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Best Record Cleaning Fluid

Greetings All,

I’ve spend the last few days searching and reading about record cleaning fluids for my cleaning machine (Okki Nikki).  Wow - there are a lot of options out there.  Many more than I originally thought.  Some real esoteric stuff that costs a pretty penny.  I’m currently going through my entire collection, cleaning it, listening to it and adding it to a Discogs DB.  Want to finally know how many I have and have a list of them.  But doing this has resulted in me going through cleaning fluid rather quickly.

So many options, so many perspectives on what are the best fluids.  What do you all say.  I understand that alcohol is a no-no for fluids, but I can’t find out if some of them include alcohol or not.  Currently using up the fluid that came with the machine, but no where can I read it if has bad ingredients.

The 2-stage or 3-stage cleaning systems are not going to happen.  I did get a bottle of Revolv that I was told was good, and use if for new high quality pressings (as opposed to those I bought in high school).

Anyway, would appreciate some perspectives on good quality record cleaning fluids that don’t bust the bank.  Thanks for keeping the sarcasm in check.

Happy Listening,

pgaulke60

Showing 3 responses by fleschler

fleschler
1,922 posts
 
I have used the VPI 16.5 for 37 years now.   Back in the 90s I used Torumat fluid with very good results, from Brooks Berdan, where I purchased my analog front end and cleaning machine.  Then an acquaintance Brian made a formula which included drinking alcohol, ethanol.  It was superb.  He passed and since about 2005, I've used Record Doctor.  Sometimes, cleaning the grooves results in a noisier LP due to uncovering gunk which has resulted in damaged grooves.  Overall, I like the Record Doctor using two additional rinses using either RO or distilled water.  

I have 7,000 78s and Record Doctor is recommended for them.  It apparently does not use any type of alcohol.  

I like the Kirmuss idea but don't trust the guy.  MF said it can take 30 minutes per disc to make it absolutely pristine (including multiple passes through the machine and fungus/etc. hand brush removal).
fleschler
1,922 posts
 
I have several MSFLs that are similar to many of my Japanese LPs where they look black/dark but when held up to a light, are almost transparent with an amber coloration.
fleschler
1,922 posts
 
Virgin vinyl is the primary reason Japanese LPs are so quiet.  I do not own more than a few MFSL pressings.  Originals often sound superior despite their higher record noise.  I'll take a V.S.O.P. reissue any day over an MFSL from the 80s. 
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