Record Cleaner


There are a lot of cleaners on the market these days. Is there a consenus out there on what record cleaner does the best job?

Record washing does not seem to be an exact science sometimes a mint record is full of ticks and noise even after several washings. While others play great after after 1 wash. I have tried Nitty Gritty, VPI and UHF all good products but none yield consistant results.

Is there one that seems to give consistent results time after time?
kel34

Showing 3 responses by 4yanx

Over the years, I have tried virtually every commercially available record cleaning fluid and myriad home brews. I’ve read the accounts and experiences of others regarding most all of them, too. One person will swear by Product A, swearing that is spanks, smokes, embarrasses, whatever, Product B. Meanwhile, Product B users will be equally as adamant in their support for their favorite, and are certain that it obliterates, blows away, devastates, whatever, Product A. One set of users will say that Product A leaves residue. Some will say Product C leaves a sonic signature. Others will say don’t use Product D, it has alcohol. Counterpoints will say alcohol is safe. You’ll hear that the fluid must flow evenly across the record to reach into the grooves. And, you’ll also hear that whether it beads up or not doesn’t make a difference, it’s doing its job. Foam is good. Foam is bad. Scrub hard. Be gentle. Vacuum is a must. Air drying is okay. Distilled water only. No, add Photo-flo. No, again, use purified water. Oy! ‘Nuff ta make yer hade spin!

Now, I really don’t care what anyone else uses, while others seem to take it as a personal affront if you DON’T use what they use. I have concerns about various products, but I don’t really care any more if others don’t. What you need to do is a little research, a little auditioning, and then choose what works best for you.

For me the choice was and is clear. I looked for the over all best balance of cleansing effectiveness, safety, ease of use, purity, and “removability” – with the opinion that a few occasional clicks and pops are the worst thing in the world, anyway. I, like many others, use Record Research Labs Deep Cleaner and Super Vinyl Wash. I don’t bury my head in the sand but, rather, try those products coming along that would seem to compete. I’ve not found one yet that best it when considering the criteria that are important to me.

Good luck in your search, Kel34. Above all savor the sound of vinyl when you listen.
If fmpnd is correct, I'll agree that the Loricraft is a great machine, but a wee outta my range. If I didn't have my 16.5, I'd probably build one.

Ooops, and I should clarify my typo above to read that I meant a few pops and clicks AREN'T the worst thing in the world.
Gotta agree with Steve, except that the RRL fluids are a bit cheaper through Galen Carol Audio (gcaudio.com).