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LP care

I've made the commitment to get back into vinyl, purchasing a VPI Classic 'table with Lyra Delos cartridge. routed through an ARC PH-5 to Ayre amplification and on to Vandy 5A's. Recognizing the importance of a quality RCM, I also bought a VPI 16.5, so all the basic elements for vinyl enjoyment are there. (Approximately one week until everything arrives and can be set up!)

With all that lengthy background, my question is: what are the most effective record cleaning fluids. I have to admit that I am getting high-centered over the range of choices: regular cleaning fluid, "deep" cleaning fluid, enzymatic cleaner, rinses, etc. etc. etc.

This is especially topical for me, as 80+% of the albums I will be playing have been in storage (and not always perfectly clean storage at that) for 2-3 decades. Plus other music I want to acquire is probably only going to be available used, so good cleaning is important for that, too.

Second question: I assume that once one has cleaned a record with a vacuum RCM, that it remains relatively clean and doesn't need RCM treatment for every listening; instead, it simply needs to be wiped with a brush to remove dust and static before playing (assuming nothing odd happens). True?

Sorry for the long question, but figure the more detail I give, the more useful input I'll get. I'm hoping to tap the expertise of those on this forum -- and please feel free to simply point me to existing material, either in the form of previous threads here or other on-line resources.

Thanks to all, and happy listening!
dawgfish

Showing 1 response by kbarkamian

kbarkamian
647 posts
 
Gotta love the vinyl cleaning threads!

I've tried several fluids and techniques. My current and by far best method is a KAB USA RCM, Scunci hand held steam cleaner, and MoFi liquids. I was given a ton of vinyl that has sat in an attic for at least 25 years. Covered in mold, dust, and sealed by what appears to be kitchen smoke residue.

Here's what I did (and still do when I listen to an album I haven't played yet) -

Rinse them off under tap water. I was amazed by how much came off. I then put the album on the RCM and hit with some steam for a few revolutions. I vacuum that off, then hit it with the MoFi liquids. Spin a few revs under light pressure with a dedicated fiber brush, then vacuum off again. I then hit them with one last blast of steam and vacuum one last time.

A little OCD, but nothing has sounded nearly as good.

My iPhone doesn't make editing easy...

I have an old Technics deck with a rubber mat the has very little contact with the LP. I do all my cleaning on that and transfer to my RCM for vacuuming. I also rinse off the mat after every LP or two.

I think the most effective part is probably the steam. The drain water is far dirtier now than it was before I incorporated the steamer. And my vinyl sounds about perfect. You should see some of the LPs before they were cleaned. Absolutely disgusting. After handling an LP or two before cleaning them, my fingertips looked like I just finished reading a newspaper with damp fingers.

Also, I put the LPs into new MoFi sleeves after they've been cleaned. No point in shoving a clean LP into a dirty sleeve.

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