Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

Crem1: Thanks for getting back to me. I'll try out a few more lps and see what happens. I've only steamed the one lp and certainly don't consider that to be a definitive sample. I will post updates on how I do. Also, I went to the local Whole Foods store here (I live in San Jose) and they did not have the special water mentioned before. Perhaps that water is only available in some states.

At any rate, I think you've made a real contribution to Audiogon by sharing your experiences on steam cleaning. It's been a very informative thread. Please keep us posted too. Cheers!

Based on the email threads on the subject of steam cleaning I purchased the Perfection Hand Steamer and Peak water today and tried it out. Some initial questions/comments as I try to get a process down:

1. Just to confirm, you do NOT use any of the attachments that come with the cleaner. If so, then if I chose to steam a record on my RCM (seems easier than hand held which I tried tonight) then I would need to use the extension & nozzle attachments to avoid tilting the steamer at > 45 angle (whcih the user guide does not recommend). Does that sound reasonable?

2. I steamed one (old) lp for practice, then cleaned with Disc Doctor. The lp must have expanded as it was much more difficult to put it back on the turntable (the center hole had become constricted). How do I avoid this from happening?

Any guidance is much appreiacted.

Thanks.