Is there a way to clean...


...records without the use of a machine, that would work even remotely well?
tonyptony
"Pawlowski, thanks for the pointer to the thread. I read through it and found some good ideas. Your method sounds interesting, but is there any danger in the application of steam to the vinyl surface?"

I think the only risk is that you don't keep the steam moving. Think of ironing your clothes. Everything's OK unless you let the iron rest in one place too long. Other than that, it's just hot distilled water.
I have a Nitty Gritty machine and RRL fluids, but I have also had good results using just an alchohol based cleaner and microfiber cloths (I like the super soft "auto detailing" cloths at Target--they don't scratch the vinyl!.) This is especially good for filthy thrift store finds.
P6132.....which shopvac model did you get to do the
job....I guess the small one is all you need ?
Was any special accessory required ?
How much dit it cost ?
Thanks
I like Pawlowski6132's response even though it is more intense than what I do. I use a rubber LP workmat and use a steamer (Eureka 350 w/the best distilled water I can get), Disc Doctor, Steam again, type of cleaning process for worst case/best results cleaning - all by hand. I use either baby towels or microfiber cloth to wipe the records (found some NICE microfiber cloths at some $1 stores nowadays!) I have a friend that uses an ironing board (w/cover) to steam clean by hand and he basically can only use one hand/arm. So with 2 working hands it's a snap.

I learned the proper steaming technique directly from Charlie Rehm (he is the one that pioneered it and had to convince (repeatedly) Michael Fremer that it worked and was worthwhile). He provided an actual demonstration (it should have been videotaped).

If an LP is not extremely dirty or of unknown origin then many times steaming alone will produce fabulous results.

I use a Swiss Air (local area to TT) humidifier w/distilled water and a digital humidity temperature meter to continuously monitor RH near the TT set-up.

Like Charlie I believe that steam cleaning lowers the tendency of an LP to become electrostatically charged. It's fun, inexpensive and non-toxic.

Also bear in mind that the TT mat plays an important role in static as well. Best mitigation technique is increased humidity (60+ % in TT area).