Ghetto record cleaning

organ
organ Posts: 4,969
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
I found a bunch of old records at home but they're quite dirty.

Would this work? I plan to keep a pot of boiling water on the stove, dip a toothbrush in there and start scrubbing, and then wipe. Not looking for steam quality cleaning, just a nice deep clean.

btw, I found a kick **** way to clean them before playing. I use those static wipes. Works MUCH better than my red brush. I thought static would build up on the record but it didn't.
Post edited by organ on
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2009
    Spray them down with a mixture of 2 parts distilled water, 1 part 91% or better isopropyl alchohol, and a few drops of Dawn dishwashing detergent. Use a stiff but fine bristled artist brush to scrub them in a circular motion following the grooves. Rinse with distilled water. Repeat as necessary. I've been using this to clean dirty used records since I was in college (ie many moons ago!).
    DKG999
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2009
    Thanks for the help. I don't have the alcohol. Is it ok if I just use boiling water and a toothbrush. I will try your technique once I have a lot more to clean.
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2009
    I've never tried boiling water. Let us know if it works.
    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
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited March 2009
    I got a smile from reading this LP cleaning procedure.

    How we clean records in Texas

    You just have to be careful. Too close with steam or boiling hot water will cause the vinyl to warp. It usually returns to shape, but I like to avoid it.
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2009
    SCompRacer wrote:
    You just have to be careful. Too close with steam or boiling hot water will cause the vinyl to warp. It usually returns to shape, but I like to avoid it.

    I would be concerned about warpage as well with boiling water.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2009
    I'll definitely let you know how it works out. There are some dusty old goodies I'm going to clean.

    ok, I will try with warm water due to fear of warping. But isn't steam hotter when it shoots out?

    I"m going to try using water only. If they don't look new after after a couple washes, I will try it with soap. I'm afraid of soap residue.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited March 2009
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    I got a smile from reading this LP cleaning procedure.

    How we clean records in Texas

    Ouch! I think I busted my gut reading that.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited March 2009
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Ouch! I think I busted my gut reading that.

    That is hilarious.
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2009
    lol missed the link. Very funny stuff:D.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited March 2009
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    How we clean records in Texas

    When I read it for some reason I heard George W Bush's voice. Weird.
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