ZeroDust still the best?

The potential problem using the Zerodust after the ME is the microscopic abrasive particles from the ME are captured in the Zerodust. Using the Zerodust again and again only increases the chances of those particles returning to the stylus and damaging your vinyl.

Alternatively, brushing the stylus after an ME treatment causes the particles to fall harmlessly on the plinth and eliminating the chance of stylus contamination.

Zerodust RIP

Stylus gunk can embed in ME fibers and Zerodust gel, and microscopic ME fibers can embed in a camel hair brush. I suspect that whatever touches the stylus can transfer stuff from it or to it.

I use all three along with liquid RRL stylus cleaner and, most frequently, a magnifier. I use a 20X loupe mounted on a little stand so it is exactly at stylus height when the arm is in its rest. This makes it simple to check stylus condition after each side, assuming you put your arm in its rest when changing records. I found the stand mounted magnifier on ebay (no affiliation). Look under something like "20X TRIPLET Lens JEWELRY LOUPE On a STAND". One of the best TT tools I have.
 
Tim

Given the "tacky" character of the ZD surface, particles are much more likely to be captured there than in any brush.

Bet on that.

Zerodust RIP

I went out and bought the ME and have been using it with the ZD. How long does it take to "clean up" before you hear a difference?

For some reason I do hear more detail coming out of my system. Is it the ME working already? I am dipping (50) at the moment.

Glory, if you're brave, very gentle and very careful, Dougdeacon described a "deep cleaning" process with the Magic Eraser that has worked well for me. I've used this process on cartridges that have build up on the stylus: Slice a very thin tapering length of ME that will be very flexible at the tip. Use this strip of ME to very gently wipe the surface of the diamond and cantilever, as opposed to simply dipping the stylus into the ME material. Work very carefully and gently. The piece I cut that has worked well for me is about 2" long and tapers from about 3/16ths of an inch (where I hold it) down to about 1/32nd of an inch at the working tip. use a magnifying loupe to watch as you work. Just be very careful, slow and gentle as you work if you try this.
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