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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Oh for accuracy's sake there is one additive to the PVC and that is the colorant which usually is carbon black. Unexpanded PVC is clear, expanded PVC is white (plumbing). 
vinylvalet
897 posts
 
I developed a system about 20 years ago using Disc Doctor fluid and brushes coupled with a vacuum type record cleaner like the VPI. Using a USB microscope, I see none of the debris on the stylus that Dr Kirmuss claims you'll always have unless you use his ultra-sonic system.

Thanks for the tip on the antistatic record cleaning arm. In my low humidity, desert environment, especially in the winter, static is a big issue. I had to modify my turntable motor power supply during the driest times since static discharge at the stylus would cause the turntable to change speeds from 33 to 45RPM.
lattimer1
6 posts
 
I couldn’t read all comments but went through enough, and to the original poster ; I have been using homemade solution for years now that really works and I sell it to folks in MN. It is just amazing stuff and pint jar will last you long long time as you should only use few drops of it and scrub the record. You do have to rinse well.  I use the 50$ n under process and my solution by using 1 1/4 shop vac with my own homemade wand and a wooden lazy Susan with dowel rod in the middle for the record and I will say nothing and I mean nothing will beat that setup as I have used multiple systems including spin clean and machines and etc. So if you want to preserve and hear the best from your records then contact me and I will send you some for maybe a trade or work something out. Oh and by the way mofi....poster you should ALWAYS CLEAN your new records as they have pressing dust on them from the factory and static. If anyone wants more information and details contact me.
Take care everyone  !!
craig1512
12 posts
 
I use MelodyMate, Australian made, not sure if available and can be purchased outside Australia. I use MelodyMate in my VPI RCM, replaced the VPI fluid and does as good a job. I apply MelodyMate, use the VPI supplied brush, vacuum, then repeat the process with distilled water for a final rinse and vacuum.
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 
Alcohol? Brake fluid? Special potions and magic formulas? I have to wonder what contaminants are on the LPs that warrant such an approach.

Ultrasonic and distilled water work fine for me. I get a pristine, perfectly clean LP every time. What more could anyone want?

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