I have been 'doing' vinyl since the mid-60's and started cleaning in earnest in the mid-80's with a basic VPI machine. In the last couple years I have devoted much more time and effort to trying to obtain the best sonic results I can using commercially available products. Without going through a blow by blow description of my current methods (which continue to evolve), I think the combination of an effective enzyme cleaner, like AIVS No. 15 and high grade water rinse, coupled with vacuum cleaning at each step, can deliver pretty impressive results. I think the vacuum step is essential to remove the contaminant/fluid mixture from the grooves. Though opinions vary, I also think the 'pure' water rinse is important to remove or displace the fluids; wand type vacuums may get the record dry but not necessarily remove the fluid/contaminant mix.
The use of applicators is a personal choice- I generally prefer the MoFi/Disc Doctor type pad for applying the enzyme-based fluid because they allow you to agitate, but they do soak up a fair amount of fluid (and need to be pre-wetted). One other critical step- keep your applicators clean through soaking in pure water and brushing off; ditto, any 'velvet-type' vacuum lips which also should be brushed between each use (a toothbrush works fine).
Although I'm using more elaborate cleaning methods these days, this will give you very good sonic results. As you get hands-on experience, you can fine tune your processes.
The use of applicators is a personal choice- I generally prefer the MoFi/Disc Doctor type pad for applying the enzyme-based fluid because they allow you to agitate, but they do soak up a fair amount of fluid (and need to be pre-wetted). One other critical step- keep your applicators clean through soaking in pure water and brushing off; ditto, any 'velvet-type' vacuum lips which also should be brushed between each use (a toothbrush works fine).
Although I'm using more elaborate cleaning methods these days, this will give you very good sonic results. As you get hands-on experience, you can fine tune your processes.