Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

This looks a great way to clean vinyl the first time. Assuming we all take care of our vinyl, how often does the steam cleaning need to be done?

Crem,

Thanks for the info. Since I won't be have to steam clean the albums often, I figure I'll give it a try.

I picked up a steamer at Walgreens (it rang up as $19.99 although it was marked $29.99). I will pick up some water at Pep Boys tomorrow.

Target has some microfiber "pucks" that were marked as 90,000 fibers per square inch. They look they will be perfect for lightly scrubbing the debris out of the grooves while steaming.

Darrell

I steam cleaned 60 albums this weekend with no mishaps, using the concepts Clem1 outlined.

I have an RCM machine, so I used a process similar to what Stltrains showed in his video (I just didn't do and RCM wand swap-outs).

Thanks to all the folks who contributed to this thread. I think the steam cleaning is a great way to "deep clean" a newly acquired album.

Darrell

Well, I have steam cleaned about 10 albums now. I decided to use my Garage Sale purchases first, then move up from there. I have now used the process on all my Garage Sale purchases, and a few of my lesser liked albums from the used record store.

So far, there have been no mishaps/damage to any album, and some albums have shown a noticeable improvement (a lot less hiss and pops).

I think the steam cleaning clearly does a better job than simply using a carbon brush and some cleaning solution. and, it seems to be equal or less hassle than cleaning records in the sink. I know I would end getting my labels wet in the sink.

I think the steam cleaning is a great way to clean newly acquired vinyl, for those that don't have a record cleaning machine.

I am getting a VTI RCM next week. I will be trying a process like we saw in the video posted above. I plan to use steam with the RCM for all newly acquired vinyl.

Thanks to all that have made this an informative thread. This is a really good process.

Oh, and by the way, you may want to check out Target (automotive section) for some Microfiber "pucks". They seem to be the perfect size and softness (90,000 fibers per inch) for this. They have a removeable handle. It like it was built for cleaning records.

Darrell