Kurt et al - I would avoid using Joy or any other dishwashing liquid on your CD's or LP's. It's overkill, may damage the surfaces because of its very high pH, and will leave residues behind (Polymers, perfumes). In case you are wondering, I work for Procter & Gamble in Research & Development and formulate clenaing products for a living. The design criteria for something like a dishwashing liquid include heavily buffered high pH to deal with burnt grease and polymers to leave a shiny surface upon rinsing. Also, hese pruducts rinse off best in warm/hot water or with LOTS of exccess cold water If you want to try mild cleansers which leave no residue, I'd suggest looking into contact lens cleaners (not saline!) or, better yet, a pure nonionic surfactant with the right HLB vlaue for light duty cleaning and high water solubility (ususally HLB of 7 or higher). There are literally thousands in the market. Frankly, I haven;t gotten around around to DIY and still use Record Research Labs LP cleaner and Nitty Gritty CD cleaner, which are probably overpriced for the level of active ingredients they contain. But..if anyone feels adventuous, would suggest an alkyl polyguccoside from Henkel. a Pluronic from BASF or an ehtoxylated alcohol from ICI. Hmm...may be I should spend a bit more time on this.....
Biggest hype-worst tweak
I was wondering what everybody had found to be the biggest waste of time regarding tweaks-I've tried most-largely with satisfying results.The worst one for me was a Statmat (this months Hi-fi Choice has Jimmy Hughes still raving about the thing!)-a polythene floppy mat for sitting on top of your CD's-with weird markings-supposed to disperse static and make motherships land in your garden or something... Pure nonsense-had me pulling my hair out as it stuck in the tray constantly and my face twisted at the strain of trying to hear something/anything.....how my girlfriend laughed as she picked the thing up-you need help she remarked-I sent it back...and yet I fear I might have missed something Ben