2. analog
  3. 178156-172731

What is your record cleaning regimen?

I am just getting into vinyl, and inheriting records, buying some used and most recently a few new. 

I have only a few hundred records so far, but I have invested in cleaning supplies.

Specifically, I have various pre-set solutions (groovewasher, Tergikleen, distilled water, simple green), a goat hair brush, micro fiber cloths, a baby scalp scrubber and a DeGritter machine (extravagant at this stage, but a huge time saver).

Here is my regime at this point. For any new record, whether inherited or bought, used or new, I wipe it with a dry cloth or the goat hair brush to remove any initial dust. Then I cover the label and spray some solution on it and use the baby scrubber to distribute the liquid around to cover the surface. Then I use a padded microfiber to wipe it off. Then I Degrit.

Btw, I tried WD-40 once, which does work to remove crackles, but subsequent cleanings cause those crackles to come right back, which to me indicates that WD-40 is leaving a residue on the record which I suspect is not helpful in the long run.

Likewise, the goat hair brush is so far disappointing as it seems to shed hair on the record which somewhat defeats its purpose.

Interested in other people's processes and I have a question. I have some older records that have persistent crackles. Will cleaning ultimately make those go away or do I just need to get over it?

I have ordered a record label protector that will allow me to wash in the sink with soap and water in the hopes of getting the ultimate clean.

Any thoughts from the analog folks here would be great.

saulh

Showing 1 response by pindac

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

I am not a expert in any shape or form. I have been given very valuable guidance from the advisories on offer in the Link I have added.

The PACVR as its 2nd Edition was enough to encourage myself to make amends for any previous methods used to clean a LP Groove.

I took the producing a recommended solution quite seriously and I believe I have the mixture ratio's as per the recommended. 

Today with the new adopted method I don't see the process as a Groove Cleaning Practice but more of Groove Purification Practice.

I make this statement without any reservations. I have had LP's cleaned in the past on what was considered a professional cleaning machine in the day, and have been regularly able to listen to a LP that has been through a Ultrasonic Cleaning process. I also set myself up to be able to clean with a UST.

I no longer see any of the other options as required, I am re-playing LP's that are being perceived as clean, to a standard where the perception of clean has not been witnessed in any past cleaning experiences.

I have brought a few extra disciplines to the process as a result of how I function in a professional manner. The simple to achieve idea of minimising cross contamination offers a extra satisfaction, as well as the simple to achieve pressurised rinses with a controlled Jet.

Most importantly I am unslanted on this subject, there is nothing to be gained for myself by endorsing the method. For me this is 'the method', and one that can be achieved that is not with any unwanted costs attached.         

 

 

PACVR-3rd-Edition

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