Cleaning vinyl - am I using this thing right???

BLW: I used a device called the Groovmaster (they are sold on Ebay). It seals off the label portion (both sides @ once) of an LP so that it can be placed under running water, or completely submerged if you wish.

I now use running filtered/warm tap water instead of distilled (we just installed a better filter) for the first heavy rinse (also use a Water-Pik when I have the energy for my seal act) and afterwards follow up with cleaning solution and a brush (I make my own solution). The final rinse is done with water and plenty of it.

This works for me and I purchase tons of used vinyl.

The Groovmaster sells outright for $35 and a first rinse (using this device) followed by a run through your machine may give you the results that you desire.

I never brush an LP before it has had such a power rinse as I do not want to grind contaminants into the vinyl surface. I also use quite a bit of cleaning solution as my home brew is very inexpensive (probably go through a gallon every for every 40-50 LP's).

Once the LP's are clean they just get a carbon brush follow up (before play). Once an LP has been cleaned it goes into a new liner.

Jimbo:

Yes, as 4Yanx mentions the Ebay vendor will sell the item direct (I checked this out with the seller/manufacturer recently and posted this info @ AA in the Vinyl Forum along with the contact info - do a search of Groovmaster). I was told that a direct sale would be $35 (his "buy it now price") and that a discount would apply to sales of 5 or more units (like for audio clubs).

By searching Ebay you can view some nice photos of the product.

Basically it just takes the worry out of agressive wet hand cleaning, making things go faster and I am getting better results (without damaging labels). I also do not worry about adhesives from the label contaminating the music portion of the LP (I use warm water).

I treat the unit gently (store it in it's own box and don't over tighten) as to not damage the "O" rings and place it in plastic once it is dry as the air in LA eats rubber, but can't think of any hints other than this. It is well designed/made and should last a long time with proper care.