Look at this post from Dougdeacon for information: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Doug and Paul originated the idea, AFAIK, and it works. Just be careful to follow Doug's directions. For more extended discussions, do a search at Audio Asylum in the Vinyl forum. . |
Some things not mentioned in that particular M.E. post: - clean the stylus after every side (important) - dry brush first to remove any loose fluff, then M.E. it - always dry brush or ZeroDust after using the M.E., to remove any M.E. fibers (they're abrasive, you don't want them on your vinyl) Anyone wanting a writeup can email me. I have a Word doc explaining the research and several methods of safe, effective usage based on our experience and that of many happy users. Also, as Rushton said, a search on VA will turn up hundreds of posts. Amusingly, there's now a U.K. audio outlet selling M.E. based stylus cleaners for £6 apiece, http://www.vinylcare.co.uk/stylus_cleaner.htm I'm thinking patent infringement suit. ;-) The before/after stylus photos at the bottom are pretty interesting, though the grunge remaining near the cantilever in the "after" photo can be removed by a better technique than simply dipping the stylus in the M.E. That technique (explained in the Word doc) is mildly riskier, but also more effective. |
Doug is right. The chemical in question is Formaldehyde, but in a harmless form called a monomer. It is combined with some other chemicals in a process called polymerization. In other words it is PLASTIC. All plastics are polymers that start from some gaseous or liquid petroleum product that when processed, all the molecules 'bundle' together (polymerize) to form plastic. Take your vinyl records. They are poly(vinyl chloride). Obviously your LP's aren't Toxic, but the raw material - vinyl chloride - is a very poisonous gas. |
