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?.
The steam cleaning works very well for me, but I'll comment on the really dirty records mentioned above. I have found a diluted vinegar solution to be quite effective on those really cruddy records. There are still a couple of records I can't quite get clean but they are certainly closer to being clean than they were and with repeated steam cleaning and vinegar I reckon I can get just about anything off.
The post above which states you can't get rid of scratches is, of course, correct. But you would be amazed at what does come out. I have a record I thought was scratched with a huge click right across side 2. The click is now a quiet muffled noise since steam cleaning. It must have been dirt and not a scratch. You would be amazed at how many scratches are really just dirt.
Lastly, there is a thread on AudioKarma where someone has got some old records and tried a few treatments. The upshot of it has been that some pretty powerful cleaners have done no damage to his records. I think we all need to realise that vinyl is pretty tough stuff. Yes, the grooves are microscopic and we need to take care, but, remember, vinyl is not some fragile material, it is actually quite strong and durable.
I have been steaming for near a "deckade and 1/2" . The advice offered by AG'ers is the best I have viewed. Just keep in mind my Perfection works perfectly. A beautiful head of steam "tear shaped" without any attachments. The fewer the better attachments for reasons that become all too apparent ... splurts and drips. Keep this in mind ... nothing , nothing can clean Lps better than steam for cents on the dollar. All the best.
My Perfection has only been used twice since I bought it about 10 days ago and I don't fill it more that 3/4 of the full amount in the measuring cup. Hey, for $20 I don't expect the thing to be perfect. ;-) My technique worked out well for me today. I steamed 7 LPs, being sure to keep the pot slightly tilted back. It worked like a champ!
another reason for sputtering is overfilling the boiling chamber. There is a measuring cup that will help with that. I also use the long spout with the downward pointing tip. also agree you should empty the unused water each time. Even ultra pure will have some solids if you continually add water without occasionally purging
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.
I've got the Perfection and had some sputtering with mine. I came upon a technique that may help. I haven't done it enough times to be sure that it works. Anyway, try this and see if it cuts down on the sputtering. I use the extension and the right angle attachment.
Pick up the steamer but before hitting trigger, tilt it back toward the handle a little and give it a couple of taps with your free hand. Try to keep it tilted back while you pull the trigger. I think I get much less sputter this way, but again I'm not 100% sure.
Tvad i have refined my steaming using regular distilled water when cleaning and using Nerl lab grade water for a double rinse not in the steamer but by manual application.
I dont know if leaving water in the steamer after finishing your cleaning is a good idea. I poured a small amount out days later and you could see a lot of particles mixed in the water.
I have found just a slight push of the trigger gives the best coverage of a lp. You dont need to blast the lp. Apply your preferred cleaner to the lp start at the outside of the lp and work your way to the label with the steamer about 7 seconds. I use VPI 17f brushes. Steamer in one hand brush in the other. Then i vac and pass the steamer only vac again then the first Nerl rinse vac then the final Nerl rinse vac and package in a MFSL sleeve.
Hands down steaming along with your preferred method of cleaning is the best way to get the best sound and least noise from a vinyl record.
Happy vinyl play to all with your steamed cleaned records.
No it is defective , please return to the Walgreens for a replacement. This happens sometimes. Remember, Never use tap water , chemicals in that water can clog the steamer. Any short cut with water should affect the outcome.
Doak: Thank you, thank you : For years I have been wageing this battle and its not easy. Besides the invested few within the industry hating me, I have to deal with those that want to take advantage of the fact I am giving away this information for FREE. I don't ask for anything only your common sence and the hope I have given you more Audio Enjoyment. There is a point to this ... Back when audio started it was a community ... All the very best.
I've had my Perfection stemaer for about 5 days and have cleaned about a dozen records with it in conjuction with my usual cleaning regimen on a VPI 17. This includes L'Art du SOn fluid, AI Enzyme cleaner, Disc Doctor brushes, and now the Perfection steamer. I am convinced that the results are the cleanest these records will ever be. Unfortunately one still cannot "unscratch" an LP!
IMO the steamer is a MAJOR step forward - even more than the advent of the enzyme cleaners. In summary: Purchase and use of the Perfection steamer is the BEST "bang for buck" I've ever gotten in over 20 years in this hobby.
Volleguy: That's the double edge to steam cleaning and cleaning in general; the damaged recordings "sound" better but the damage is sonically evident. It is apparent on LPs that had high cartridge weights 25+ years ago. My first Beatle records were played on a Garrard with a heavy plated tonearm @6gms+ cartridge weights. The damage is quite evident.
Listened to Abbey Road 4 times yesterday in shock at how much better it sounded. Crem1 what records in general get better, no doubt if crud in the groove is a problem and not groove wear. Have you found that sometimes when steamed sound opens up but wear shows up even more. This seemed to happen to me on the White Album.
Cleaned a Abbey Road (Beatles) lp and it was a BIG improvement! The improvement came in voices mostly. Much easier to tell who was singing each song and back-ups. I was quite surprised. Thanks Crem1!
I also cleaned a White Album with mixed results. It sounds more open and I hear things I never heard before but it seems to reveal what I always thought that the album has was more wear than is visible. So the mixed results are I thought it was going to clean the mold off and the lp would sound great but it still does not sound great (just more open) but the high's seem worse or I just notice them more?
Anyone else find that out?
The upside is HUGE with this though like a component (pre amp) upgrade. I would say as noticeable as when I got the RCM which I always tell people that is big. They do seem to work well together.
Agree you must be careful. But a weak bleach solution will not harm the vinyl. Thousands of swimming pool liners get much more concentrated doses with no adverse impact. Remember, this is a one time application that is removed promptly. I have used it on some great garage sale finds with very good results. It is not recommended for general cleaning but rather specifically for mold removal. Works fantastic for that.
I admit to getting carried away with the Prince record. I was just seeing how much I could steam. I am going to try the mild bleach. I do believe cleaning with hot water for sure works. Funny no one has done it to vinyl records before? I mean we clean everything in hot water?
One trick for mold (fungus) is to use a mild bleach solution prior to steam cleaning. It works well to oxidize the mold. Rinse thoroughly then follow your normal cleaning regiment. Also, if you are distorting the vinyl, then you are heating it too much. The key with the steam is a slight heatup to aid in the cleaning process by making your cleaning solution more effective. think of trying to clean greasy pots with cold water vs hot water. The soap just works better warm
Crem1 that is why I bought the other 2 price lp's mine has a slight mold but the 2 I bought are clean. They were cheap to experiement with and I can compare to a pristine copy. I know they get cleaner without a doubt! but wondered what happened to the grooves? Do you know what temp mold breaks down? This can only work if mold breaks down before vinyl distorts? I my case the records I am interested in this are mint (looking) but I feel sound 80%. The Apollo 11 record is garbage so all upside. (and work it does!) But what I did not want was to turn my mint vinyl with slight haze (mold) into 40% sounding vinyl? Cleaner yes but distorted?
Crem1 I did read quite a lot but not all. The one prince record which is '80's and the vinyl is thin did distort on the grooves. It still seems to sound very good though. I am interested in this process for those records that have a light mold on them that my RCM does not clean. I bought a steamer to clean our vinyl windows and got thinking then stumbled onto the tread. Any suggestions?
Volleyguy, I am under the impression that you haven't read every post prior to you use of Steam Cleaning. As the person that "invented" the process, please use record cleaning fluids and should you own a RCM use it. Of course, some can get away without a complete understanding of the process, but problems can appear that would not be so complicated with a tad more reading.
Just bought a steam cleaner today! I have had my interest peaked in this issue! I had a Apollo Moon Lp from a friend's basement that was so bad with mold I would not even put it on the RCM. I mean mold from rim of record to label. So a perfect candidate. Well it is almost tick free! It was also somewhat scatchy. So this for sure works. After steam cleaning I use the RCM.
So for sure on turd records this works. (nothing to lose)
I also did buy 2 mint condition Prince Purple Rain LP's today to go with the one I have. Mine has a slight cloudiness. I have several lp's that LOOK mint but sound cloudy??? You can see a kind of haze on the record. This is what interests me in this! I don't have hardly any moldly lp's the the Apollo one. But I do have many slightly cloudy ones.
I think this is mold from being stored in the basement. I don't mean massive mold but the kind you have to angle the record in the light the right way.
I will let everyone know my opinion on the this cleaning with the 3 Prince lp's. I can see this works on garbage records but what does it do to the sound on good ones? I have a Beatles White Album in the same condition (looking mint sounding cloudy)
I am concerned some people are buying lousy records steam cleaning them to reduce noise and open up sound but also doing groove damage? So I will do a sound demo on a Prince records.
What frustrates me is the mint looking slightly cloudy lp that sounds cloudy and there is NO WAY the RCM gets that off. I have tried so many times. I think RCM's clean dirt but do not take off light mold. This is where the Steam cleaner does make sense!
So far things look promising but scary! It looks as if I have done groove damage to the Prince lp. (none was done to the Apollo one) There is a wavy look at some spots where maybe melted the vinyl somewhat. But the sound is MUCH more open! First impression tells me this is as much an improvement as the $500 RCM! and it was $30!
Very excited this is interesting. I will keep posted the test is being done on a audiophile level turntable.
Maczurak - you're more than welcome to plop down $150 for the "kit" if you'd like, as is anyone else. I'm merely saying that a large bulk of their cost is the steamer itself. The other items, quite frankly, are inconsequential with regards to cost from Mapleshade's standpoint.
The only way to get "the highest capacity hand steamer with the best spray pattern we’ve tested" is to buy the full kit at $150. All I'm saying is if that seems a tad ridiculous, you can get the same device for $45 if you'd like. I wisely chose the latter...
FYI: Wal-Mart has sold the exact steamer as Mapleshade for $34.00 on the internet, delivery is free to the nearest store near you.
Maczurak: Earlier in this thread it has been outlined where to purchase the similar-type , cloths and DIY additives to be painted on the record but never put inside the heating chamber. The specific reasons have been outlined. There is nothing unacceptable in regard to giving Mapleshade $150 or you can DIY for less far less. As for all the hype on his special liquids , no problem spend the money or use alternatives. Its all up to you. All the best.
Mapleshade does not just sell a steamer for $150. They sell a kit for $150 which includes a steamer unit with additional propietary cleaning fluids, mat and cloths.
PHONOPHILE DEEP-CLEANING SYSTEM
1) The highest capacity hand steamer with the best spray pattern we’ve tested;
2) Mapleshade’s proprietary Deep Rinse Additive for the steamer, enough for 500 LPs;
3) super-effective Scuzzbuster Pre-Cleaner, developed by Mapleshade and more powerful than any other record cleaner in safely removing age-hardened residues, oily films and silicone mold compounds from 50 year old records and from new ones (treats 250 records);
4) the deepest-reach, softest microfiber cleaning block and drying cloths on the market (1 block, 2 cloths per kit) to gently lift the steam-loosened scuzz and grit out of the bottom of the groove;
5) a soft, absorbent, 17"x 27" terry cloth as a protective pad under the LP.
I put this over at the VinylAsylum but figured I'd put it here too. You can get the exact steamer Mapleshade sells for $150 on E-Bay for $45. I've ordered one and look forward to trying it out.
Cmk: Thanks for the positive feedback. A review of the Thread will reveal several methods of steam cleaning . I have held the Lp with a gloved hand , as well as steamed on the RCM. The results are always the same , a cleaner finished product. How far one goes with various steamers, record cleaning fluids and pure water all have an affect on the outcome but the outcome always leads to a more playable recording. All the Best
Crem1 Great thread. I was skeptical initially as to whether it could be better than the Loricraft. Then I thought, why not try both, so I had the LP on the machine and sprayed it, then cleaned. That wasn't a very good idea as it left the surround area pretty wet...the trials of a newbie.
Next I stick a chopstick through the LP and into the basin and cleaned the LP with the steamer. A little afraid I might damage it, I didn't use too much steam. It just occurred to me then that the vinyl won't melt, the steam will just remove the stubborn dirt. My steamer shoots out more like a spray of steam and very hot water, so it like blasts off the dirt. :) Then I go through the Loricraft in a 2 step process of detergent and pure water.
The only hassle is that I can only do 1 side at a time, but the effort is immediately audible.
I'm in AU and got one from Godfreys (no affiliation).
I'm convinced, the records are a lot cleaner. No, it won't get everything off, I still have some gunk on records which won't move, but it reduces surface noise enormously. I recently bought an old copy of the Stones High Tide and Green Grass and it sounds fabulous after a steam clean.
Readers: Throughout this thread the question of water sources has come up and gone bye. The water or its relative purity has been discussed here and on other threads. On several occasions I have discussed the relative value of water products with manufactures of audio and other products that depend on excellent water sources. What I have learned is really quite simple, use the "cleanest" source until a better one can be found , and be prepaired to spend 20 times + the price of Peak Water should you decide upon Lab or Rx water sources. Many posts detail the value of hi-purity water and that should not be de-valued in any discussion. But, use what you have , avoid "tap water" due to fouling properities present(minerals, etc.). In the next several days I intend to speak to a Peak rep and will post a re-cap of that conversation.
Drubin, You're kidding me! I'm located right at the heart of TEXAS - Houston - and guess what, I can't find "Rain Fresh" in any of the Wholefood market stores that I just visited today!!!!! (I went to three stores!)
The purest water I can find is from Walmart, it's their standard "distilled water" $0.99 per gal. The label says the water has been treated by distillation, carbon filter, microfilter, reverse osmosis, UV treatment, ozonation. That pretty much sounds like the "Rain Fresh" that I was supposed to find.
Viper-z: I recently purchased a Gallon of Peak Battery Water only to find the water was fouled. I did not contacted the company; I suspect the contamination was caused by age of the product--too long on the shelf. In my case I strained the gook off (Too much effort) and used the Peak Water for a household steamer. I only hope our problems are not what we can expect in the future.
I just bought two bottles of "PEAK Battery and Radiator Mineral-Free water" from Pep Boys. To my surprise, I found "scaling/fouling" in these two bottles that I bought!!
Has anyone found a good source for pure water? I am in Florida and have not been able to find those mentioned. I just spent 2 hours calling around to labs and pharmacies but again came up "dry". (This list needed a pun!)
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