Vinyl cleaning and alcohol


Hej

What is the latest truth about alcohol being harmful or not harmful to vinyles?
I'v read that yiu should never use alcohol in the cleaning solution because of "this and that". I've never read anyone saying; "I've destroyed all my vinyls due to alcohol in the cleaning solution". On the other hand I have read several posts saying that they have been using alcohol for 5, 10 even 20 years without hearing any degeneration of the vinyles.

I got worried after have been cleaning all my best old vinyles with Okki Nokki cleaning fluid, so I searched the net for facts. I found hypotheses why alcohol is harmful and statements that it's not.

So what is the truth? 
simna

Showing 5 responses by jtimothya

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) does an excellent job and is quite safe unless mis-used. Do a Web search on "vinyl chemical compatibility". There is lot's of information available for those willing to do a little homework. Here's one chart: https://www.calpaclab.com/pvc-polyvinyl-chloride-chemical-compatibility-chart/

You'll want to use the purest IPA. It is available 99% pure.Here's what I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DNQX3C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I mix 1.3 cups of the above along with 0.9 tablespoons of Ilford Ilfotol photographic rinse agent in ~ 3.3 gallons of distilled water in my Elmasonc P120h USC. 

The IPA+Ilfotol+Distilled H20 gives a very 'clean' solution, measuring at 0000-0001ppm total dissolved solids (TDS).

If you're considering chemicals such as Versa-Clean, it's wise to check TDS.  Same for disinfectants. They add more to a solution than you'll take off a record.  Keep in mind that anything in the water on the record when it dries will be left on the record.

If you're thinking about using L'Art du Son, be aware that this is not really a cleaning agent.  In reality it is a  coating for the record surface not unlike Gruv Glide to "lubricate the groove".  It will leave a nice and shiny coat. Thanks but I"ll pass. YMMV.

https://thevinylpress.com/timas-diy-rcm-follow-up-2-compelling-changes-improved-results/
  . 

Regarding Versa-Clean’s high TDH ...... It is recommend to do, as terry9 says, " heroic rinsing".

No doubt. Using the solution formula I outlined gets records clean without need for a packaged product.

If the solution used is clean after records are washed then rinsing is not needed. Filtering that solution during the cleaning cycle will keep it clean and rinsing becomes an unecessary step. Take a look at the article referenced in the last link in my post for measurements and more info on this approach.
About L'Art du Son: As long it's not harmfull for the vinyle and the result is good, what's the problem?

It's unnecessary for cleaning imo. But If you want a coating on your records, do as you prefer. 


@lewm 
I also advocate a distilled water rinse after cleaning with my own mixture of isopropanol, non-ionic detergent, and water. Otherwise, I do believe the detergent can leave a residue

What detergent do you use?

Detergent can leave a residue if it is in the solution on the record when it dries.  When using IPA and a rinse agent, TDS tests on filtered solution done after record cleaning indicate 0001-0005 ppm which is pretty much the same that the test indicates before cleaning records. With that protocol, rinsing is not needed. 

99% IPA mixed with distilled water has 0000-0001ppm TDS count.  If you filter out the dirt coming off the record during wash, the solution stays clean. I suggest a 0.35 micron filter.  However, if you choose a detergent with a high TDS count when mixed with distilled water and do not filter, then yes, rinsing is advisable.

When the solution on a record is clean after wash, then evaporative drying becomes an easy option.  With a rinse agent in the solution, the solution sheets off the record when removed from the cleaning machine. Records will dry in ~20 minutes without a fan.

TDS meters are inexpensive, around ~$15.  Everyone cleaning records should have one.  Alternatively you can measure electrical conductivity.  Several meters measure both.  I use this one:https://www.amazon.com/TDS-Meter-Digital-Water-Tester/dp/B07Z529M5L/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=7Pros+TDS&qid=1578552765&s=industrial&sr=1-3

@simna
What do you mean the negative effect of this "coating" is?

Nothing, because I never said anything about a "negative effect".  I thought it was helpful to tell people what the product is.  I prefer not to use it.
We're talking about L'Art du Son fluid.

If you put a fluid on a clean record that stays on the record as L'Art du Son is designed to do, that fluid when dried will change the coefficient of friction between the stylus and the groove - and that will change the sound. 

Some people may like the difference in what they hear with L'Art on their records..  I prefer not to change the sound that comes from a clean stylus in a clean groove.  As I said, YMMV.  .

Let me refer you to a discussion inside a thread on WBF about my own DIY system. It's with another audiophile with a similar system who uses the L'Art du Son fluid.  I was very interested that he was using it and wanted to learn more.  The discussion is quite resonable and was helpful to me in understanding his approach.  Here is a link to the middle of thread when we start on the topic and it goes on for a few messages:

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/timas-diy-rcm.26013/page-3#post-581552