Question about cleaning vinyl

[punisher]

do you set DW to Sanitize???....

[DougMac]

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to respond with what I use.

For LPs and 45s I use Sparkle Window Cleaner and for 78s I use VWR Scientific's Labtone. Sparkle was originally formulated to clean the plexiglass on WWII B-29 gunner sights. It doesn't contain any alcohol or ammonia, unlike standard formula Windex. I haven't found anything that works better, including record cleaning solutions. The Labtone cleaner is used to clean laboratory glassware. It contains enzymes and is formulated to not leave any residue.

I use both solutions with my DIY vacuum record cleaning machine, that is built around the VPI 16.5 RCM vacuum wand. I apply the cleaning solution, then use square cotton makeup pads to remove the liquid and dirt. Once the pads come back clean (some LPs and most 78s require multiple applications of cleaner), I vacuum, then rinse with distilled water, then vacuum again.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by DougMac

For LPs and 45s I use Sparkle Window Cleaner

[DougMac]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

Would you care to elaborate?
The active ingredient in Sparkle is 2-Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol). I did research and found it is considered safe to use on both polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. See: https://www.calpaclab.com/pvc-polyvi...ibility-chart/.

The results showed tests with exposure to the chemicals for 48 hours. When I use it, I immediately rinse with several flushes of distilled water, which is vacuum removed.

Lots of folks recommend Dawn dishwashing soap. I think it is OK, but one of the active ingredients of Dawn is a small amount of sulphuric acid.

[IntelliVolume]

Originally Posted by DougMac

Would you care to elaborate?
The active ingredient in Sparkle is 2-Butoxyethanol (ethylene glycol). I did research and found it is considered safe to use on both polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene. See: https://www.calpaclab.com/pvc-polyvi...ibility-chart/.

The results showed tests with exposure to the chemicals for 48 hours. When I use it, I immediately rinse with several flushes of distilled water, which is vacuum removed.

Lots of folks recommend Dawn dishwashing soap. I think it is OK, but one of the active ingredients of Dawn is a small amount of sulphuric acid.

All I can say is that I, PERSONALLY, would NEVER use Windex of any variant on my vinyl. Dawn, whether it has a dash of sulphuric elements or not, is something entirely different when we're talking about treating vinyl records (styrene 45s notwithstanding; this is another discussion for another time).

[DougMac]

Originally Posted by IntelliVolume

All I can say is that I, PERSONALLY, would NEVER use Windex of any variant on my vinyl.

I understand your concern regarding Windex, especially the classic formula with ammonia.

However, compare the ingredient list of Sparkle to Windex and you'll see the Sparkle is not a variant of Windex, it's a completely different cleaner.

The Library of Congress recommends formulating a Tergitol based cleaner, but I've never tried it.

Of course, you are welcome to your opinion, but I based my choice after some fairly extensive research regarding the chemical properties of different products and their compatibility with the materials to be cleaned.

[DangeRuss]

Originally Posted by DougMac

I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to respond with what I use.

For LPs and 45s I use Sparkle Window Cleaner and for 78s I use VWR Scientific's Labtone. Sparkle was originally formulated to clean the plexiglass on WWII B-29 gunner sights. It doesn't contain any alcohol or ammonia, unlike standard formula Windex. I haven't found anything that works better, including record cleaning solutions. The Labtone cleaner is used to clean laboratory glassware. It contains enzymes and is formulated to not leave any residue.

I use both solutions with my DIY vacuum record cleaning machine, that is built around the VPI 16.5 RCM vacuum wand. I apply the cleaning solution, then use square cotton makeup pads to remove the liquid and dirt. Once the pads come back clean (some LPs and most 78s require multiple applications of cleaner), I vacuum, then rinse with distilled water, then vacuum again.

This isn't really an old thread ..................

As you will see new owners and old of vinyl playback systems looking for a good way to keep their investments up to snuff .

And there's always new products hitting the market .....................

[dearth]

My process of cleaning vinyl...

First thing I do is wipe both sides with a record brush. Then, place it on a microfiber towel, spray it lightly with Groovewasher G2 solution and brush it with a Mobile Fidelity cleaning brush. Then dry of with another microfiber towel and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

[fighthefutureofhd]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

Sorry Johnny, I refuse to pay those ridiculous prices. The cheapest I've seen those sold for is like 70.00 and that is a rip off of for a plastic miniature tub that you manually spin your records in. In fact, I've found that vinyl record accessories in general are the very definition of price gouging.

I don't pay those prices either. I have a simple brush recommended to me by a salesman at a local store where the turntable was purchased. This store is only high end audio/video equipment and has been in business for over 40 years. I've had no problems with any of Vinyl with using the brush alone.

Originally Posted by yanquiuxo

This exactly. I started out using an old discwasher and cleaning fluid, I now use a record doctor V ($200) which I still consider a VERY entry-level cleaning system. However after using a vacuum-powered cleaning machine I will NEVER go back to a brush and cleaning fluid. It's a very audible difference.

Plus how could I spend hundreds of dollars on my cartridge alone and not do everything within my budget to make sure I wasn't damaging it or dirtying it? Plus I have invested literally tens of thousands of dollars into my collection, audio gear (AVR, speakers, headphones) over the years of collecting, and it would be completely illogical to cheap out on a $20 bottle of cleaning fluid. It's not about price gouging either, there's way more to cleaning fluid than alcohol and dish soap.

To each their own though, whatever works for some won't work for all though.

I haven't spent hundreds on my cartridge. nor I have I invested tens of thousands of dollars into my collection and audio gear. I've had little to no trouble with my turntable or my Vinyl. I've only had one cartridge go bad in the 8 years that I've had the turntable. One can spend gobs of money on all this stuff, but you don't have to do so to get perfectly good sound out your equipment and Vinyl.

Originally Posted by Snowmaker

You mean I shouldn't put them in the dishwasher?

I put all of my Vinyl collection in the dishwasher once. It got them all really clean, but now all my Vinyl plays the same thing: Splish, splash I was taking a bath long about a Saturday night.

[HotRats]

Fran Blanche on record cleaning

Cleaning Records With Glue, Vinyl Gong, Groove Burn, Wet Play and More! - YouTube

Techmoan got good results with the Orbitrac

Cleaning Vinyl Records with the Orbitrac 3 Pro - YouTube

[DasRetroKid]

I make my own cleaning solution at home.

Ingredients:
12 oz distilled water
2 oz 90% isopropyl alcohol
A few drops of Palmolive pure + clear dishwasher detergent

Add all ingredients to spray bottle and shake well (shake before each use).

I place the vinyl on an old cotton lint free shirt, and using a small bowl (a bit larger than the inner label) cover the label. I cover the bowl with a lint free cloth prior to placing it over the label as well, so the label has both the cloth and bowl protecting it.

Spray the vinyl liberally with cleaning solution, wait a few seconds, then clean in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth. I'll do this a second time, then finally I'll wipe the vinyl with a different microfiber cloth and distilled water.

Do the same on the other side, then hang it up to dry using an old phone cable through the middle hole tied up to anything where it will hang, for about 15 mins or so.

Finally place on record player and clean grooves with record brush.

IF there is any part of the record that skips, I will use a magnifying glass and strong light to identify the issue, and using a toothpick I will gently remove the obstruction.

These methods have worked very well for me.