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?.
1. That's a variable from 1" to 3", the SF-227 has a Lot of Steam Power--Keep a vinyl-type glove on your hands for safety sake. The 227 can leave a scalding red streak should you overlap your hand.
2. Holding the LP on an angle facing away from your face and body, spray the groves in a circular motion. Top to bottom or reverse doesn't really matter just watch the label. Always wipe it dry or cover with a circular piece of vinyl, I use a "give-away" jar opener.
3. Yes, a vinyl-type covering over all the frame works for me. Soft and non-abrasive.
4. Some air dry and some do not. Using an extremely soft micro cloth seems to be the perferred method of those who do not combo with a RCM. Soft is the perference, just a slight wipe once or twice , allow air drying for several minutes depending on your home enviorment.
Thank you for the kind words. I only hope that what we have diccussed will enhanse your listening experience.
12-09-07: Hififile 1) How far do I hold the steamer nozzle from the record?
About 6 inches. I lay an LP on the kitchen counter (on top of a microfiber towel) and use the bent nozzle so I can hold the steamer nearly horizontal. Easier on my wrist.
2) What kind of motion do I use? Circular following the grooves or maybe from top to bottom?
Not sure that it matters, but I generally use a circular motion following the groove. I figure if the steam is moving in the same direction as the groove, it's more likely to blast it out of the deeper part of the groove. I also know that this is just speculation on my part.
3) Is there a particular brand or type of dish rack to get to prevent scratching the record?
I use the garden variety dish rack we already had. It is rubber-coated wire.
4) I'm confused, do you physically towel dry the records, or air dry them in the dish rack??
Personally I use a terry-cloth style microfiber towel (it claims 90,000 fiber naps sticking up per square inch). This helps wipe the gunk and water out of the groove. I then rack the LP after towel-drying it to let any residual moisture evaporate. Also, if you have gotten the label wet, you'll want to rack it until it's dry. You don't want to put a wet record back into its liner sleeve.
To avoid getting the label too wet, I lay an oriental rice bowl over the label. It covers it perfectly without covering any of the groove.
If you have the space available to set up a cleaning area, my advice is to source a junk turntable (Goodwill, your local audio dealer may have taken some crappy trade-ins), which is what I've done. This is the perfect platform for both applying fluid and steaming. You can steam an entire side in about 5 seconds at 45 RPM with a garment steamer. I usually apply fluid with a carbon fibre brush, steam, brush again, steam, brush and vacuum.
Quick, effective, and if you're steaming at 45 RPM you'd have to work extremely hard to damage the record. I like about 2.5-3 inches away.
Readers : I have come across a Microfiber polishing cloth that appears to be significantly better than most cloths on the market. The Flitz 4 star Microfiber Polishing Cloth, www.Flitz.com , is made of Starfiber @ Microfiber; threads are 100 times finer than human hair, absorbs 4 times its weight in liquid and reportly works "electostatically". The cloths are sized from 12x12", 16x16" and 21x24" and range in price from $5.00 to $9.00. The cloths appear to be a perfect mate to our steaming efforts for a fraction of the cost others would charge for similar, but not as superior a product.
Headsnappin: The simplest way is steam, then scrubb with Lp cleaning solution on a revolving RCM,vacuum,steam again to remove all cleaning solution,vacuum again and allow to dry or use a microfiber cloth.
The combo action is using the best of both worlds steam and vacuum : You blast, clean 'an scrubb & suck off the grunge that gets in the way of listening pleasure. Don't let anybody fool you , should you have a RCM use it , your investment is enhansed .
I concur with the others who have had positive results from steam cleaning records.
Crem1 has been very helpful in his postings here, and additionally via email, such that now I have adopted steaming as a routine approach to vinyl enjoyment.
The following procedure is a summary of how Crem1's method looks for me using the WalMart steamer. I offer it here if it helps to clarify things for other new adopters.
Method:
1.Place the LP on the VPI RCM and steam the recording while rotating so as to douse the grooves deeply with steam about 3-4” from the disc surface for approximately 10-15 seconds using an angled nozzle approach.
2.Stop the VPI motor and apply the record cleaning solution of choice [mine is a home brew based on isopropyl alcohol].
3.Carefully scrub with a VPI record cleaning brush while the disc is rotating. I allow about 4-5 rotations for this step.
4.Next give blasts of steam to dislodge crud for several revolutions, and then position the vacuum tube over the LP and turn-on the vacuum to suck off the alcohol and steam residue mixture.
5.Gently dry the arm tube with a micro-fiber cloth and then do a 10 second final steam "rinse" while the disc is rotating.
6.Vacuum off this remaining fluid for about 6 rotations and check for dryness of the disc surface and label.
7.Go over the cleaned LP with a pristine and dry micro-fiber cloth to remove any residual moisture and continue with the other side.
8.Use a new liner sleeve and make notations of treatment date for historical purposes.
9.This technique should last for a long time so just before playing, I merely use a dry high quality microfiber cloth to go over the LP surface to remove any new dust once the record is on the turntable platter. I suspect repeated steaming will not be needed on already treated records.
I hope this is useful and welcome any feedback that might enhance the approach. Thanks to all steamers for the advice, encouragement and assistance, especially Charlie.
Taper : Thank you for the kind words. As the year comes to a close, just a mention of the following to Taper&Friends:
I believe Steam Cleaning is creating a grass-roots revolution of LP owners that is evolving to revive LP recordings to remarkable listening levels.
Steam Cleaning is cost effective, demonstrating that it is competitive to any other cleaning method in the market place. Steaming Cleaning method can stand on its own but for those with RCM's it makes no sence to discard a useful machine made so much more effective in combination with Steam Cleaning.
Hand held steam cleaning is no fluke. It is a process/method that was created & designed and used with great sucess for over a decade. It was an idea I did not exploit for gain , rather an idea I shaired with other Lp'ers to spread the joy of what was possible out of decades old/new recordings. Steam Cleaning is an idea and process that has been discussed in many of our most respected audio magazines for that value of the idea and process, not for profit.
In today's world superior steam cleaning machines abound to what had been available and at low cost. I continue to feel the"Perfection"is a best buy although the "SteamFast SF-227" has a more powerful blast of steam. But, what ever handheld steamer(sans garment units/steam irons)one uses will get the job done. Personally, I am coming to believe blasting power is something that one wants to vary depending upon the condition of the Lp.
A new Lp has a different set of cleaning conditions/values than a used recording. For instance, a fellow steamer emailed that he rarely uses anything other than pure steam on new records. He sez that he feels H2O removes most processing greases with just a moment or two of steaming.
The evolution of Steam Cleaning has exposed an achilles heel in the Record Cleaning Industry -- record cleaning solutions. I feel that it is a true gift of alchemy to create a record cleaning solution that does not leave some layer of materal a "sonic fingerprint" to shroud the listening experience , irrespective of the claims of the manufacture. Anyone that has Steamed Cleaned and played an LP understands what the manufactures have yet to learn.
So as we end this year and begin another lets work together to bring Lp cleaning to greater heights.
Remember its the journey... Happy Season -- Charlie
Crem1 - Thanks for your recommendations. I enjoy buying used vinyl at flea markets etc. Have some that really need a good cleaning. Am going to track down a Perfection Steam Cleaner (I do see it on Walgreen's web site).
Just came across this. Thought it might be of interest http://musicangle.com/feat.php?id=54&page=4
Any suggestions about on-line sources for triple-distilled water?
Ghosthouse, Sure can't throw stones for that recommendation. Bought a near mint Mommas, and Papas greatest hits not long ago for $2 at the antique shop here in town (akin to a used record shop, but they have a multitude of various other things as well)
I ran the Lp through my VPI 16.5 with AIVS 4-step cleaners, sleeved them up in Mo_Fi, and Japanese Sleeves. A few days later decided to give the LP a spin to reminicse. I was totally startled to say the least. I was starting to have doubts whether my new Benz Ruby 3 was ever going to come around to sounding "pleasing". (Note how I say "Pleasing", and not killer)
The sound really surprised me, crystal clear midrange,no groove noise at all, and bested many Mo-Fi's I have lying around here, like Momma Cass was singing in the room! That woman sure had a beautiful voice, that was apparent with this LP. She sure wasn't much of a "Looker", but she could sure darn well sing! A terribly horrible loss, just like many other greats. Mark
Ghosthouse: For years I have been using demineralized and distilled H2O super pure water manufactured by Peak as battery water. I formerly purchased another product no longer on store shelves;however,according to the customer rep for Peak, they also manufactured that product for a 3rd party distributer that was identical to the current manufacturing standards for Peak Battery Water. I purchase Peak @ Pep Boys Auto for $4.00 per Gal. According to another Thread on Water below ours, Whole Foods Organic Stores sell a in-store water product possibly superior to Peak for significantly less $, provided you supply the container. All the Best in the New Year - Charlie
Man am I steamed! Based on Crem1 suggestions, I got my wife to buy me a Perfection steamer for Christmas. I went to Pep Boys and got the deionized water, even bought myself a 3" Purdy brush. I already have a VPI record vac that is 26 years old and still going strong (so obviously I believe in cleaning records). I have been using the Walker Audio Prelude with great success. So, I followed Crem1 recommendations and have been astonished at the results. I am truly hearing sounds in records I have played for 26 years that never heard before. And it most cases way less surface noise. Thanks Crem1! I now consider a steamer and a record vac a must.
Jbaussie : You made my New Year's Eve with such a positive email, thank you .
J: Steam Cleaning is based on science not hype. In terms of Lp cleaning, that means anyone who chooses to follow the process (and respects Steam Cleaning from a safety point of view) can expect the same positive results that I have enjoyed for years for a fraction of the cost associated with record cleaning.
We must always remember, the industry has "educated" we Lp'ers to expect Instant Karma by cleaning from a liquid in a bottle , a machine or brush costing BIG bucks. But thats only a small part of the story. Cleaners and machines all have a place in the arsenal of record cleaning aids; the real story is " what do your ears tell you " and that is priceless .
Be assured I'm science-type person with room for inspiration and innovation. I love those black discs and I have been experimenting with remarkable ideas that compliment steaming bringing more musical enjoyment to folks like you and I.
Recently, I have had several break-thru's that I must re-test to make certian they are ready for "Prime Time". Till then, keep the revolution going.
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?
1. As time goes on and I receive more emails from Steamers and I am learning from their experiences.
Several Steamers report excellent results cleaning Lps on the RCM's. I too have lately experimented with their suggestions; I agree that in most cases one can steam clean effectively on the RCM turntable.The RCM turntable and surroundings can get very wet may need a careful wiping off.
It is my observation the physical action of steam hitting the groves is the catalysist that releases contaminates .That release is accelerated by a record cleaning solution following the initial steam. Remember, to always steam-off the record cleaning solution following a good scrub and vac on a RCM , or you will defeat the purpose of getting the vinyl as free of sonic fingerprints(residue) as possible. Some steamers forgo the vac in favor of micro-cloths reporting similar results. Personally, I use both and would never give my RCM.
The exception to cleaning on a RCM rather than initially by hand, appears more directed to recordings that visually exhibit greasey-type smuges/fingerprints or organic-type grunge. Stuff one may find on second-hand LPs; the steam control issues may become more important regarding a "45 degree angle" for removing gunk for the dirter-than-thou LPs than the mint-. Again , to clean on a RCM is a choice not than absolute rule. My preference is to use all options depending on my naked-eye observation and wipe-up the slightly wetter RCM at clean-up time.
I feel , the shorter the distance from the steam cleaning unit to the LP the better. With the Perfection I do use the 6" cone attachment sometimes but no other. My experience had been the steam tends to cool down in the hose attachments sometimes causing a water build up in the hose that streams out when you initially pull the trigger to the Steamer. That is not what I want and that happens far less using the shortest distance between the heating tank and the vinyl surface.
2. The hole issue one is new on me. My practice is to avoid getting the label wet by applying a cover -- I use a give away circular vinyl jar opener to cover the label.
Stelkor, what you have aluded to has been discussed personally with me; that some LPs seem "expand" after cleaning then return to normal size.
I know of one scientist who has related that he believes some vinyl compounds retain heat longer than other vinyl compounds . However, following extensive listening , he deserned no playback problems. Personally, I have read a couple of articles that suggest recently cleaned Lps (cleaned on RCMs) "rest" for a period of 30 minutes or more, and claims the LPs sound "better" when rested for a day . I can only relate that of all the LPs I have cleaned one or two 1950's Verves really did sound improved with a rest.
But Stelkor let me make this clear,in all the years of steaming have I never damaged a record by steaming. Bad turntable management Yes , Steaming ? No.
Stelkor & Crem1 - As a precaution can a piece of metal (nail?) of the appropriate diameter be inserted into the LP spindle hole prior to cleaning? Might help conserve original dimensions.
Just did my first steam cleaning. Treated Steely Dan's "The Royal Scam"...a very noisy LP since bought many years ago. Steaming has improved things beyond what straight cleaning fluid/RCM cleaning did. I'm inclined to give it another treatment and see if the last residual "pops" can be eliminated. No issues with spindle hole dimension changes.
Ghostthouse : As stated I have Never encountered the issue . The dialog between myself and a sciencific guy relating to record cleaning at large was his opinion that was favorable. The articles I have read related to RCM cleaning only rather than steam cleaning. I have personally cleaned thousands of LPs in my collection both RCM only and with steam and I have never encountered an issue with a LP center hole. I am not suggesting that it can not happen only that my experience has never led to that challenge. My VPI has a threaded center-pin with a threaded top-piece. My VPI's center-pin has never impeded the placement of a Lp on the turntable or subsequently on my record player.I have been cleaning records for nearly 4 decades (brushes , RCM's & later steam) as have my friends and as far as I am aware none have had that problem nor have I or anyone I know had a problem with holding a LP for cleaning. I'm not saying never only never in my collective experience.
Does anyone have any experience with the highly distilled water from Whole Foods as a final rinse? I seem to remember a post about it but can't seem to find it.
Headsnappin: The Whole Foods water was recommended on a water thread below and was mentioned here. A stop at a local Medical Ctr. for a heart Defib has delayed me from going to my local Whole Foods -- That's on my do list.
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!
Bosrt: Thank you for the kind heart support and appreciation for Steam Cleaning.
B, records(new/used) cost big bucks from speciality businesses around the country. I certianly support the notion that some folks have chosen to make a living from the black orbs; good for them. But, we also prefer alternatives. Steaming turns many a Goodwill find to not only playable but on par with the higher priced goods; provided one is educated to understand the difference between a "dirty gem" and a Lp not worth a cent.
Bosrt, I don't your feelings, but I feel cheated of my money when I read critical comments printed by some Audio Mag's relating that cleaning LPs is a drag. Some writers even go farther to complain of "surface noise" from a certian cart without even making an attempt to be assured the noise isn't coming from the LP. Steam Cleaning makes a huge difference all things being equal at a very modest outlay of $$ -- Thanks for being a part of the revolution.
Readers : I recently attended a gathering of audio designer types fresh from the CES. It was expressed that I had been criticized by some industry-types in Europe stating that my advice on this Thread to use of all record cleaners from home-brew to $$$ for steam cleaning, greatly under-estimated the effectiveness of (high cost) record cleaning products and machines.
The critics reportly said I failed to appreciate facts showing some (high priced) cleaners were far more effective than steam cleaning. Not surprizing none of the critics were in attendance, but their strong comments made it across the Atlantic.
In fairness, I was reminded that some in the Record Cleaning Industry (in Europe and elesewhere) may feel threatened by me giving away a Record Cleaning Process costing thousands of Euors less that represents a threat to their market share.
Friends, I plead guilty. I plead guilty to attempting to spread a Record Cleaning Process that doesn't cost thousands and works as well or better , very much better. I plead guilty to spreading the word and not for profit. And, I believe that the more we know the better choices/options are available. Ok, where do I serve my time ? London, Berlin , Paris , Milan or Rome ? Now, that's a way to start a revolution.
Creml - I had the opportunity to visit Berlin in Sept. '07. What a beautiful city. Really enjoyed it. To make matters even better, there's a great music shop ("Cover") on Kurfurstendamm Strasse with lots of vinyl. Unfortunately, folks there indicated they may soon lose their lease and be forced out. Suggest you serve your time in Berlin but do it soon!
Works beautifully. My vinyl looks, and sounds, so much cleaner after steaming than before. And steaming is easy. And with a RCM, it seems perfect. Don't know why anyone wouldn't want to at least try it. Unless they're afraid of damage to the vinyl. No damage here. Just very, very quiet vinyl.
Dear Steamers , Thanks , but despite the beauty of Europe I prefer to stay home to do my time. Please stay tuned and please keep doctumenting the revolution by your remarks. Steaming causes no harm as recommended , and isn't quite discs what we all want ?
Lots to offer...You could be quite surprized at the other ideas I wish to share with the Analog Community.
Enought for now , but a hint ... my relations are inventors and have been granted patients ... thinking / inventing is a part of what we (I) do. This is normal for us but I am certianly the exception in many ways.
Readers : I have been continuing to Steam coupling the use of specialized Harmless Bacteria that consume organic materials found on surfaces and the groves of the recordings.
Experimental results far exceed what I initially believed possible. More to come and some notations on bacteria cleaning placed on other Record Cleaning/fluids Threads. More to come.
Crem1 - I was trained as a bacteriologist, did graduate work in microbiology and have been employed as a microbiologist. I'll be following this development with great interest!
What's the current consensus as to the duration one should pull the trigger on the steamer? 5 sec, 10, 15? i.e. what gives sufficient cleaning without damaging the LP? Tks!
John of Sunnyvale... I don't know what the concensus is, only what I've been doing. It probably takes me in the neighborhood of 10-15 seconds to steam one side of a 33 1/3 LP. I start near the center using a Tupperware-type lid to protect the inner label and go round and round toward the outside, stopping only momentarily to get past my finger that I'm using to hold down the lid. I'm still experimenting but quite often I'll steam several times per side (i.e., in between applications of cleaning solutions) followed by vacuuming. I also steam as a final "rinse" and vacuum to dry. It's a pain and may take 15-20 minutes or so to do a side. This fairly aggressive use of steam hasn't caused any damage that I can discern and some very noisy (lot's of pops and ticks) flea market purchases are now almost completely silent. In fact when the stylus gets to the runout groove that's been covered by the plastic lid and not cleaned - the noise is back and by contrast you can easily hear the benefit of cleaning.
Charlie, I have taken your advice this weekend and purchased a steamer for my records. I have taken some of my recent purchases (moldy, dirty records) along with a few of my fathers old bluegrass records and did a lot of experimenting. I have used several commercial products but tend to prefer my own cleaning fluid when it comes to cleaning but for the experimenting, i chose records that were pretty grungy or just could not get clean with normal methods using disk doctor solution or my own solution. I will not bore people with every detail, but i can solidly recommend the steaming for any record you are cleaning. I have an old flatts and scruggs album that my dad used to play but it has not had an album cover or sleeve for at least 25 years. it is pretty scratched up and the grooves were full of junk. After two steam cleanings, the grooves are perfectly clean. There are some surface pops but nothing comes off on the stylus and once the music is on, the surface noise is not very loud compared to the music. I had another from this stack that i had cleaned via my normal methods using several types of cleanings including the diskdoctor solution and it was not clean. One cleaning with the steam process (as part of a cleaning regiment), the results paralleled the scruggs and flatts record. I steam after I apply the enzyme solution and have done a little preliminary scrubbing to ensure the liquid is in all the grooves. Then i spin the record and ensure the steam plume covers the entire record (takes about 5 revolutions). then I scrub the record with a diskdoctor brush and vacuum. I then rinse twice using pure water and clean brushes vacuuming between each rinse. On a thrift store record (moldy and dirty) it cleaned it up to the point there were no pops or clicks. On one of the thrift store records, there were some pops but upon close examination, i believe them to be surface scratches.
THe process works well with my enzyme/detergent wash solution and works well with the diskdoctor solution. The pointed nozzle (i have one that points down ) is plenty hot but does not cover a large surface area hence the record does not bow up as i have heard others report. I hold the steamer to the point the contact point is about the size of a dime or a little smaller.
In conclusion, I think your idea is a great advance towards cleaning and await your report on the bacteria approach. My industry using bacteria to breakdown waste water contaminents (organic) so i believe, once again you are on something.
I know that you have advanced tangencial arms by light years , and I feel of all the folks that have local-cred you are # 1.
This steam cleaning process is so far ahead of the commerical products they can never catch up. Althought, in the regular discource is haven't recommended multiable steamings, I know that a second cleaning exceeds what can be pondered by one step only. Recently, I was given a 1,000+ record collection of 1st edition tube/soild state LPs fron the 1960's. For a few weeks I have been working on selected copies of origional Stones, Doors and Hendrix besides hundreds that I aquired.
Steaming with or without RCM's is fantasik , I thank the God for giving me the insite . A clean LP played by a good playback system is a gift from above.
FYI : I have been looking for a record cleaning brush that would full-fill any issues related to cleaning Lp groves. Previously , I note a find in the @ Dollar Store , a back scrubber that did appear to be a "Best Find" for one $.
I now believe that the company "Quickie" has a superior back brush attached to a "Y" revolving arm that can be separated from that "Y" . The brisels are superior to any other I have found and the cost is under $5.00. Look for it in your grocery market.
After having purchased and used the "Perfection" steam cleaner, (I also use the downward pointng nozzle), I am firmly on the steam powered wagon! I now no longer feel compelled to buy an RCM, the grooves are coming out cleaner than any other cleaning method I have used. Charlie, you deserve a hardy pat on the back, you have saved my bacon!
Dan : Support like yours confirms what I suspect to be a fact; Steam Cleaning is equal to , if not superior to, Record Cleaning Machines (RCM) & dispeles the fable that collectors must expend huge sums on cleaning toys to enjoy music.
Steam Cleaning gives the LP collector options in the selection of record cleaning fluids and experience if fluid A is actually worth the effort over fluid B.
Should you already own a RCM ( as I) "Great", use its features to enhanse record cleaning. If not, no problem Steaming can do it all for you.
Readers: A trip to Walgreens revealed that they continue to offer a $10 rebate on the Perfection Steamer($20). For those of you that have not "steamed" but want to, please buy before the rebate offer is over.
Minkwelder : Correct. The product is red in color and does resemble a "a teapot". Should you already own a steam cleaner, use it as long as the product is in working order. Please be mindful that a good water source is a must. I use Peak Battery Water sold nationally @ Pep Boys for $3-4 per Gal. Any "Q's" feel free to email me. All the best. Charlie
I just bought a handheld steamer based upon this thread. I found an old junked TT at the kerb this week, stripped off/out everything except the platter, motor and mat. With the garment steaming brush attachment and microfibre cloths, I reckon I will have an excellent vinyl cleaning solution.
I would like to DIY record cleaning fluid but I cannot seem to find a surfacant, ie., Triton X-114, Monolan 2000 here in AU (Sydney).
Is there anyone in this forum from DownUnder that knows where I can find it in small quantities?
Jan : The consumer hand held steam cleaners that most "steamers" use are of a different type ; they vagely resemble a tea pot with an elongated spout and are for sale all over the internet and local stores.
The garmet steamers can be used but with great caution because they spread the heated zone on the LP to the point that some folks have reported warping . The "secret" to the tea pot type is the fact only steam splashes the LP not excessive heat eliminating the warping factor. Now, I'm not saying several steamers haven't been sucessful with garmet steamers only that chances are that warping MAY occur.
As for DIY record cleaning fluids, the internet abounds with formulas. The important factor is water type. Jan, never put the cleaning fluid in the steamer , only "paint" the LP with the fluid. The cleaner the H2O (read reagent type) all the better. If you have not please read the complete thread , lots of important tips are shaired, the do's and don'ts of record cleaning. Also the water threads are important. Kinda like can't go fishing without a rod , line and hook, same thinking applies to record steaming.
Please remember steaming can not remove owner abuse or manufacturing defects that are at times very hearable with a clean recording. All the best
Thanks Crem1 for all of your comments and suggestions.
It was never my intention to put cleaning solution into the steamer. The one that I just bought is the teapot design with attachments. I mentioned the garment atachment as it seems to be wide enough to cover the tracks of the disc.
Do you advocate steaming with the standard nozzle?
It appears to me that that with efficent steaming and air drying no chemicals need to be applied to the vinyl.
And, hey if the steamer doesn't work for records, I have 1000 (1001 - 1) other uses for it - hahaha...
FYI for those interested in buying the "Perfection Steamer" from Walgreen's. You have until March 29 to purchase this unit and receive the $10 rebate. I picked one up yesterday and began steam cleaning some LPs, and I have to say I'm very impressed with the results. I'm hearing a lot more clarity in the higher frequencies, and certain nuances within the music are more pronounced. I "paint" a solution on the record before steaming, consisting of 1 part distilled water, 1 part rubbing alcohol (70%), and a few drops of dish washing detergent. After applying the solution, I let it soak for 2-3 minutes, then blast it with steam, starting on the inside of the record and working my way out to the edge. I then put the record into my Spin-Clean unit, give it a few turns to remove any excess dirt, then flip and repeat. I then put the LP on a dish drying rack to allow it to air dry. I think in the future I am going to perfect this method by modifying a shop vac so that I can vacuum off the LP instead of letting it air dry. Once I begin doing that, I believe my results will be even better.
Does anyone know of the equivalent steamers in the UK? I have searched through those available in this country and although they look similar there are no steamers that look exactly the same as the SteamFast - I would order from the States but shipping / fitting a 240/120 V transformer are holding me back! I already have a VPI HW16 which I will use and some Disc Doctor brushes /fluid - all I need is a steamer. Any help would be appreciated. Alan
This steamer is also not available where I live. I ended up purchasing another hand held unit that was available locally.
I would suggest looking for one that has a right angle adaptor so you can direct the stream of steam down toward the LP if you plan on steaming on the RCM. Mine came with a 70 degree angle adaptor and I steam the LP on my HW 16.5.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
