Ultrasonic record cleaners

I bought the KA-RC1 (Kirmuss) on the cheap but soon grew tired of the process outlined in the manual and the Kirmuss surfactant leaves residue in the grooves. Gave up on the machine for a good while. Then realized I could just use the ultrasonic cleaning device with surfactant added directly to the US bath. I found a recipe online and concocted my own cleaning solution using Triton X-100 and 91% Iso.

Once the record was cleaned with KA-RC1, I rinsed it, twice, with pure distilled water and vacuum dried it with my Okki Nokki RCM. The results were very very good.

I have a very noisy Pink Floyd record. Tried cleaning it many times before (using both Kirmuss solution and Okki Nokki) but couldn’t get rid of the noise but the last clean did the trick. Not a single click, pop or crackle. I had to play the record twice to make my self believe that its the same noisy record.

Hope this helps.

When trying to restore a poorly cared for older record, this is what I have found works best.  I clean the record with an ultrasound bath using whatever cleaning formula you prefer.  I use plain alcohol and water per the Kirmus recommendation, and a few drops of Photo Flo surfactant.  I find the Kirmus machine to be the best bang for buck if you are not a DIYer.  Ignore all the steps, put the records in the bath and push the button.

Next give it a quick rinse with tap water and dry it.  Now for the important part…play it.  The stylus, especially the line contact variety, penetrates deep into the groove and will dislodge stubborn grunge (especially mold) that the ultrasound cavitations may not have gotten to. After a couple of playbacks reclean the record.

It is the post cleaning playback that contributes to the gradual, final restoration of the record.

I'm interested in the Vevor ultrasonic cleaner for the $200 as I would not use it constantly but have a VPI 16.5 also. What do the users of this cleaner have to say about its cleaning ability, ease of use, dependability, use of any surfactant or wetting agent with the water or some other type of liquid?

Here is a video I did on the whole subject!  There is no comparison to any type of cleaning that works better and truly brings old albums back to life!  Also I clean ALL my new albums this way and you would be shocked how filthy brand new albums are!  Manufacturing plants are dirty places but come on!  Check out this video and I'll make you a believer!

Mbs3 - This is the exact setup I have. Really excellent results with it!

I know the best results would come from a machine that can do a frequency of 60kHz to 70kHz but the price for those goes up dramatically. For people on a budget but really want something that does a very good job these ultrasonic units are excellent!

I did change one thing. I felt the motor turns too quickly to really give the record a good soak so I purchased a variable power supply (about 3V to 24V) and usually run a little over 3V to the motor I keep it running slow. This provides more time while under water to clean it. Then, when I remember (not important), 2/3 of the way through I turn it up to about 6V. I rarely run it faster then at 6V.

This is the description if you want to search for it. Only $19 right now on Ama… Works great and doesn’t overheat.

SHNITPWR 36W Universal AC to DC Adapter 3V ~ 24V Adjustable Power Supply AC/DC Converter Transformer 3V 5V 6V 9V 12V 15V 18V 19V 20V 24V 1A 1.2A 1500mA with 14 Tips & Polarity Converter.