRUSH on shellac pressings and Edison Diamond Discs.
6) ENJOY!
*When desired an additional scrubbing rinse can be applied using distilled water that contains 1-2 drops of the full strength Cleaner per liter or quart of water.
Comments and Cautions:
[1] DURING INITIAL PLAYBACK the stylus will accurately mate with the grooves of a thoroughly cleaned disc resulting in improved tracing. Depending upon the quality of the pressing, type of stylus previously employed, condition of the surface and previous cleaning efforts, several plays may be required to complete this process and to reveal the true quality of the disc in hand.*
Records should be dry wiped after each playback. Material deposited upon the stylus during this process is readily removed with available stylus brushes.
[2] CARBON FIBER BRUSH CLEANING: A previously used CFB can be cleaned by soaking 1/4-3/8 of the tips overnight in full strength cleaner followed by 3 brief soak & rinse cycles in distilled water. Dont touch fibers with your fingers. Periodic treatment with a ZeroStat® type device will keep the brush in full vigor.
[3] When cleaning pre-l9l0 or extremely dirty, greasy, or moldy pressings, it may be necessary to repeat step (l).
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION: To safely clean Pre-1910 shellac pressings, use a solution of 1 part CLEANER to 2 parts distilled water.
[4] EDISON DIAMOND DISCS: extra care must be taken to avoid wetting the outer edge and the spindle hole (areas where the core is exposed). Also avoid wetting paper labels as the top printed label is glued to pressed-in under label. Immediately sop up any liquid that accidently touches these areas. Never immerse a Diamond Disc. Allow records to air-dry for 2-6 hours before storage.
[5] SHELLAC PRESSINGS: dish-warped records must be cleaned with custom support and gentle handling during cleaning to avoid breakage.
[6] LABEL FADE: OkeH maroon and Victor Red Seal labels are especially likely to fade. Center-start Pathe records have etched label areas which must be kept dry or filler pigment will wash away.
[7] VICTROLAC PRESSINGS: these discs often continue to exude an oily film which will require occasional recleaning.
*[8] Common Causes of Noisy Grooves after Cleaning & Playback: noisy surfaces after cleaning & 2-3 plays usually result from either 1) need for another distilled/reverse osmosis water source, 2) not removing enough Cleaner prior to the rinse, 3)not thoroughly rinsing, 4)static charges induced by over drying or 5) worn, damaged or simply inferior quality vinyl.
Care of Disc Doctor: http://www.discdoc.com/p14.html
PREPARATIONS:
1) Work Surface: a flat, firm surface such as a kitchen table. A smooth surface under the record is needed to avoid scratching. lp turntable platter mats are excellent work surfaces; using a pair saves having to clean the work surface between sides. options include a piece of heavy plastic table cloth or oilcloth to protect the record and prevent wetting the table itself; the ribbed pad accompanying the dish drainer; a soft vinyl sink protector mat with raised ribs to channel water from the underside of the record.
2) Solution Strength: as purchased, THE DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE RECORD CLEANER is an extra strength solution suitable for cleaning every disc recording you own. Average condition vinyl pressings and well cared for shellac and acetate discs can be cleaned with a solution of 2 parts CLEANER to 1 part distilled water. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION: To safely clean Pre-1910 shellac pressings, use a solution of 1 part CLEANER to 2 parts distilled water.
3) Rinse Water: fill clean container with warm distilled or filtered water.
4) Pre-brushing: for excessively dirty shellac or acetate pressings & Edison Diamond Discs a pre-brushing to remove loose dirt and debris is recommended before wet cleaning. Stand each dry record vertically on a piece of paper and dry brush the grooves with an inexpensive, tapered bristle paint brush (2-4" wide).
CLEANING PROCEDURE:
1) CLEANING Place record flat on work surface (see above). Apply CLEANER to a DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE WET BRUSH so that the fiber surface is almost saturated with fluid [for an LP-sized brush, 1/2 tsp, (2-3 ml) for the initial wetting and approx. half as much for subsequent sides]. Lightly run the saturated brush around the disc to wet the entire surface. Avoid wetting the record label. Then firmly scrub 1/3 of the groove surface at a time with three back and forth sweeps. Apply enough pressure on the brush to insure good contact without crushing the pad into the grooves. There should have been enough fluid in the brush to provide a small puddle in front of the moving brush. Move this puddle around as cleaning progresses. When cleaning is complete, remove most of the fluid by sweeping it up into the cleaning brush as it is lightly dragged around the disc surface. Remove residual fluid from the groove surface by cotton cloth, vacuum or cheap non-perfumed, flat sheet toilet paper. Remove residual Cleaner from the brush by gently squeegeeing the upper pile of the pad with the handle of a cleaned nylon toothbrush or your index finger, cleaned & degreased with a little Cleaner. Never try to take the record to complete dryness by scrubbing with cloth, paper or dry vacuum strips.
2) RINSING* Saturate second WET BRUSH with distilled water from clean container. Spread water around the disc and scrub as in Step (1). Avoid wetting label. Remove residual rinse water from the grooves with a second cotton square, rinsed vacuum wand or fresh toilet paper. Use the slightly dampened cloth or toilet paper to gently wipe label. Always remove excess water from labels by patting, not wiping.
3) The fine film of moisture which remains after the Cleaner is removed is advantageous to the rinse step. The film of moisture remaining after the rinse cycle is thoroughly degreased & any lint (from cloth or paper) remaining after the disc is completely dry, is readily removed with a clean carbon fiber brush.
4) DRYING After cleaning the reverse side, allow the record to thoroughly air dry (30-60 min),depending on room humidity and air flow) before playing or sleeving.
5) POST CLEANING & REGULAR MAINTENANCE When dry, apply a clean Carbon Fiber Brush to vinyl surfaces or a DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE DRY BRUSH to shellac, acetate & Edison Discs. Store in a fresh sleeve. All recordings should be dry brushed before and after regular use. Use a clean, Carbon Fiber Brush on vinyl discs and THE DISC DOCTOR'S MIRACLE DRY BRUSH on shellac pressings and Edison Diamond Discs.
6) ENJOY!
*When desired an additional scrubbing rinse can be applied using distilled water that contains 1-2 drops of the full strength Cleaner per liter or quart of water.
Comments and Cautions:
[1] DURING INITIAL PLAYBACK the stylus will accurately mate with the grooves of a thoroughly cleaned disc resulting in improved tracing. Depending upon the quality of the pressing, type of stylus previously employed, condition of the surface and previous cleaning efforts, several plays may be required to complete this process and to reveal the true quality of the disc in hand.*
Records should be dry wiped after each playback. Material deposited upon the stylus during this process is readily removed with available stylus brushes.
[2] CARBON FIBER BRUSH CLEANING: A previously used CFB can be cleaned by soaking 1/4-3/8 of the tips overnight in full strength cleaner followed by 3 brief soak & rinse cycles in distilled water. Dont touch fibers with your fingers. Periodic treatment with a ZeroStat® type device will keep the brush in full vigor.
[3] When cleaning pre-l9l0 or extremely dirty, greasy, or moldy pressings, it may be necessary to repeat step (l).
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTION: To safely clean Pre-1910 shellac pressings, use a solution of 1 part CLEANER to 2 parts distilled water.
[4] EDISON DIAMOND DISCS: extra care must be taken to avoid wetting the outer edge and the spindle hole (areas where the core is exposed). Also avoid wetting paper labels as the top printed label is glued to pressed-in under label. Immediately sop up any liquid that accidently touches these areas. Never immerse a Diamond Disc. Allow records to air-dry for 2-6 hours before storage.
[5] SHELLAC PRESSINGS: dish-warped records must be cleaned with custom support and gentle handling during cleaning to avoid breakage.
[6] LABEL FADE: OkeH maroon and Victor Red Seal labels are especially likely to fade. Center-start Pathe records have etched label areas which must be kept dry or filler pigment will wash away.
[7] VICTROLAC PRESSINGS: these discs often continue to exude an oily film which will require occasional recleaning.
*[8] Common Causes of Noisy Grooves after Cleaning & Playback: noisy surfaces after cleaning & 2-3 plays usually result from either 1) need for another distilled/reverse osmosis water source, 2) not removing enough Cleaner prior to the rinse, 3)not thoroughly rinsing, 4)static charges induced by over drying or 5) worn, damaged or simply inferior quality vinyl.
Post edited by SolidSqual on
Comments
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Man oh man am I glad I have a record cleaning machine.
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hearingimpared wrote: »Man oh man am I glad I have a record cleaning machine.
C'mon Joe, tell him the truth; RCM's suck!:p:DSalk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 * -
Are you telling me that spraying my records with windex and wiping them down with paper towel (I personally prefer Bounty) is not the optimal record cleaning process?
I actually am very lazy so far in my vinyl cleaning even though I have some older records that need the work. Snapple Crackle and Pop should be left to cereal bowls, not my listening, but I've just been overwhelmed recently.
Once I'm in my new house with room to operate, I plan to undertake an approved cleaning method.Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850 -
I think everybody who is into vinyl develops a cleaning ritual that suits them. Depending on their level of 'anal-ness' it can vary from a quick brush to a 1 hour cleaning/worshiping the vinyl gods procedure that has to be done EXACTLY the same every time!
I'm somewhere in between. I use a spin clean wet cleaning system to do batches of about 20 records (1 at a time of course), followed by a DIY vacuum dryer that uses a small shop vac and PVC tubing to mimic a VPI or Nitty Gritty, but manual spinning. I used to dry with a combination of lint-free cloth (similar to gauze) and microfiber cleaning cloths. The DIY vacuum was given to me by my brother who graduated to a VPI cleaner. Its pretty ugly and crude, but it does a great job of drying those wet cleaned records. It takes me about 1 hour to do 20 records.
One thing not mentioned above:
ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a brand new poly or poly lined sleeve after you clean, otherwise, you are wasting your time because that record will get dirty again as soon as you put it in that nasty old sleeve.
Oh, and I always give the record a few spins with a carbon fiber brush before dropping the stylus.
Did I mention that keeping your stylus clean is just as important?For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore... -
One thing not mentioned above:
ALWAYS, ALWAYS use a brand new poly or poly lined sleeve after you clean, otherwise, you are wasting your time because that record will get dirty again as soon as you put it in that nasty old sleeve.
That's a great point Bill that is rarely mentioned. I use MFSL anti-static "inner sleeves."
THROW AWAY THOSE PAPER SLEEVES, THEY ARE LIKE SANDPAPER, STATIC GRABING, DIRT & DUST COLLECTORS. -
120 grit sandpaper in a random orbital sander gets my albums so clean that the needle just glides across them without any noise at all :eek:DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC -
120 grit sandpaper in a random orbital sander gets my albums so clean that the needle just glides across them without any noise at all :eek:
lol! -
hearingimpared wrote: »Man oh man am I glad I have a record cleaning machine.
Which cleaning machine do you have? I was looking at one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NITTY-GRITTY-RECORD-LP-VINYL-CLEANER-MODEL-1.5-NEW-_W0QQitemZ350064173174QQcmdZViewItem
ThanksTesting
Testing
Testing -
Which cleaning machine do you have? I was looking at one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NITTY-GRITTY-RECORD-LP-VINYL-CLEANER-MODEL-1.5-NEW-_W0QQitemZ350064173174QQcmdZViewItem
Thanks
I own the VPI 16.5. The Nitty Grittys are good too but that price seems high for a 1.5. Unless of course it is souped up or a newer version.
You can get the 16.5 for the same price. -
Will upgrading the power cable on my VPI 16.5 RCM get my albums cleaner?
DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC -
Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!!!
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Yeah, yeah.
Right now I'm stuck with practical elbow grease and a Steam Shark though. Crude, but effective. 
There are lots of used RCMs out there Gus. Check out epay and the gon.
