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
I guess I am on board with this method as well. I picked up a Perfection Steamer from Walgreen's and tried it out. I used to have an ultrasonic until it broke and thought that was fantastic.
I just apply the solvent with a spritzer, wipe it through the grooves with a guaze, and blast it off with the steamer using the conical point, avoiding the label, rinse and dry. The steam cools down pretty fast and doesn't seem to harm the record at all, I even stabilize it with my hand and there is no significant problem with heat to my hand. I have washed several record this way and it seems to be a great method, even with records I previously washed with the ultrasonic, the steam seems to clean better.
I guess this would qualify as using the steam as part of the "rinse" cycle.
Follow-up: I have the parts but no time yet to construct a "Gem-type" record cleaner. FYI, Michael Fremer did a review of a Merrill Gem (Stereophile 9/08) :) Fremer mentioned his GEM leaked water onto the record lables . I have an idea on how to resolve that problem.

This fall I plan to open a new thread on the results of specialized bacteria products I will be use to scour LP groves (hopefully) to a pristine condition. Its going to be a "Shoot-Out" of two bacteria products I selected that just might be the ultimate accessory for the fantic that demands perfection from LPs. I have posted before on bacteria . This time I will have a couple products on hand to compaire as a complement to Steam Cleaning.

One last mention, Mikey F. said he is to review a computer program to assist in turntable set-up, let's hope so for all of us.
Guys, thanks for the steam clean ideas. My payback. It is now at Walgreens at $13.95 including tax(with a $17 rebate).
FYI: Walgreens (in MD); the "Perfection Steam Cleaner" is currently priced @ $20 w/ $10 rebate from in-store coupon booklet.