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 sbank

I'm in the camp that has found every record not well cleaned by a previous owner will benefit from a good cleaning. 

Having evolved from manual processes with dishracks, air-drying etc to VPI to a regimen of US followed by wet vacuum rinses, I've improved audible results with a few missteps along the road. 

I can't comment on differences between the new crop of high$ machines ,but suspect the Degritter, Kirmuss etc. all perform at a generally high level. The Audiodesk is the best I've personally experienced. Due to budget priorities I've settled on a more modest solution that gives similar results to Loricraft, VPI Typhoon and  other >$1K options by investing a bit more "elbow grease".

@saulh This thread gives all the gory details and might be informative regarding your routine: 
Rushton's Approach to Ultrasonic Cleaning

From various threads, @pindac really stands out as an expert on record cleaning. Searching his posts might be worthwhile if you really want to dive deep on the topic. Cheers,

Spencer