Record cleaning

I second rhg3's recommendation!  Reading Neil Antin's Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records-3rd Edition - The Vinyl Press is not an easy read but well worth the time!

I have not included alcohol, thus far, in any of my record cleaning solutions.  However, using the correct amount or proportion of the right type of alcohol in a proper record cleaning solution, using the proper cleaning technique, is not, I believe, harmful to PVC records.  Based upon my understanding of what I've read and researched on the topic, thus far, I also believe that a little alcohol might, indeed, be necessary to clean extremely soiled records.  Many pre-made solutions include some amount of alcohol and surfactant.

Last I read a piece written by The Audiophile Man, Paul Rigby, I believe he is using the Degritter US machine now.  My understanding is that the HumminGuru is nice but limited by its power (i.e.  wattage and cleaning frequency).  Regardless, I am currently using a similar over-the-counter US machine in my cleaning regimen incorporating the use of a Disco Anti-Stat and have done an A/B cleaning comparison with the original Degritter.  The audio quality results rendered on the 3 or 4 albums that I used were, effectively, the same.  Despite this, I am still considering the purchase of the newest Degritter machine because it is so much more convenient (i.e.  considerably less labor intensive) than my current lash-up regimen.  Maybe it'll be a Christmas present to myself this year.   

As @noromance asked, how dirty are your records?

If you’re in this for the long haul with vinyl playback, I’d strongly recommend investing in an ultrasonic record cleaning machine. Everything else—manual cleaning, vac-based systems, multi-step processes works, but it’s labor-intensive and eventually feels like a chore. Ultrasonic cleaning saves a ton of time, gives far more consistent results, and makes the whole record-care routine something you barely have to think about.

It’s one of the best long-term quality-of-life upgrades you can make for a vinyl collection. I picked one (Degritter) up earlier this year, and I honestly can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. The convenience and consistency are on a completely different level.

Any one have experience with Record Restore solutions by Secret Chord Analogue? Curious how that might compare with the options being listed. 

Hi,

Regarding "Reading Neil Antin's Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records-3rd Edition - The Vinyl Press is not an easy read but well worth the time!"

I disagree.  Having skimmed most of the document, I agree that a novice can, simultaneously, glean excellent ideas as well as get lost in the forest.  

For me - The bottom line is that the author does a great deal of scientific work, only to undermine this by relying on subjective and relative impressions of the most minor of variations in mythology - especially what water should be used.

That being said, this document can easily make 'believers' out of many...

Again, keep it simple until you find you need to go further - running water (tap) flushes of macro-items, followed by a wash (Spin Clean, Vac Machine, clean sponge etc.), followed by a second running water flush, and finally a 'pure' water rinse (DI or distilled are ~$1.00 to $2.00 per gal. at the grocery store). I found that a second Spin-Clean works well for the final rinse step.

Good luck, and exchange hours of reading for giving your LP collection a good cleaning.

For those who mention rinsing their vinyl with distilled water after an ultrasonic cleaning, how do you protect the center label?  I always feared any water getting on the label could damage it in the long run.  Thanks.