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What do I need to effectively clean my records

I have some new and used records that are in need of cleaning. I'd like to buy some materials I can use from home, and I don't have space or money for a cleaning machine. I took a couple to the local store and cleaned them on the VPI there, didn't seem to do much. A guy there recommended I buy a more effective cleaning solution and stiffer brush, but then another guy said a stiff brush would damage the records. I read the post about the sketchy "spot remover" type cleaner being used, but I'd like something guaranteed not to harm the records or my rig. I keep hearing about Last, both the cleaner and protectant. Is the protectant worth it?

I'm a total novice. I have only a dry brush. Can I get some advice on exactly what to buy and how to clean: brands of cleaners, what to scrub with, what to dry with, how to clean them (use circles? brush inside to outside? how vigorously?). It sounds silly, but where do I set the records to dry? Also, should I buy replacement audiophile sleeves (which ones) to keep my really nice records in? Is a separate stylus cleaner necessary?
matt8268
kublakhan
717 posts
 
Thanks Dougdeacon for the teres link below. Ryanks, yours it below that. for all interested in DYI cleaners, cut and paste. i'm sure there are more examples around a'gon as well.

Teres
http://www.teresaudio.com/haven/cleaner/cleaner.html

ryanks
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1056412450&read&keyw&zzcleaning=records
matt8268 OP
92 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I'm gonna follow 4yanx's "step 1". I'm buying a Groovmaster, RR deep cleaner, and I'll pick up some pads and spray bottles and get to cleaning. I can't believe how much I just spent on cleaning supplies. Justifying it with thoughts of all the $1 records I can pick up and revitalize (hopefully).
nolo
2 posts
 
You need:

A piece of plastic foil (50cm times 50cm)
A piece of micro fibre cloth
A bottle of distilled water
A smaller bottle of distilled water and ethyl alcohol (50/50)

Put the plastic foil on a dust-free table and place the record on it. Spray the micro fibre cloth with distilled water. The tissue should be humid but not wet. Start to clean your record by following the grooves. Don't change direction. Continue until one side of your record is clean. Check the surface. If you still find spots - most likely it's grease. Apply 2 or 3 drops of the water/alcohol fluid and treat these spots with the micro fibre cloth again. Turn over your record and clean the other side.

This is by far the most effective way to clean your precious records but probably not the most efficient one. However, I find it better than these huge cleaning machines because A) it's cheaper and B) you can admire the label while cleaning the record.

;-)
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