Crosley Record Cleaning System


I finally purchased a Crosley Radio Vinyl Record Cleaning System https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/search?N=11066464&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi
and challenged it with cleaning 48 of my oldest and most neglected albums, some of which I acquired used from a DJ, and others that I found in a dumpster in the rain. The results are nothing shirt of miraculous!

The formerly unplayable albums now appear mint, with beautiful, glossy, deep black vinyl. When I viewed the YouTube videos I was disappointed that none of the demonstrators actually played a record after cleaning, so I was anxious to actually have a listen. The needle was dead silent tracking the lead grooves. I actually thought I'd forgotten to turn up the volume!

It's difficult to imagine that a sixty-dollar purchase could produce such remarkable results, when there are record cleaning systems on rhe market that cost $3,800. Of course, while the Crosley produced results far beyond my expectations, it is not without fault. The one nuisance is the cleaning brushes do not lock in place, so they tend to migrate up the label during cleaning, and require constant attention. The other thing to be aware of is Crosley supples just one drying cloth, which is good for 10-12 albums. Since with each filling the system is good for 50 records, you will need to have at least 3 additional drying cloths at your disposal.

If you have not yet invested in a proper record cleaning system, I highly recommend you get yourself a Crosley.

And, if you are currently using another effctive record cleaning system or method, please share your experience? Thanks!
avdesigns
I can tell this isn't meant as a joke, but it none-the-less is. As a real record cleaning machine (the Record Doctor V from Audio Advisor) can be had for as little as $199, there is no need to settle for this childrens toy. 
@bdp24 Believe me this is no joke, and the Crosley is certainly no children’s toy. I did also consider the Record Doctor, but I decided I’d prefer something affordable that cleans both sides simultaneously.

I specifically wanted to start this discussion because I was certain there would be other people out there, like myself, who would be very skeptical about the effectiveness of such an inexpensive cleaning system. When I saw a video of Stereophile’s Michael Fremer at CES recommending the Spin Clean record cleaning system I decided I’d give it a try. In searching for it online I discovered there were other similar systems on the market for even less. I thought if I was going to make a mistake on this thing I should spend as little as possible.

I challenge you to find the worst record you could possibly find, clean it with the Crosley or similar system, then give it a spin. I guarantee you will be a convert. If not I will buy your system from you and give it to a friend as a present.
@tpreaves I believe you are correct that the Spin Clean model was the first to market some 40 yrs ago(?) and is now being cloned. Although Crosley dates back around 90 years, the Crosley of today is a relatively new company.
Washing records in the sink or some other receptacle has been done for a long time and it can work.  The problem is that, without some type of vacuum, the cleaning fluid(s) may dry on the record, leaving a residue.  Also, with a vacuum system, you can play your records right away, as opposed to waiting with a bath-type cleaner.  I've never tried, but I would imagine you could probably get a record pretty dry with a high quality microfiber cloth.  If you're happy with it and your records sound good, that's really all that counts.   
@chayro Your observation is correct. I can see some residual water marks on the inside track, but I'm not concerned by this because I can now play and enjoy albums that I have not been able to play in over 30 years and they sound like brand new records.

While the Crosley may make an LP superficially look clean, where it matters, down in the groove. nothing has changed much. And chayro is exactly right---without a vacuum removal of the cleaning fluid, along with the dirt imbedded in the groove, the record is not clean. It may in fact be even noisier, some of the dirt loosened, but not removed.

Serious record collectors moved on from superficial LP cleaning decades ago, when the original Nitty Gritty was introduced. VPI soon followed, and now a true vacuum record cleaning machine can be had, as I said, for as little as $199. Surely every collector can afford that! Your LP’s deserve a more serious cleaning than this thing is capable of providing.

@bdp24 I disagree. Making an unplayable record, not just playable, but quiet and clear is hardly a "superficial" result.
Check out Dave Burton "Record Genie.com. Send him 10 of your cleaned records. Have him clean them and report back. You will be amazed.
While not using the Crosley itself, I have used the cleaner it is an imitation of, the Spin Clean. In fact, I still have one, using it to pre-clean very dirty pre-owned records before they go on my VPI. At it’s price, not much is risked by trying the Crosley, except the possible damage to a valuable, irreplaceable LP by playing it without it having been "deep" cleaned. I don’t consider it effective enough to be my only cleaner, but then I’ve used the best vacuum machine I’m aware of, the VPI HW-17F. I bought a Nitty Gritty before the VPI, but wasn’t 100% satisfied with it. Next up is one of the ultrasonic cleaners. I take my LP collection very seriously!
I started with a Nitty Gritty but the turn table broke and I traded away the vacuum and what was left of the motor to as guy that mods gear for me.  I then got the standard VPI 16.5 I think or 16.0- anyway it works fine.  What I find to be key, is the solution you  use and the care you use putting it on the record.
I've used a Spin Clean nearly 10 years, as part of my re-entry into record playing after a 30 year break.

For the money and convienience, it's tough to beat.

That being said, it ain't cleaning a record like a VPI or the Audiodesk, which I've tried both. It will cure a skip caused by gunk buildup and reduce noise most of the time.

It does make a disc come out looking nice, but wiping with a cloth defeats the purpose to some degree. I guess since I start off by being picky with my used record purchases, I don't feel the need for a noisey box and the effort. 

If I ever find an amazing deal(70% off retail) I will get an Audiodesk.
I'm not holding my breath.