2. tech-talk
  3. 168998-97334

Wait time after record cleaning

Record cleaning has become a staple of every vinyl addicted audiophiles routine.  Most cleaning methods use liquids, whether proprietary, DIY, or just plain water.  These fluids are applied and are either vacuum removed, fan dried, towel dried, or allowed to evaporate.  There is a ton of info regarding the different types of fluids and cleaning routines currently available to review. I cannot find any information on "when the record is optimized for playing" after cleaning.  How long are people waiting after cleaning to actually play the record?  I once read that it takes over 24 hours for all the moisture in the grooves to be completely absent following a wet clean, even if on gross visual inspection the vinyl surface appears totally dry.  As a corollary, I have also read that the record sounds better if the record isn't played for 24 hours after cleaning. Distilled water, surfactant formulations, and water combined with isopropyl alcohol will all evaporate at a different rate. Is there any risk of vinyl damage if a small residuum of fluid remains in the groove when playing commences.  Is there any science behind this, or is everyone just winging it?  I typically sleeve all my freshly cleaned records and wait at least a day to play them, based on my previous reading, but am wondering if this is at all necessary.
orthomead
isochronism
2,893 posts
 
If it is a great old record find, good on you. Clean it ... then how long can YOU wait to listen to it?? Let's say, I am a good friend, you call me of your great LP find and to come over. I arrive, so you suggest, "let's clean it" Agreed. Upon cleaning accomplished (and it looks' GOOD (!), you say "come back tomorrow so we can play it"?? WHAT????
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,545 posts
 
After 10-15 mins in the ultrasonic tank and a rinse in the SpinClean, drying with a lint-free cloth, I let it air dry for a few minutes. That's it.
orthomead OP
113 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for their interest.  Like @whart, I typically clean in batches and don't usually listen while cleaning.  Millercarbon hit it on the head, though.  A tough study for sure.  @isochromism-I will usually have the disc cleaned before inviting someone over to listen.  After all, who wants to invite someone over to listen to a dog of a recording if it turns out that way. In actual practice, this isn't terribly limiting to me-I'm just curious what practices others employ.  After all, its only 24 hours at most.  I don't sit with the timer running waiting for the appointed hour to play the disc.  Lol. I am interested in @antinn's perspective based on the materials aspect, though.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 
well, i am glad somebody took the class in Design of Experiments, and statistics.

Ya need a series of sequential pressings, MoFi will get ya there. Inspect them under black light for a uniform level of “ dirt “, Pick your  time interval Here i would look at materials science for evap rates, solvent flash points, dry time An issue is inspecting the stylus…think that thru, thats the big $, Sonics count, so blind, double blind ?…. What does the LAST guru say ?
tablejockey
3,796 posts
 
"I once read that it takes over 24 hours for all the moisture in the grooves to be completely absent following a wet clean, even if on gross visual inspection the vinyl surface appears totally dry. As a corollary, I have also read that the record sounds better if the record isn't played for 24 hours after cleaning."

I get it, othomead.

Specific chemicals used have a drying time. Waiting 24 hours to hear a bin find I have been wanting for years, would drive me nuts.
After a Spin Clean, pat dry(no wiping) a minute or two fanning the LP, it's ready to drop on the table. 

"I typically sleeve all my freshly cleaned records and wait at least a day to play them, based on my previous reading, but am wondering if this is at all necessary."

After 4 minutes of spellbinding music from an LP I put on an exhibitors setup, he discovered it was housed in the original, beat up paper sleeve. I got an A- for an otherwise good demo request. 

At some point, I will end  procrastinating purchase of a proper RCM and sleeves. Until then, low tech Spin Clean for me.
More to discover