Safely cleaning LP's

[James]

I seem to recall discussion of this issue back on the Blue Note BB. And if memory serves, DEEP suggested dipping the vinyl in hot water --- just hot enough to remove grime but not hot enough to warp the record. (And of course not deep enough to get label wet) Then wiping the record along the grooves with a plain paper towel. (?)

I'm about to transfer a very rare recording from a local artist and want to get the very best possible results. All input greatly appreciated!

[3pointdeli]

that sounds terribly sketchy. how would you know what temperature is too hot for LPs? if i were you i'd call your local record stores and ask if any of them have a record cleaning machine and would be willing to clean your record for you. if none of them have a machine they'll probably be able to advise you on the best way to get it clean.

[Pete B]

Assuming you don't want to invest in a machine, I would recommend the Orbitrac cleaning system. I've used it, it works. It's available at Allsop (http://www.allsop.com/subcategory.asp?cid=16&scid=76)

[James]

that sounds terribly sketchy. how would you know what temperature is too hot for LPs?

That was my impression as well, 3point. But I recall a number of subsequent posts endorsed DEEP's method. Which is why I went trolling here for more input.

Thanks for your suggestion Pete. Searching on another jazz BB, I encountered discussion on this subject and a rec. for the "Record Doctor 2" manufactured by Nitty Gritty. I'll do some comparing -- these systems are not terribly expensive given the enormous benefit they provide funky old albums!

[3pointdeli]

But I recall a number of subsequent posts endorsed DEEP's method.
!

what was DEEP's method?

[jazzcritic]

The problem with using hot water out of the tap is that there are often
contaminants that you don't want to add into the grooves of your LPs.

I use both Discwasher and a VPI machine with great results.

[James]

what was DEEP's method?

The hot water method. (re-read my initial post)

[James]

jazzcritic --- I went to the VPI Industries web page and the record cleaner is not included in the "products" portion. Is this a vacuum type machine, or a more basic cleaner? Thanks!

[jazzcritic]

The VPI machine is vacuum based, using fluid and a brush, then vacuuming
the fluid and loose debris from the record surface.

jazzcritic --- I went to the VPI Industries web page and the record cleaner is not included in the "products" portion. Is this a vacuum type machine, or a more basic cleaner? Thanks!

[3pointdeli]

The hot water method. (re-read my initial post)

DUH, sorry about that.

[sideshowbob]

Hot water isn't a great idea.

If you don't want the expense of buying something like the VPI (which is excellent, btw, I have one, but probably overkill if you don't have a lot of records to clean), this works quite well:

http://www.hifiaudiodirect.co.uk/products/disco.htm

-- Ian

[Tenorman]

If you look at some of the computer accessory catalogues, they have miniature keyboard vacuum cleaners. If you can get one with soft bristles, it will remove a lot of the dust. The problem is that while using it you build up static in the record. I use a Zerostat gun to counteract this

[James]

Thanks for continued input all. With Christmas coming up, I just may get myself one of the cleaning machines!

Anyone who cares to brag on the machine they use -- feel free to chime in.

[ThomasRaden]

I'm using normal dishwasher liquid and rinse the LP under the tap.
This removes eventual grease and dirt from the grooves.
The liquid also removes eventual antistatic buildup that otherwise
would keep the dust stucked to the surface of the record.
I then play the record wet on one side, making sure the needle is
clean between the tracks. Debrees will eventually clog it.
Then I clean the other side of the LP in the same manner and play
that side wet too.
Of course eventual chalk or residue from the tap water will make
marks on the LP when the water is dried away from it but by then
I already have my precious recording safe on CDR....

Works for me.

[Tenorman]

Thought I would resurrect this.

My method after trying several, is first to vacuum the record to remove anything loose, then use filtered water (Brita Filter - standard in the UK) , barely tepid and two or three drops of washing up liquid. I then use lint free cloths to gently wipe round the tracks and some more to dry the record. This gets rid of all the grease. I'd love a cleaning machine, but I have nowhere to put it!!

[HutchFan]

I have a Nitty-Gritty vacuum-type LP cleaner. (The base, all-manual model.) It gets quite a bit of use because I enjoy buying used records, and often they are in less than perfect condition. (I don't buy really ratted out records though.) The improvement in sound quality post-cleaning is damn near miraculous in many cases. Now, I can't imagine spinning vinyl without one.

[Tenorman]

I use one of those ones designed for computer keyboards

[Vic J]

A friend of mine has a VPI machine. The before and after vinyl cleaning results are astounding. I think the unit costs about a thousand bucks but if you are a serious collector this is definitely the way to go.

[Tenorman]

Agreed.

I used to have a neighbour here who had a top notch machine (and a Hi-Fi set up costing more than my annual salary!!!) I had go a hold of an LP that had been handled by someone who consistently ate chip butties (well that's what it looked like), before handling the LP. I went round and he put it on his machine and it came out like new. I couldn't give you a comparison because this was so bad I would not put it on the deck

BTW how often do you clean the needle, which can pick up grease from records, and what do you clean it with

I use isopropyl alcohol on a soft brush

[Jackie P]

BTW how often do you clean the needle, which can pick up grease from records, and what do you clean it with

I use isopropyl alcohol on a soft brush

I have used this + cloth for cleaning vinyl as well and as long as you use it sparingly and make sure the record is dry before you put it into any plastic sleeve there should be no problem.

I have been using this method for years without any issues.

Warning: this chemical is explosive so no naked flames!

[1/2 Baked, Not Fried]

I have used this + cloth for cleaning vinyl as well and as long as you use it sparingly and make sure the record is dry before you put it into any plastic sleeve there should be no problem.

I have been using this method for years without any issues.

Warning: this chemical is explosive so no naked flames!

Also, the isopropyl can damage the paper surrounding the center hole, so extra caution is required. I tried this (a 50-50 water/alcohol solution) when I ran out of Groovy cleaner, and noticed this problem right away. For now, I'm sticking with the Groovy, a soft cleaning brush, and dust-free cloth (although I do think about owning a VPI some day)

[Tenorman]

I have used this + cloth for cleaning vinyl as well and as long as you use it sparingly and make sure the record is dry before you put it into any plastic sleeve there should be no problem.

I have been using this method for years without any issues.

Warning: this chemical is explosive so no naked flames!


Aaah that explains why I have no eyebrows left:gavel::confused2