Record cleaning fluid

Jin

Jin

New member
Joined
Aug 16, 2013
Messages
22
Location
NV
Hi guys,
What record cleaning fluids do you guys like using? I'm using the AIVS 3 step system, which works great, but it's a bit too much work for a stack of records. I'm thinking of trying their one step system, but wanted to hear what other people are having success with. Thanks!
 
I still use a spin clean. Cheap and works .
As far as a fluid I still have some that came with the cleaner but I'm running low and will be ordering some from Jeff (a/v solutions) think he mixes his own
 
Jin said:
Hi guys,
What record cleaning fluids do you guys like using? I'm using the AIVS 3 step system, which works great, but it's a bit too much work for a stack of records. I'm thinking of trying their one step system, but wanted to hear what other people are having success with. Thanks!
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Hi Jin,

i also use the AIVS multi-step set of solutions and find that they work very well. But they do take some time as you said. Perhaps if I was cleaning a new record, using the one step cleaner plus a water rinse might be ok. But for used dirty records, I would stay with the multi step set of cleaning solutions. Even though they take some time, you probably only clean any record once this way and given the good results, it's worth the time to me.
 
Thanks for the advice guys. I have to admit I've reverted back to the Spin Clean (wash + clean rinse cycle) and then only hitting it with the RCM if it's still noisy. It's just way faster than going 3 passes per side. I guess once I'm through this pile of dirty records I'll go back to using just the RCM.

Gotta start saving my pennies for an ultrasonic...:D
 
It doesn’t get much better than AVIS in my opinion. I’ve tried a few cleaners before. That’s not to say there are not other good cleaners depending on application, not to mention ones I have not tried.
One thing I can suggest to you is that there is an amount of work in cleaning records if you want to do a good job and do it right. You have to be willing to give the time necessary to make things turn out the way they should. Ultimately what you really want is a small arsenal of different cleaning fluids for different jobs. For example, I have the following: AVIS#15, AVIS 3-step, AVIS #6 one-step, MoFi Super wash and Home brew.
What you want to do is determine the level of dirt on the record which will tell you at least what to start with. Some records only require a once over with a one-step solution. Others may require everything you have and 2 or 3 complete cleanings and then there is everything in between. I have records that cover all that range. Record cleaning done right is a time consuming task, but not to be dreaded.
The dirt on a record is comprised mostly of proteins believe it or not. Some dirt is soluble in alcohol and some is not. Most of the time an enzyme based cleaner is needed. All AVIS cleaners are enzyme based (except the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] step in the 3-step pack). There is also a difference in the type of enzymes used. AVIS uses bio-enzymes. Sometimes a record can require more than one cleaning. My rule of thumb is if there is no change after 3 cleanings you may be dealing with damage rather than dirt.
Some of my records have required AVIS #15 fluid plus the3-step. Some required only the 3-step once. Some required 2 cleanings with the same fluid or different fluids. I have records that have turned out CD quiet. Some have gone from unlistenable to listenable and some from unlistenable to extremely listenable, near 100% quiet, etc.
FYI: The AVIS #15 fluid is the strongest and requires rinsing. It should not be used by itself, but followed up with the 3-step or the #6 one-step at least. (3-step is preferred).
AVIS 3-Step also requires rinsing (you can use the pure rinse or distilled water either is fine by the way).
AVIS #6 One-step requires no rinsing. It’s really more of a maintenance cleaner. (The Mo-fi cleaners are also maintenance cleaners, but don’t contain enzymes).
If you are also incorporating a vacuum it should not take more than 9 minutes total to clean both sides of a record with the 3-step and that’s assuming a 2 minute soak for steps 1 and 2 each side, 2 revolutions with vacuum after each step including rinse. (2 min step #1 + 2 min step #2 + 30 seconds vacuum = 4.5 minutes x both sides(2) = 9 minutes).
 
Thanks MD, that's excellent info. I guess some experimentation is in order. I notice you go 2 revolutions per stage, but I've been scrubbing 2-3 minutes per the instructions; perhaps that's overkill?

I suppose I could also take them in much smaller batches just prior to a listening session until I get em all. Thanks.
 
Jin said:
Thanks MD, that's excellent info. I guess some experimentation is in order. I notice you go 2 revolutions per stage, but I've been scrubbing 2-3 minutes per the instructions; perhaps that's overkill?

I suppose I could also take them in much smaller batches just prior to a listening session until I get em all. Thanks.
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That is overkill on the "scrubbing". Try this: step #1 = spread evenly covering record, 2 minute soak with some "agitation" (light motion back and forth with the grooves) not "scrubbing", for 3 or 4 revolutions at about the 1 minute mark, let soak for remaining time then vacuum 2 revolutions. (2 revolutions is all you need, anymore will build up static and is not needed). Do the same with Step #2. Lastly, rinse (no need to soak) and vacuum. Smaller batches may help you too as it won't seem so overwhelming. Try doing 4 to 6 records at a time perhaps.
 
MusicDirector said:
That is overkill on the "scrubbing". Try this: step #1 = spread evenly covering record, 2 minute soak with some "agitation" (light motion back and forth with the grooves) not "scrubbing", for 3 or 4 revolutions at about the 1 minute mark, let soak for remaining time then vacuum 2 revolutions. (2 revolutions is all you need, anymore will build up static and is not needed). Do the same with Step #2. Lastly, rinse (no need to soak) and vacuum. Smaller batches may help you too as it won't seem so overwhelming. Try doing 4 to 6 records at a time perhaps.
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LOL, I guess I meant to say "agitation".

I see the word scrubbing thrown around a lot and always think of scrubbing floors with hard bristled brush (I'm definitely not doing that to my records!). :D

I give the small batch idea a try; seems like the best compromise. Thanks Eric.
 
gooch said:
What if you don't have a vacuum cleaner can you still use AVIS cleaners?
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Yes, you can use any cleaning fluid you want except those that don't require rinsing. The thing is though that vacuuming is a rather necessary thing. The whole idea behind record cleaning is to suspend the dirt in the fluid and remove it from the record with vacuuming being the most effective way. That's why it's not a good idea to use one step cleaners if you are using the rag dry method for instance because you would just be spreading the dirt back onto and into the record. The good enzyme based cleaners work to release the more stubborn dirt that is essentially sticky so that it can be removed. You can't remove it with a rag. Now if you are using rinse required cleaners you might effectively remove it with good rinsing and then you can dry the record any way you choose.
I should also mention that the AVIS cleaning fluids are not inexpensive. Just so you know. However, I have not run across anything as good as or better then they are yet.
 
MusicDirector said:
Yes, you can use any cleaning fluid you want except those that don't require rinsing. The thing is though that vacuuming is a rather necessary thing. The whole idea behind record cleaning is to suspend the dirt in the fluid and remove it from the record with vacuuming being the most effective way. That's why it's not a good idea to use one step cleaners if you are using the rag dry method for instance because you would just be spreading the dirt back onto and into the record. The good enzyme based cleaners work to release the more stubborn dirt that is essentially sticky so that it can be removed. You can't remove it with a rag. Now if you are using rinse required cleaners you might effectively remove it with good rinsing and then you can dry the record any way you choose.
I should also mention that the AVIS cleaning fluids are not inexpensive. Just so you know. However, I have not run across anything as good as or better then they are yet.
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Thanks for the info I just don't have the money at the moment for a record cleaning machine I think I order a bottle of #6 and give it a try
 
gooch said:
Thanks for the info I just don't have the money at the moment for a record cleaning machine I think I order a bottle of #6 and give it a try
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If you are drying with rags, I recommend against using the #6, it's a no rinse cleaner, but does contain bio-enzymes. It's formulated more for maintenance cleaning or light cleaning on already cleaned or extremely good condition records. I'd go with the 3-step kit if you want to try AVIS fluids. Save up for a RCM, you can get a VPI 16.5 for $650.
 
MusicDirector said:
If you are drying with rags, I recommend against using the #6, it's a no rinse cleaner, but does contain bio-enzymes. It's formulated more for maintenance cleaning or light cleaning on already cleaned or extremely good condition records. I'd go with the 3-step kit if you want to try AVIS fluids. Save up for a RCM, you can get a VPI 16.5 for $650.
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I have been air drying my records at least the ones I cleaned on Monday I just got back into vinyl a RCM on my list for sure.
 
gooch said:
I have been air drying my records at least the ones I cleaned on Monday I just got back into vinyl a RCM on my list for sure.
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Air drying is fine with the One-step stuff. Although I'd like to point out that air drying also defeats the purpose somewhat because all that sticky dust and particulate matter settle back on the record and sticks to it. Glad you have an RCM on the list now. With the vacuum step added you can dry the record instantly and slip it into afresh poly inner sleeve straight away to protect it.
 
So which of these two are the ones you guy's use Premium Archivist Formula or Super Cleaner Formula? Hard to know which one to get when you never used the product.

Thanks
Dave
 
I compare prices of the enzime cleaners, AIVS No. 15 32 Ounce Flip Spout Bottle is $45.00, similar enzime 32 oz MOFI 32 oz is 29.00, the ultra pure water as 2nd step is the same price 19.99 in both but drops $2 each at Mofi if you buy 4.
 
gooch said:
So which of these two are the ones you guy's use Premium Archivist Formula or Super Cleaner Formula? Hard to know which one to get when you never used the product.

Thanks
Dave
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These go with the 3-step kits and are not meant to be used as a stand alone product. I personally use the Super Cleaner formula. The only difference between the two are that the Archivist Formula has no alcohol in it and the Super Cleaner formula has a tiny bit of lab grade alcohol in it. Either one is fine, both equally effective, it's just personal preference.
~Eric
 
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