stereo for the joy of it - can records be cleaned?


I came across a living stereo set of classical records called "Stereo for the joy of it".  It includes some very well known living stereo recordings.  The records are very dirty and it appearss as though the cellophane sleeves may have permanently damages the records.  Is their any way of cleaning these records and getting good results.  They look almost unplayed except for the dust and the cellophane damage.
tzh21y

Showing 5 responses by czarivey

I use ultrasonic machine that can clean 8...9 records at a time.
To get more info on my cleaning process, you can PM me and I’ll send you videos.
The results guaranteed. I had been amazed how even scratched records rejuvenate after ultrasonic cycles with nearly 60% reduction of overall surface noise. It became a key of my record selling business.
I’ve already forgotten that I still have VPI that I’m going to sell probably next week QUICK and CHEAP!

Nop I'm using surgical instruments cleaner and "rotisserie" :-)
I've also been using my VPI to pre-clean records, but instead, I hook up high-rpm drill onto the spindle and rotate records FAST so they will loose most of debries.
After all done, I hook-up drill to the spindle again and spin them FAST. My VPI is retired... 
LOL
" I have a "factory mistake" record with double labels applied on one side, one of which is incorrectly positioned way off center, such that several tracks on that side can’t be played - What brand/model of steam cleaner do you have, and do you think it would be suitable for the job?"
Are you SERIOUS? it only takes zippo lighter fluid to take excessive one off and than conventional cleaning with RCM.
zippo lighter fluid will not damage vinyl when removed soon after label repair or debris removal is done. and it’s only less than $3

1. Apply lighter fluid onto the contaminated surface
2. Wait 5...10 min
3. Remove debris with soft damp cloth or microfiber cloth
4. Apply conventional cleaning methods

Bear in mind that I handle 2...3,000 vinyl records and cleaning one individually for $6 isn’t for me who needs them cleaned sometimes hundreds daily.
I’m also too cheap to purchase $4000 ultrasonic cleaner that only washes one record per cycle. It’s only for "passengers", but I’m really driver if ya’ll know what I mean. I built mine for $300 that REALLY works.
Dave,
The max speed on the drill is near 1,000 rpm.

Half is good enough. Moreover, the drill isn't clamped to the spindle but rather have clamp completely down so it snaps onto the hex nuts and can be released right after it dials speed and let the spindle rotate free for up to 10min.

Fun process... Still haven't seen your PM to see video.

Dave,
 Driver knows routs. Passenger sits back and relaxes.
Speed of 500rpm is dialed gradually so there will be no spindle hole damage and records are clamped pretty tight as well between plastic "pancakes".
I have much more records, but usually stack about 2...3000 for sale in record store. Any new arrivals to be priced $5 or more should be cleaned if dusty or filthy. 
Cleaning records with steamer seems to be similar to placing them to dishwasher when you have nothing to loose. I've placed some of them clamped with same pancakes I use for ultrasonic machine to protect labels right into the dishwasher to get rid of PAINT, but apparently, Zippo lighting fluid worked almost same or better with no hassle. With steam or dishwasher cleaning it's win or loose situation. Would not recommend it on very light records, because they will get warped even after the short period of time 5...10min enough. Not sure if Michael Fremer explained magnitude of risk using steamer.