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Lp cleaning - scrubbing records - any downside?

I've got a VPI record cleaning machine (which I've had since the 80's, stored for 15 years, and only started using again when I got back into vinyl last year...that's one sturdy piece of equipment!)

I've "modernized" by getting myself some Mo-FI brushes, fluid, etc. And, after reading a bunch of posts on Audiogon, I recently started "scrubbing" records while they're rotating--just short, with-the-groove scrubs, not too hard.

Amazing results. Much better cleaning of "problem" Lps.

So I'm converted. (Why did it take so long? Habit, I guess.) BUT, I have the impression that certain Lp makers (EMI and DG, in particular) used vinyl that at least SEEMS softer than other vinyl, and more easily damaged. And one of the 2nd hand Lp dealers I know is of the same impression...so I guess it's not just me.

Does anybody have any negative experience with scrubbing to report? Could it damage some records?

Many thanks.
eweedhome

Showing 2 responses by eweedhome

eweedhome OP
227 posts
 
I scrubbed another batch today, including some EMI's. I'll report back.

What got me excited about scrubbing was a 50's RCA Toscanini disc of La Mer. I cleaned with w/ a regular cleaner and the VPI, with no scrubbing. The record looked pretty good, but there was that gravely surface noise that suggested deep grunge in the grooves. So then I used the MoFi Super Clean fluid (enzyme-based) and let it sit for about 5 minutes each side (but no scrubbing). Got, some improvement, but not enough.

A month or two later, I started playing around with scrubbing, and pulled out the Toscanini as one of my "experiments". I scrubbed for about a minute, AFTER letting the Super cleaner sit for several minutes to get the enzyme going. The results were amazing...most of the gravel was gone.

Part of the trick may be the MoFi brushes. My impression of them is very favorable.

I'll report back on the EMI's.
eweedhome OP
227 posts
 
Agree with everyone that recommends only a light scrub, not a heavy scrub. Cleaned a couple of batches yesterday, and so far, they sound great. No damage that I can tell. Very little in the way of pops or ticks. No grunge. In fact, overall, this batch is NM- (after cleaning), and that seems pretty darn good for 30-50 year old records!

I appreciate the references to steaming, and did look up some of those posts. Frankly, I'm just afraid of what would happen if my wife caught me steaming a record...it's hard enough every time a new package of records shows up at the door...
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