The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"


The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"

 

I am providing this formulation for all who are interested in the very best, and can be proven and demonstrated to be the "Very Best". It can easily be made from available ingredients. On the surface, it appears to be very simple. However, it is based on extensive complex chemistry along with precise mathematical calculations and verifiable data.

 

You may use it with absolute confidence and be truly assured that it is beyond doubt the "Very Best". You may use it for your personal needs. Or, archival entities may use it for their purposes with confidence. Or, you may choose to start an enterprise that makes and packages quantities as either a "ready-to-use" or a "Semi-concentrated" version for sale and distribution knowing that nothing better exists. You have my blessings and encouragement with one condition. And, that is, that the pricing represents a "fair margin", and, not an obscene gouging, typical for such products.

 

Initially, I had prepared a presentation that briefly introduced myself, and provided the thought processes, design parameters, and the necessary basics of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to assure you and allow you to be absolutely confident in this formulation. I made a considerable effort to keep it as simple, but, also as thorough enough to achieve this confidence. However, that presentation entailed 5,239 words, typical of such a requirement, however, unacceptable in length by this website forum.

 

I have no option other than to offer the formulation as a 100% parts by weight version suitable to produce 1 Kilogram of the cleaner, and, invite you to question me about any aspect of the formulation.

 

Professionally, I am a Chemist, more specifically a Polyurethane Chemist. I have a Doctorate in Chemistry as well as two other Doctorates and a M.B.A.. I held prominent positions in significant corporations before being encouraged to start our (wife and I) manufacturing facility servicing those I previously worked for. We started, owned, and fully operated this business. We eventually obtained 85+% Market Share in our sector in Medical, Automotive, Sporting Goods, and Footwear areas before retirement.

 

The Audio Industry is extremely technical and many brilliant minds have contributed their talents over the decades in order that we may enjoy music today as we choose. Like many other technical industries, those of lesser minds and values invade the arena with their "magical" inspired revelations and offer their "magical" ingredients and items to all at extremely high prices. They promise that if only we are willing to part with our money - they can provide these items to you that make your audio system sound as if the orchestra, or vocalist, is in your room with you. And, after all, "magical items" must be expensive, otherwise, they would not be "magical".

 

This disturbs me enormously, and, it is for such reasons, I feel compelled to provide realistic and truthful information that conforms to basic Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematical Principals in those areas with which I am very knowledgeable and familiar.

 

          "Ultimate Record Cleaner Solution"

 

   Ingredient                                          Amount by Weight (Grams)

 

Distilled Water                                     779.962

 

Ethyl Alcohol                                       220.000

 

Tergitol 15-S-7 (Dow Chemical)            0.038  (Approx. = 2 Drops)

                                                         1,000.000

 

Important and/or Relevant Criteria

 

1.)  Distilled Water ONLY. Do not use deionized, tap, rain, or spring water. Distilled Water is readily available in most grocery stores. Check labeling to be certain that it is distilled and not deionized. The pricing is comparable.

 

2.)  Ethanol must be purchased at a "Liquor Store" or a "Liquor Control Board" that is suitable for human consumption, and the appropriate taxes must be paid. This assures that the alcohol consists of only Ethyl Alcohol and water. You need to purchase the 95+% version, also known as 180+ Proof. NOTHING ELSE is acceptable. (100% Ethyl Alcohol is not available under "normal" circumstances). Denatured alcohol from a Hardware Store or elsewhere is PROHIBITED, as well as ANY other alcohols.

 

3.)  Tergitol 15-S-7 is made by Dow and is available on the internet in small quantities from Laboratory Supply Houses such as Fisher and Advance, etc.. I have no affiliations with either Dow Chemical, or Fisher, or Advance. You MUST use Tergitol 15-S-7 ONLY. No other Tergitol product is acceptable for this designed formula, and you need to acquire the undiluted form only.

 

4.)  The above cleaner formula will result in a non-foaming (VLF) Surfactant Formulation that exhibits the following:

            Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter @ 20 C. (68.0 F.)

            Surface Tension of 28.2 dynes/centimeter @ 25 C. (77.0 F.)

 

5.). A Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter is Remarkable and will properly clean records of all organic soilings, and all oily substances, as well as very significant amounts of inorganic soilings.  This available Surface Tension coupled with the Azeotropic Characteristics of very rapid evaporation and spotless drying occur because of the selection of Ethyl Alcohol and the very specific concentration determined as 22.00% p.b.w., further improves the products abilities.  The "Ease-of-Use" and "Spot-Free" results are to be accepted.

 

6.). Be aware that an "ideal temperature of use" also exists for this formulation.  And, that reasonable temperature is 40 C. (104.0 F.). Further increases in temperature offers no improvement, therefore, confirming the proper use of the term "ideal". I mention this not because of of any substantial improvement, but, only to be aware of its’ existence. And, if you have a choice to utilize a room that is warmer than another, select the warmer room closer to 104.0 F. There is no need to elevate the temperature of the records or the materials. Simply be aware that 104.0 F. Is ideal.

 

If interest is expressed in this submission, I am willing to provide additional submissions regarding other materials, and, other areas of interest.  Such as"Best Contact Substance", "Best lubricants for turntables", " Better Dampening Materials" for turntables and tonearms, and, most significantly, "Best" material for "Turntable Platter/Vinyl Record Interface" usually called "Record Mats". The last item will certainly disturb many individuals and anger many suppliers.

 

Whatever I may contribute is substantiated by Science and Testing, and Verifiable. Science has no Opinions. Opinions in these matters are best reserved for those who rely on their imagination and wishful thinking.

 

Also, I have no vested interests in this Industry. Simply possess some scientific knowledge that also relates to some aspects of the Audio Area, and I am willing to share that information if requested!

128x128wizzzard

@lewm  a@jasonbourne71 

Forgive me, but I am going to jump ahead and respond to Lewm before responding to JasonBourne71 and others.

As I stated at the onset, my posting was a post about Scientific Facts.  Truthful and absolutely correct in all aspects.  It was not an invitation about expressed opinions or initiating debates among others.  I clearly stated that I was prepared to answer questions and provide explanations.  I also stated that if there was an interest in the initial posting, I was willing to provide "Facts and Truths" about other subjects with which I am very familiar and qualified.

Lewm, you had asked a very pertinent question about. the exclusive use of Ethanol, and why not use isopropyl alcohol or propanol, and, I appreciated that question, and was very willing to respond in detail, and, I did in a hand written presentation to be posted when I was able to do so.

But, you then proceeded to "drift".  You asked if I was serious.  The answer is YES I AM! You then took the opportunity to somewhat respond to someone else's question using my post which is for the facts and the truth only.   You made a somewhat definitive remark "like 300 pounds pressure" rather than ask me, which is the objective of my Post.  "Facts not opinions or beliefs"  Truth not lies or B.S.

But then again on 5 June 2023 at 10:54 AM, you took the liberty to make additional definitive statements for others to read.  With your self-appointed authority you made an absolutely idiotic statement about a subject that you obviously know nothing about.  And, this is on my site that was initiated to exclusively provide factual and truthful information only.  Allow me a partial quote of yours,"By the way, the ethanol will evaporate away over time on a shelf at room temperature.  Wizz didn’t mention that.  So if you’re anal about ethanol concentration, you’d best make a fresh solution for each cleaning session.   Etc. …".

Let me address. That very last statement first.  If you new anything, as I do, you would know that due to the Hydrogen Bonding characteristics of ethanol you would know that ethanol is hygroscopic and to a significant extent, and, that ethanol readily absorbs water (as moisture) Fromm the atmosphere (air).  This is why "Wizz" (actually Wizzzard) did not mention it - because he knows only the facts.  And, it may surprise you to discover that over time the ethanol does not evaporate and you would not need to replace it.  In fact, the exact opposite occurs, the ethanol absorbs more water from the atmosphere.  However, at precisely 22.000%, which is the primary transition point concentration, it would remain very stable and would not be noticeable.  Some detection may be noticed at the secondary transition point of 41.500%, but more likely at 95.60%.  If you happen to be referring to me as "anal", I suggest you first look in a mirror.

Now to the first point that you stated with "some convection" and misled JasonBourne71 and possibly others.  Stating 300 lbs. as a stylus pressure on a record.  This was terrible to "state" on a forum devoted to truth and accuracy.  This is exactly where absurdity enters an area where a statement is made based on nothing.  This is something that can easily be calculated and presented with precision.

At the onset I stated you can ask questions.  If you were to inform me of the phono cartridge that you have, and the type of stylus affixed to the cantilever, and the weight you apply for proper tracking, I, or or others, can calculate the exact amount of force applied to the record.  It would take me less than 2 minutes to calculate, and I would be willing to share the mathematics with you if you are so interested.  The pressure I provided to JasonBourne71 was based on an average of the 6 basic stylus types (because he did not mention his particular stylus configuration) but the information was necessary to provide an answer the his primary concern.  Assuming he was using a tracking force of 2.0 grams, I had determined in less than 3 minutes that the force was 10,811.7 pounds per square inch.

Again, a factual, correct calculation that can not be disputed or debated.  Simple mathematics, nothing more.  But that was the intent of this posting!

As mentioned earlier, I prepared a good and clear explanation for you as to your excellent question as to why only Ethanol, and why specifically 22.000%.  Not 20, or 21, or 23, or 25, but, 22.000%. And that no other alcohols be used or even considered.  But, I determined to use my allocated time to others that appreciate me and my efforts, and my intentions.

But, I will keep my word, and honor my position and answer your question, however, to a minimal degree only.

All materials including resins and resin blends, whether natural synthetic, have many characteristic parameters.  I have correctly restricted myself to include the parameters that are of relevance.  Because we are using solvents (and diluents) one of our primary objectives in not to alter or damage the substrate (vinyl recording).  We want something that will clean the record the very best without causing harm, hence, "The Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation".

The parameters are:  Hildebrand Parameter , Dipole Moment, Dielectric Constant, Polarity, Fractional Polarity, and Hydrogen Bonding (van Der Waals forces).

As we review ALL the alcohols available and other ingredients, only 2 ingredients have NO detrimental effect to vinyl records, and they are, distilled water and ethanol.

And why 22.000% exactly.  If you recall from High School Days, you will recall doing graphs.  You may remember several types, if not, you should surly recall "Inflection Points". And, the various slopes and their meanings.  Some graphs represent only two slopes, others as many as 2 (secondary) or three (tertiary).If you plot Surface Tension versus Ethanol concentration, you will obtain a very severe slope, and, two relatively gently slopes.  The first is the primary an is exactly 22.000%, the secondary exists at 40.500% and is relatively insignificant (most, would even ignore it).  It is for this reason that 22.000% is determined.  Another reason it the advantageous azeotropic characteristic exhibited at 22.000% which is very desirable.

For others reading this:  Isopropyl alcohol is also known as 2-rpopanol and dimethyl carbinol, and propanol is correctly known as 1-propanol, propyl alcohol, ethyl carbonyl, and n-propanol.

Dr. S.N.W.      BA, MA, MChem, MBA, DPhil, DSc.                                                                                                                                              

@lewm 

cc: @jasonbourne71 

Forgive me, but I am going to jump ahead and respond to Lewm before responding to JasonBourne71 and others.

As I stated at the onset, my posting was a post about Scientific Facts.  Truthful and absolutely correct in all aspects.  It was not an invitation about expressed opinions or initiating debates among others.  I clearly stated that I was prepared to answer questions and provide explanations.  I also stated that if there was an interest in the initial posting, I was willing to provide "Facts and Truths" about other subjects with which I am very familiar and qualified.

Lewm, you had asked a very pertinent question about. the exclusive use of Ethanol, and why not use isopropyl alcohol or propanol, and, I appreciated that question, and was very willing to respond in detail, and, I did in a hand written presentation to be posted when I was able to do so.

But, you then proceeded to "drift".  You asked if I was serious.  The answer is YES I AM! You then took the opportunity to somewhat respond to someone else's question using my post which is for the facts and the truth only.   You made a somewhat definitive remark "like 300 pounds pressure" rather than ask me, which is the objective of my Post.  "Facts not opinions or beliefs"  Truth not lies or B.S.

But then again on 5 June 2023 at 10:54 AM, you took the liberty to make additional definitive statements for others to read.  With your self-appointed authority you made an absolutely idiotic statement about a subject that you obviously know nothing about.  And, this is on my site that was initiated to exclusively provide factual and truthful information only.  Allow me a partial quote of yours,"By the way, the ethanol will evaporate away over time on a shelf at room temperature.  Wizz didn’t mention that.  So if you’re anal about ethanol concentration, you’d best make a fresh solution for each cleaning session.   Etc. …".

Let me address. That very last statement first.  If you new anything, as I do, you would know that due to the Hydrogen Bonding characteristics of ethanol you would know that ethanol is hygroscopic and to a significant extent, and, that ethanol readily absorbs water (as moisture) Fromm the atmosphere (air).  This is why "Wizz" (actually Wizzzard) did not mention it - because he knows only the facts.  And, it may surprise you to discover that over time the ethanol does not evaporate and you would not need to replace it.  In fact, the exact opposite occurs, the ethanol absorbs more water from the atmosphere.  However, at precisely 22.000%, which is the primary transition point concentration, it would remain very stable and would not be noticeable.  Some detection may be noticed at the secondary transition point of 41.500%, but more likely at 95.60%.  If you happen to be referring to me as "anal", I suggest you first look in a mirror.

Now to the first point that you stated with "some convection" and misled JasonBourne71 and possibly others.  Stating 300 lbs. as a stylus pressure on a record.  This was terrible to "state" on a forum devoted to truth and accuracy.  This is exactly where absurdity enters an area where a statement is made based on nothing.  This is something that can easily be calculated and presented with precision.

At the onset I stated you can ask questions.  If you were to inform me of the phono cartridge that you have, and the type of stylus affixed to the cantilever, and the weight you apply for proper tracking, I, or or others, can calculate the exact amount of force applied to the record.  It would take me less than 2 minutes to calculate, and I would be willing to share the mathematics with you if you are so interested.  The pressure I provided to JasonBourne71 was based on an average of the 6 basic stylus types (because he did not mention his particular stylus configuration) but the information was necessary to provide an answer the his primary concern.  Assuming he was using a tracking force of 2.0 grams, I had determined in less than 3 minutes that the force was 10,811.7 pounds per square inch.

Again, a factual, correct calculation that can not be disputed or debated.  Simple mathematics, nothing more.  But that was the intent of this posting!

As mentioned earlier, I prepared a good and clear explanation for you as to your excellent question as to why only Ethanol, and why specifically 22.000%.  Not 20, or 21, or 23, or 25, but, 22.000%. And that no other alcohols be used or even considered.  But, I determined to use my allocated time to others that appreciate me and my efforts, and my intentions.

But, I will keep my word, and honor my position and answer your question, however, to a minimal degree only.

All materials including resins and resin blends, whether natural synthetic, have many characteristic parameters.  I have correctly restricted myself to include the parameters that are of relevance.  Because we are using solvents (and diluents) one of our primary objectives in not to alter or damage the substrate (vinyl recording).  We want something that will clean the record the very best without causing harm, hence, "The Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation".

The parameters are:  Hildebrand Parameter , Dipole Moment, Dielectric Constant, Polarity, Fractional Polarity, and Hydrogen Bonding (van Der Waals forces).

As we review ALL the alcohols available and other ingredients, only 2 ingredients have NO detrimental effect to vinyl records, and they are, distilled water and ethanol.

And why 22.000% exactly.  If you recall from High School Days, you will recall doing graphs.  You may remember several types, if not, you should surly recall "Inflection Points". And, the various slopes and their meanings.  Some graphs represent only two slopes, others as many as 2 (secondary) or three (tertiary).If you plot Surface Tension versus Ethanol concentration, you will obtain a very severe slope, and, two relatively gently slopes.  The first is the primary an is exactly 22.000%, the secondary exists at 40.500% and is relatively insignificant (most, would even ignore it).  It is for this reason that 22.000% is determined.  Another reason it the advantageous azeotropic characteristic exhibited at 22.000% which is very desirable.

For others reading this:  Isopropyl alcohol is also known as 2-rpopanol and dimethyl carbinol, and propanol is correctly known as 1-propanol, propyl alcohol, ethyl carbonyl, and n-propanol.

Dr. S.N.W.      BA, MA, MChem, MBA, DPhil, DSc.                                                                                                                                              

First, before I continue, I should state to those who submitted posts and anticipated prompt responses, allow me to inform you that very often I am unable to do so, and, I appreciate your patience.  I have an extremely rare auto-immune condition that interferes with my life and my intentions.  It does not permit me to function as I would like.

Fewer than 25 in Canada, and fewer than 300 people in the U.S.A. have this condition.  It is somewhat comparable to ALS only much worse.  Besides being unable to function, significant portions of my body become paralyzed or semi-paralyzed associated with intense pain.  I am able to be alive and contend with this condition with regular IVIGG treatments.  I consider myself extremely lucky because I am still alive, most of those afflicted do not respond well and die within a year or two.  I needed to state this before I continue further.

By the way, the ethanol will evaporate away over time on a shelf at room temperature. Wizz didn’t mention that. So if you’re anal about the ethanol concentration, you’d best make a fresh solution for each cleaning session. I personally will continue to use isopropanol or propanol. 98%. At a final concentration of about 25%.

The recipe above is 22% of 95% ethanol, which ends up as:

0.95 x 220 = 209ml pure ethanol in 780ml + 11ml (the 5% of Everclear that is water) = 791ml water, which is 26.4% ethanol in the final solution.

The only reason not to use a higher volume of standard vodka (ie 40% ethanol, of which you would need 330ml in 670ml distilled water) is if you believe the water in the vodka is of poor quality. I have had no problems (hic!) using Iceberg vodka (which really is made with icebergs!), but then I’m used to dual-effect pharmacology in palliative care. I have seen no evidence that either isopropanol or ethanol interacts negatively in these concentrations with vinyl. Ethanol is theoretically easier to rinse off, but is more expensive. If it didn’t give me an excuse to keep a bottle of vodka in the house I’d use isopropanol.

There was an apocryphal story about Percy Wilson's working group (that eventually led to the Keith Monks machine) using high octane vodka. It's sold in the States under a few brands, best known as Everclear-- basically grain alcohol. I guess it could keep record cleaning amusing until you fall over. 

 

When you’re back on line, my question was why do you insist on ethanol vs propanol?

I offered to provide truthful and scientific answers to questions and I will do so.  Our power in our County is being turned off for an update in service.  This will be for another scheduled 10 hours in the next 8 minutes.

Till later!

Elliott:

You might consider one of these (less expensive on Amazon from the same seller).

https://groovmaster.com

 

DeKay

300 lbs (or whatever and actually has to be based on size of the contact patches and would vary according to stylus shape and stylus wear) would be the force if the contact patches were one square inch.  However, the contact patches are actually a few square microns in area, so.....

Is Wizzard serious or is he mocking some of us for our pretentiousness?  If the former, why not isopropanol (vs ethanol)?  If based on "science", as insisted, it must have taken a couple of years to do all the experiments necessary to arrive at such a high level of conviction.  If he is being facetious, nice one.

jason

considering the forces involved, I read somewhere something like 22 tons, enough to eventually wear diamond, the stylast must be worn off in the 1st half inch!

here’s a quickie find

"pressure exerted by a stylus on the groove of a record is in excess of 300lbs per square inch"

https://www.vinylmeplease.com/blogs/magazine/opposing-forces-ins-and-outs-anti-skate

what’s best is to keep both the grooves and stylus clean so the dirt doesn’t get imbedded into the grooves like boulders in a stream.

Being frugal, non-scientific, I wash mine by hand in batches 10 at a time while listening to music. See 11th photo here

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9511

Cover the table with a plastic sheet (picnic table cover)

The Kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Knox-Vinyl-Record-Cleaner-Spin/dp/B07MP88FX6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=GTEIO2U2MD3R&keywords=record+washer+kit&qid=1685797482&sprefix=record+washer+kit%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A3SPLR0MSOYZ8O&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQlJRQlpBNjNYWk1ZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc1NjQ4MlZPNldXVVJRV0RJRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjg5MTAwMUI2RFRKQ1gzMVY1VSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I mix other stuff with the cleaning fluid that comes with the kit

https://www.amazon.com/Spin-Clean-Wash-Fluid-Ounces/dp/B003K1FTFM/ref=sr_1_18_sspa?crid=IH4SG468Q86D&keywords=record+cleaning+fluid&qid=1685798447&sprefix=record+cleaning+fluid%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-18-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExVkJGUVNQWlpCVzlNJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTgxNzE4MjNXWUVKNVFRR1Q3TCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODQxMjM4UjJCMDBTTUdUSVdWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

I get my Distilled Water at drug stores like CVS or Walgreens. I find that the staff often do not know where it is in the store, but it is there

https://www.cvs.com/shop/gold-emblem-distilled-water-128-oz-prodid-1190732

Then 91% alcohol (not available in Covid times)

https://www.cvs.com/shop/cvs-health-91-isopropyl-alcohol-prodid-1011920

Next, I use a bit of Jet Dry ’Finish’

https://www.cvs.com/shop/finish-jet-dry-dishwasher-rinse-aid-8-45-oz-prodid-1010730

Scrub vigorously with Baby Scalp Brushes

https://www.amazon.com/Scalp-Scrubbie-Sterile-Cradle-Sponge/dp/B005EJ7YH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2QCRFZKJJEPJM&keywords=baby+scalp+brush&qid=1685797819&sprefix=baby+scalp+brush%2Caps%2C89&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A2W58AXSS61W30&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOUwwT0ZERjVJWk41JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjQ2MDUyMzlIU0RTNjVCNVJWMSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzg4NTIxM0tVSlJCSFhJWVVDQyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Protect Paper Label with the Lid from a saved Chinese Soup container, looks like this

https://www.amazon.com/YW-YSD-2532-12-Plastic-Soup-Container/dp/B06Y6JWQTD/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3PHH7DP0PDP2P&keywords=soup+container&qid=1685797906&sprefix=soup+container%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-8

Scrub by hand, the spinner is only distilled water rinse, remove excess water with lint free cloth, final dry in the rack.

Amazing how good nasty LPs left over from the 60’s can sound, especially when playing deeper in the grooves with advanced stylus shape

 

 

One quart of distilled water, two drops of Dawn dish washing soap, and two drops of urine. It’s also good for cleaning your stylus. 

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