I use my VPI on every new LP before I play it to remove races of the mold release agents. The LAST Daily Record Cleaner fluid works well for this as it contains quite a bit of alcohol. You can also use VPI's own fluid, adding 25 % isopropyl alcohol to it as recommended in the VPI manual. I normally follow this with RRL record Wash, since IMHO it leaves less residue on the record. After that, a carbon fiber brush is sufficient. I only clean again if for some reason fingerprints get on the LP (very rare). For second hand LP's, I use the LAST Power Cleaner first, then the procedure above. If the LP is very old/dirty, you may have to repeat, and occassionally do it again after you play the LP for the first time.
"Protocols" of record cleaning
I have recently "re-discovered" vinyl due to the purchase of another TT and was wondering what the "suggested protocol" was for cleaning vinyl ? While i own a VPI 16.5, it is quite honestly still in the box. I have been using the "old standby" Discwasher system in the meantime and it seems to work fine. I am curious as to how often a record should be "majorly" cleaned via the VPI, what the recommended proceduce was, what to use as the cleaning solution, do you "tidy up" with the discwasher in-between "scrubbings", etc... ??? I ( and many others i'm sure ) would greatly appreciate a small "novel" on the subject from some of the vinyl addicts that i know frequent this site. If there is another source for this info such as a vinyl website, please direct me there so as to save us all from coming down with Carpal-Tunnel syndrome : ) Sean >