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I find that cleaning used records very difficult

Hi
I buy many used records from thrift shops and used Records Stores. I ussually play them 1st if they are decent. I'm finding out that many times that eaven thought the records looks like it needs cleaning. I play it and it actually has the true Vinyl sound ( Thats great but it looks dirty)and as soon as I wash it with my $500.00 record machine and distilled water, it seemes to lose that deep bass on guitar or other instruments.
Its like it leaves a layer of something that takes away the highs and lows.
.
I even had a few records cleaned on much more Expensive machines like $4,000.00 machine and it also seems to do the same thing.

Has anyone one else experienced this and does anyone have a better way of cleaning records.
macallan25
9 responses Add your response
photon46
1,082 posts
 
There are oodles of threads on this subject here and on other audio sites. Just type "steam cleaning" in the search function on the forum page. Also, look for "steam cleaning vinyl records" on youtube. Any autoparts store carries steam cleaners there days. If you don't mind paying a steep mark up:

http://shop.mapleshadestore.com/Deep-Cleaning-System/products/119/
macallan25 OP
52 posts
 
Hi
Could you please explain in detail the Steam clean method, plus were did U get the Steamer? either here or pproy@telus.net thanks
davide256's avatar
davide256
399 posts
 
I've been using a basic Nitty Gritty vacuum machine since 1985... so long as I use quality rcord cleaner fluids it improves any record cleaned by removing microdust that causes pops and will often remove mold release compound still clinging in the groove. Only maintenance needed is periodic replacement of the fabric buffer on the vacuum slot.

Does your cleaning approach meet the following criteria?

1) professional record cleaning solution used to rub into all grooves
2) tight groove contact vacuum applied immediately after record cleaning solution used to removed dissolved solids and soluble material.

If not then your symptom is easily understood, you are creating mud and its being left in the groove.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Sounds like a pretty lengthy process though Elizabeth, how much is your time worth because after awhile it adds up. I have never heard albums sound worse after a spin on VPI, have you tried steam? It works great!
Post removed 
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Nope, can't say I've EVER experienced what you're hearing. FWIW, I always use a record cleaning solution first and use purified or distilled water only to do a final rinse. I'm not going to recommend specific cleaning solution systems because it seems everyone has their favorites and this subject just incites instant flame wars. Research the subject here, on Vinyl Asyulum, reviews, etc. and experiment if needed. Also don't underestimate the efficacy of adding a steam cleaning routine before using the record cleaning machine. That has revived and silenced many noisy used lp purchases I've made.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Liz the vacuum cleaner nozzle brush is it a soft type that doesn't scratch the record? Or is it modified?

Chuck
Post removed 
mgattone
25 posts
 
I've had the opposite experience, in that the records sound better after cleaning. Check the needle on your cart, perhaps the cleaning jarred something loose from the grooves that didn't get picked up by rcm's vacuum.

-Mike
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