Thread: Record Cleaning - What's your process?

I stumbled across this relatively new website, The Vinyl Press. It's authored by Bill Hart, who I believe goes by whart on Agon.

One of the articles details his process for cleaning records, in particular old (but valuable) records. Bill uses a combination of an enzyme based bath followed by an ultrasonic cleaning in the KL (with a water rinse in between the steps). While I'm happy with my KL, I have to say I feel it takes 2-3 washes to get used LPs in a decent shape, and I'm still wondering even then is there still room for improvement...

One thing I did learn from the article is that KL does NOT recommend taking out a wet record as it could damage the electronics! When I wash 2-3 times, I will typically forgo the drying cycles on the first two washes. I would lift the record out just enough to get past the sensors and slide it back in to start another cycle. Maybe now I will just go with a 1 minute drying cycle to get it dry enough for the next wash. Odd that KL gives you the ability to turn off drying completely but are worried if you exercise that option.


Anyway I found the article really interesting and wondered what other people were doing to clean their records, in particular older, used ones?

This is where I believe the AudioDesk Glass ultrasonic enzyme bath system wins out.

Hi Allen,

Something else to consider would be to find a lightly used VPI-17 (or even 16.5) that could be used with an AIVS #15 + Ultra Pure water rinse type mix of solutions to first loosen, and then remove via vacuum a majority of the crud from used LP's. Once you're satisfied with the Vacuum RCM results then you could use your ultra sonic RCM to do the final cleaning.

I asked around before I bought my Klaudio, people that have used both recommended the Klaudio. I'm sure the AD is also very good, but I'm completely satisfied with the KL.

Originally Posted by MikeCh

Hi Allen,

Something else to consider would be to find a lightly used VPI-17 (or even 16.5) that could be used with an AIVS #15 + Ultra Pure water rinse type mix of solutions to first loosen, and then remove via vacuum a majority of the crud from used LP's. Once you're satisfied with the Vacuum RCM results then you could use your ultra sonic RCM to do the final cleaning.

Thx, Mike. That's pretty much the cleaning process I'm leaning towards. The more I read, the more I believe an enzyme based cleaning in combo with an ultrasonic RCM yields best results.

Originally Posted by puroagave

1) pre-scrub with enzyme cleaner w/ few drops of surfactant (MoFi cleaning brush is preferred for this step).
2) goes into V-8 ultra sonic RCM, heated bath in diluted vers. of above fluid.
3) rinse/vac dry with deionized water and nitty gritty Fi1.5

i stopped using alcohol-based cleaners altogether.

Thx Rob. Which enzyme do you use? I hear there are some enzyme cleaners with surfactants mixed in as well now. Have you ever used any of those?

For my ripping project, almost all of my records (15,000 of which I am ripping 10,000 with 93% completed!) were cleaned with a VPI with Disc Doctor fluids. When I got my Audio Deske three or four years ago (before the KL came out), I just give the already cleaned records one beep (one cycle) before I rip them. Since I rip an average of 10 records a day (easier when you are retired), the AD gets a good workout. The one cycle seems to be sufficient. I might have bought the KL if it had been available, but the AD is good enough for what I need and I didn't feel like spending another $4K. Besides, who knows whether there will be another $4K or more ultrasonic cleaner that will even be better on the horizon. I do like the fact that you can increase the cleaning time of the AD up to five cycles if so inclined. Buying classical records seems to have the advantage that people don't eat their meals using their records as their serving dished, like they appear to do with rock records!

Larry

I put it in the audio desk push the button. Do you need details

VPI 16.5 - with an added cooling fan, must seal the corners of the top section with silicone caulking.
Separate brushes and vacuum wand for each of the three fluids.

Used records get AIVS enzyme treatment first

All records get AIVS record cleaner then distilled water rinse. (I get the AIVS water from time to time when I order)

I also have a steam maker for the really bad stuff, but often those just get tossed if its not something I REALLY want to hear.

Carbon Fiber brush used before each play.
Zerostat needle cleaner.

Considering an ultrasonic for Christmas if I am good this year.

I use the three step AIVS process (Enzymatic, Super Cleaner, Ultra Pure Water) with Disc Doctor brushes. The AIVS fluids work very well and better than the Disc Doctor fluids I used when I started down the record cleaning path. I don't have a RCM but use a small two gallon shop vac with a modified attachment. The nozzle is wrapped with soft microfiber cloth and removes the fluid between steps. It works well for my small collection, but if I had a significant number of LP's a RCM would be a required purchase.

Thanks, guys, really helpful. You're confirming what I am beginning to believe that a good enzyme wash is really necessary to get old records clean.

If you could post links to the solutions/applicators you use that would be greatly appreciated. I'd be especially interested in yours, Rob, where you say it's ultrasonic safe?

thx