Recorded Cleaning Machnies

thanks @whart !

I am not very handy which is why I thought a vacuum cleaner may do a better job than I would. The less I touch something the better.

@gano, 

I want to buy the one that does most of the job. Sounds like the vacuum based would be it.

For old, used records yes.  However, you still need to perform multiple steps:

Step 1:  pre-clean with a detergent solution; I recommend 0.5% Alconox Liquinox (Amazon.com: Alconox - 1232-1 1232 Liquinox Anionic Critical Cleaning Liquid Detergent, 1 quart Bottle : Industrial & Scientific).

Step 2: rinse with distilled/demineralized water (DIW).

Step 3: final clean with a nonionic surfactant solution, I recommend 0.05% Tergitol 15-S-9 (Tergitol 15-S-3 and 15-S-9 Surfactant | TALAS).  The final clean makes sure this is no residue left from the pre-clean step.

Step 4:  final rinse with DIW

Step 5:  dry

I always recommend this brush -Amazon.com: Record Doctor Clean Sweep LP Vinyl Cleaning Brush : Electronics.  

Couple of things to remember:

• With vacuum RCM, you perform the cleaning, the chemistry, the brush and your technique are what cleans the record.
• The strength of the vacuum provided by the machine determines how much of the detritus released by your cleaning technique get removed.  The stronger the vacuum the more that is removed/sucked from the surface.  But some solution is always evaporated/dried in place.  The strongest vacuums appear to leave about 10% behind while the weaker vacuums appear to leave as much as 30%.  So, the 'quality' of the vacuum RCM can matter.

This vacuum RCM may be current best value - Music Hall WCS-5 Vacuum Record Cleaning Machine.  It has a forward and reverse rotation and a vacuum adjustment, is of decent construction and is made in the USA.  Music Hall is closing it out and you may be able to still get a good price Music Hall WCS-5 Record Cleaning Machine – Upscale Audio , Music Hall - WCS-5 - Record Cleaning Machine; otherwise Music Hall WCS-5 Vacuum Record Cleaning Machine – Audio Advice.  

Good Luck,

thanks so much @antinn ! I am checking it out. I am also interested in used, may work just as well.

For the price, the HumminGuru Nova has an updated higher operating frequency of its positive reviewed budget US.

HumminGuru NOVA Advanced Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner

Comparing with the Isonic, cost and a few less features? 

When I feel compelled to get a US, I’m either all in with a DeGritter or this HumminGuru on the cheap.

My only contribution here is to amplify the excellent points already raised.  I use a VPI MW-1 Cyclone for pre-clean, rinse, (a second pre-clean if the record is very dirty, rinse, second clean, then final rinse and dry. I use a HumminGuru Nova for the final rinse, then back to the VPI for dry.  All fluids as defined by Neil's post and in his book.  This is quite easy to do, takes perhaps 5-6 minutes per record total.  I will opine from my experience: 

1.  Neil's book is invaluable

2.  If you are on the horns of a dilemma between a scrub and vac machine and an ultrasonic machine, ask yourself if you intend to clean only new or near new records, for which the US machine should be preferred, or if you have or intend to buy old/dirty records, for which the vac machine should be preferred.  If you are not sure because you are just starting out, I recommend a vac machine because it is more versatile.