Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?


It has happened again. Major tweak and record provider has available a steam cleaner made especially for records. Anybody try steam for cleaning lp’s? What were your results? Since a unit can be had for about $20 at Target, 15% of what the tweak provider is charging, is it worth a try?.
tiger

Showing 4 responses by zenblaster

How about a little perspective folks, this isn't the vaccine for Polio. Nobody is going to make millions on an attachment (or anythings else to do with) to steam clean records. Self adulation is unattractive at best. If you don't want others to use, alter, change, expound, etc. your ideas, keep them to yourself. Once they enter the public domain all bets are off. This thread is sounding more like a Seinfeld episode every day.
I think that the possibility of contaminants reaching the surface of records due to a hose attachment of the Perfection Steamer is minimal, concern that it is misplaced. The chances of water breaking down the elements of composite fixtures are slim at best in our lifetime, regardless of their smell. The real risk is the waters reaction the various metals in the steaming path, especially where dis-simmilar metals are in contact with water and electrons (electricity) are excited by the heat/energy. You will do no physical harm to your records by adding an attachment to your steamer. Come on, where are you science teachers that drummed this useless fact into my head over the years?
I have been looking for lead in my power cord for years. (Sorry, that was just too easy).
I am sending this link to Larry David.
This is one of the most bizarre/funny threads that I have ever read. I can not wait to log on everyday. What a script, what characters! Priceless.
The sputtering may be caused by the tip getting clogged on occasion. To clear I pass a piece of 14g wire through it and back to a nice steady steam stream. BTW this is a great way to clean records, mine have never been cleaner.
My system for cleaning-
I have an old player that I use- put the record on and give a 2-3 second blast from 4-5" with the record turning. Then I apply a few drops of my home brew and cover the surface of record with a 1" Purdy paint brush gently spreading. I then give another 2-3 second blast. Put the brakes on the record and use my modified velvet covered vacuum wand to remove all liquid and matter leaving a gorgeous better than new record.
Thanks to Crem1 and all the others for showing me how to clean records like a pro without buying a $500 plus machine. This is my meditation prior to playing and I take pride in my cleaning that I wouldn't get by throwing them in a machine and waiting.