Cleaning Vinyl

I have owned a VPI 16.5 machine for many years and have been very happy with it. I use the brush that comes with it for really dirty records (flea market and thrift store acquisitions) and a discwasher brush for normal cleaning before play. I still use VPI record cleaning fluid; it's about $20 per gallon but it seems to last forever. I use nothing else on the records; many of the protectants add somewhat of a glaze and I have been nervous about using them on old records that are not easily replaced.

i was using a watts dust-bug while the record was playing; recently upgraded to a nos kieth monks record sweeper. this is all-metal, & is actually grounded - helps reduce static. i have no problems w/dust accumulating on the stylus. i also use a zero-stat gun, and last record preservative & stylus preservative. re: record-cleaning machines, - *have* used a friend's machine, & it *is* nice, but, with what *i* have, i get perfectly acceptable results w/a sponge, mild dish-soap, and luke-warm water in the kitchen sink! dry w/a soft towel. doug

"Carl" is absolutely right! (as usual). I use "Gruv Glide" exclusively. It completely kills static, so there is no particulate attraction, it enhances trackability so the sound is better, and best of all it does not affect or "eat" the vinyl like other products. It can be completely washed off. 1 can does about 150 albums so it's very economical too. Phenomenal stuff, worth a try at 24$!! By the way Gruv Glide is/was a previously "Stereophile Recommended" accessory if that's important to you.

Thank you for the compliment, Bhrowe.

Good advice by others. I never felt comfortable using dishwasher soap of any kind. Buy a new or used record cleaning machine! I have used a VPI-17F for years and it is great. I use a three step process, clean (homemade recipes), preserve (last), clean unwanted preservative off (Record Research). New and clean records are cleaned with distilled water and minute portion of photo flow (16 oz H2O - 2 drops photo flow ratio). For dirty records I add 1 or 2 oz of acohol. I think these work well especailly if you follow up with Last and Record Research. Good brush (there are several), wipe stylus with brush, clean stylus once in while (I like last products), I have anti-static gun (don't remember brand, as I don't need to use it very often)and most of all enjoy the music! Good luck.