"Cleaning" Vinyl Makes It Worse Not Better!


I"m using a spray 'advanced vinyl record cleaning solution' with a cleaning cloth.

It creates GUNK in the grooves which can be fixed by cleaning the needle 5-7 times during playing one side..  It gets into the grooves and fixes the problem.  I'd rather find a better way to clean the discs. Sounds dumb, I know. 

What am I doing wrong?

Please Help!!

klimt

Showing 2 responses by inagroove

First, I know this process is/was excessive. I previously worked in an analytical chemistry lab, so I was accustomed to excessively clean processes/equipment. 

Background:  I have cleaned ~4500 LPs using the following process: 

  1. Tap rinse
  2. Spin Clean w soap - 6 revolutions, each side
  3. Ultrasonic clean w soap at 2 different frequencies (Elmasonic P, from Germany, 37/80 kHz), the 80kHz produces less heat,- which is a key issue for LPS (most units do not offer this feature).
  4. Tap rinse / drip dry
  5. Spin Clean w D.I - 6 revolutions, each side
  6. Drip dry in a rack / wipe with Spin Clean drying cloths
  7. Store in new sleeves...

I avoid excessive heat, strong acids, strong abrasives and organic solvents - not needed (and can damage LPs).

With the 'deep cleaning' accomplished, I simply dust each side with a Disc Washer brush before playback.

I recommend you try a few steps to see what satisfies you, your needs and your time-budget.

Second, please know that cheap equipment is CHEAP ONLY ONCE.  After that, you pay every time you use it...  (a lesson that my favorite boss taught me years ago). 

Best of luck with your adventure and feel free to message me if you want more details...

@ ruebent, @ skiznfliz

I used standard freezer ICEPACKS to cool my Ultrasonic Bath between batches.  Moderating the US Bath's temperature is vital. 

I also used an aquarium filter, with small-pore batting, to filter particles throughout the process.

I hope this helps... Good luck,