overwhelmed by record rituals


Hi all-

I'm new to vinyl and starting to build a collection. Because I am just buying new audiophile quality vinyl (so far) it never occurred to me I should be washing the vinyl before I play it. So far my process has been to use a bit of Last stylus cleaner on the stylus (maybe after every 3 or 4 plays) and to use an Audioquest brush on the record before dropping the needle. I am starting to get some pops and clicks, though, so wondering if I should be doing more. I read through record rituals and I am a bit overwhelmed and looking for a simple process. My first question is if I should invest in a record cleaning machine before I invest in more vinyl? Is VPI a decent (modestly priced) one? Second, this article in Stereophile on Last record preservation made me wonder if I should be doing that?
http://www.stereophile.com/content/last-record-preservation-treatment
So I guess that would mean my process might be VPI (or other record cleaner) for a new record (and periodically, I'm assuming, after that) followed by a one time treatment with Last record preservative. Using the carbon Audioquest brush and Last stylus cleaner as I have been all along?

Any guidance?

Thanks!

mc
mcanaday
Stringreen's comment reflects, IMO, a lover of music who doesn't want to spend the time necessary in order to get better sound and preserve the medium that gives him/us better sound. Really, I couldn't believe that statement!
Whart: Thanks for the involved post! It really shows how some, (Stringreen), see/hear things in a very different light. By the way, Doobie Brother's lps sound absolutely awesome! They are some of the best, consistently recorded lps from the analog era ever!
regarding Stringreen's comment above... We've just experienced the confederate flag being removed from government property in SC, yet, we have comments such as these in our analog forum. Wow!
Just now saw the photo essay, Whart. Fantastic! Thanks very much for doing that. I need some audiophile approved butter dishes!

cheers, Margot