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Best cleaning fluid procedures with VPI HW16.5??

I need to buy more record cleaning fluid to use with my VPI HW 16.5 that I recently purchased. Obviously I'm thinking of the VPI fluid (& it's the cheapest), but I was wondering what other fluid might be better, like perhaps the Disc Doctor Miracle Record Cleaner? Also, does anyone else believe in the Michael Fremmer theory that one should clean records with an Orbitrac or something BEFORE using the VPI?
It sounds like a great idea, but pretty extreme to me.......most of my records are about 10-20 years old, but were basically well cared for. Years ago I used to use the Discwasher brush & fluid (which probably seems pathetic now), so I don't think most of my records are all that filthy & hopefully will not contaminate the cleaning pads all that quickly on the VPI??

Anyway, I've only had the HW 16.5 for a few months, so I'm looking for any advice on using it to best advantage. I've had a Rega P25 with a Benz Glider for over a year now so am enjoying "getting back into vinyl". Thanks!
steveaudio

Showing 4 responses by jimbo3

jimbo3
304 posts
 
I do a 2-step cleaning process. First, a wash with a solution of 90% distilled water and 10% isopropyl alcohol (the 90% pure alcohol, not the 60% stuff) mixed in an 8 oz squeeze bottle along with two small drops of shampoo (DO NOT use the kind with conditioner!) Use a liberal amount of this cleaning solution (it's cheap!) in conjunction with the 16.5 along with the brush, then complete the first step by vacuuming dry. The second step is basically the same, except to use about 10 to 12 drops of the Record Research product that Kelly mentioned.

If the record is really grungy, repeat the first step a couple of times and/or use the Record Research Deep Cleaner per their directions before the second step.

Seems like we all do at least two steps and probably get similar results. Try a few of the ideas and see what works best for you.

Jim
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Bluesman-

You are correct that alcohol dries vinyl. I use a small amount (<10%) to break down pollutants, skin oils, etc. A surfactant will not readily break these kinds of compounds down. VPI's own fluid has about as much alcohol (or more), or so I'm told. The Record Research Lab cleaner has some lubricating compounds added to it which restore any lost natural lubricants in the vinyl, making an assumption that some was lost in the first place by age or small amounts of a solvent. The RRL product also seems to pick up any residual surfactant.

I've been doing this for several years and have not noticed any drying of the vinyl and it has not affected sound quality. ("Dry" vinyl looks dull and somewhat grey and streaky. "Good" vinyl has an even, shiny black look.) The very first ones I did this way still look and play great!

Ah, but to each, their own.....

Cheers
Jim



jimbo3
304 posts
 
Bluesman-

You're right about 10% alcohol being alot. I just mixed up another batch and it was actually less than 5%. It was just enough to get a faint odor and no more. I don't know of any other solvent that will dissolve readily in water, which is a necessity if one wants to the control volitility for this application.

A note on soaps (surfactants) is that more than a large drop of non-conditioning shampoo or a couple of drops of dish soap per 8 oz of distilled water will cause sudsing while brushing and vacuuming.

Might try first soaking the record with just soap and water for 30 minutes or so (maybe longer), as you suggested. Would you recommend a little bit more soap in the mix for the soaking stage?

JIm
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Bluesman- Thanks for all the information. You mentioned dish soap as a good detergent- any specific brands? Know of any other surfactants that will work? How much soap do you use for a given amount of distilled water?

Steveaudio- You seem a little overwhelmed by the extent of work some do to get a record clean. As you mentioned that your records are fairly clean to start with, one cycle with the 16.5 and the appropriate solution should do the trick.
Jim
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