Cleaning Vinyl

A few questions-
EVERYONE seems to prefer the VPI to the Nitty Gritty. I've got a Nitty Gritty. Am I stupid? Uninformed? Having never used a VPI, I need an explanation--hopefully not just an opinion, but from someone who has actually USED both.

I remember reading in Stereophile that one of the reviewers used some sort of acid on his records. The theory was that it removed the molding compound. Anyone remember this?

On the subject of molding compound, my understanding is that one needs either the aforementioned acid to remove it, or a high concentration of IPA (50%), or a slightly less strong concoction of IPA and methyl Alcohol in about a 2:1 ratio.

I personally use 70% steam distilled water, 20 % IPA, 10% Methyl Alcohol, and a few drops of dishwasher liquid, and a few more drops of PhotoFlo. Then sometimes I put Last on it, play it once, clean the stylus, and clean the record again with steam distilled water and PhotoFlo. I look forward to trying Groove Glide ( however it's spelled) after that. I also look forward to trying a Milty Zerostat.

The whole point of the chemicals is to wash off contaminants, dirt, grease, molding compound. The PhotoFlo is a nessesary surfactant if one wishes to clean the bottom of a groove. None of these chemicals come in contact with the vinyl for long, hopefully not long enough for adverse chemical changes to occur. Therein lies much debate--how long is too long? Any susequent washings would be done with Water and PhotoFlo.

I gotta figure if you're playing your records on a $200,000 rig with a Rockport centerpiece, your requirements may be different than mine. The Rockports are having their people buy mint unplayed records, and their clening requirements are different. Most of the records I buy need strong cleaning, and I feel that the benefits of getting that layer of molding compound off so that MY stylus is the first to play the vinyl (and not just ride on the molding compound)is worth the risk that the record is being subtly damaged. Hopefully, the Last more than makes up for it.

The Cheapskate

I have a Nitty Gritty 1.5 FI record cleaner, which I got as a second at Upscale Audio. I don't really see how the VPI could be any better and it is more expensive. The VPI has the Cork mat in contact with the side not being cleaned, while the only contact with the Nitty Gritty is the vacuum slot. The 1.5 FI is quick and effective. The fluid is injected on the underside of the record, the plush pad applies the fluid evenly over the record. After the record turns for about 20 seconds, the switch is moved to the vacuum position and quickly, all of the fluid is removed and the record is clean. I have bought many used record which appear to be in very bad condition and sound like a new record after cleaning. Also, the plush pad replacements are relatively cheap and easy to apply. The VPI requires occasional replacement of the cleaning brush and the vacuum tube. The Nitty Gritty products may not be as pretty as the VPI's, but I believe that they work just as well for a lower price.

Save $500 to 750 dollars, depending on the vacuum machine and purchase a wet/dry vac for $25 to $50 dollars. It also will double as a great vacuum for spills when not in use as a record cleaner.

Also don't DIY a solution with alcohol. It is not good for the vinyl.

I would recommend using Tourmat record cleaner and/or the Disc Doctor cleaning solution with a shop vac and some steam distilled water.