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Lp cleaning - scrubbing records - any downside?

I've got a VPI record cleaning machine (which I've had since the 80's, stored for 15 years, and only started using again when I got back into vinyl last year...that's one sturdy piece of equipment!)

I've "modernized" by getting myself some Mo-FI brushes, fluid, etc. And, after reading a bunch of posts on Audiogon, I recently started "scrubbing" records while they're rotating--just short, with-the-groove scrubs, not too hard.

Amazing results. Much better cleaning of "problem" Lps.

So I'm converted. (Why did it take so long? Habit, I guess.) BUT, I have the impression that certain Lp makers (EMI and DG, in particular) used vinyl that at least SEEMS softer than other vinyl, and more easily damaged. And one of the 2nd hand Lp dealers I know is of the same impression...so I guess it's not just me.

Does anybody have any negative experience with scrubbing to report? Could it damage some records?

Many thanks.
eweedhome

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I scratched the dead wax on a DG just by setting downforce too high on the vacuum arm on my Loricraft. (BTW, "too high" means "per Loricraft's instructions".)

I don't know if other record labels would be as easily damaged, and I don't want to find out! I reduced the downforce as soon as I saw the damage.

As far as cleaning goes, while I do use DD brushes for two of the solutions in my regimen I'm not convinced that scrubbing very hard is beneficial. I'm more in Hdm's camp. If I need more energetic fluid motion I'd try steaming or maybe ultrasonic rather than physical abrasion.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Mark,

All is fine, thanks for asking. I've been swamped at work and will be for the foreseeable future, so my free time is limited.

Of course there's a silver lining: shorter posts! ;-)
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