Vintage HiFi Audio Forum

Audio Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Falcon on January 28, 2011, 11:22:38 PM

Title: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Falcon on January 28, 2011, 11:22:38 PM
  I need some vinyl cleaned, anyone have a record cleaning machine??    I will gladly pay you to clean a few records for me.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on January 29, 2011, 12:41:09 AM
I've got a VPI 16.5.  Your money is no good here!  Come on over and I'll clean them, N/C. :-*   Right now, I am sick as a dog.  Maybe Sunday?
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Falcon on January 29, 2011, 01:44:09 AM
You the man Carl.   I will talk to you Sat. evening.


Mike
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on January 29, 2011, 01:16:22 PM
I know I'll get some members to cringe, but... A little soap and water works. http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Vinyl-Records/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Vinyl-Records/)
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Kingman on January 29, 2011, 03:18:39 PM
Quote
Your money is no good here!
...I was told that at the Mexican restaurant last night...I said..."OK...On the house?"...My waiter said "No amigo...your last check bounced!!!".  :P    :o    :P
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: wkhanna on January 29, 2011, 04:28:09 PM
I know I'll get some members to cringe, but... A little soap and water works. http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Vinyl-Records/ (http://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-Vinyl-Records/)


 :o    :o :o     :o      :o  

I also have the VPI 16.5

Please don't hesitate to ask to come over to my place to use it before trying one of these DIY methods.

I love vinyl too much to let anyone damage their precious black pies with foolhardy cleaning techniques.

I'm in Mt Washington, just give me shout and come on over.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: BrianT on January 30, 2011, 05:43:03 PM
falcon377

I own a VPI 16.5 but i'm not in the local area, if you want to drop by Ottawa, Canada you are welcome to use it.

Dale & wkhanna.

Can you tell me what fluids you guys are using on your VPI 16.5

I am using the VPI record cleaning fluid with very good results. But I have now changed to a 2 step cleaning.
I wash with a mixture of 10% spray & wash, mixed with distilled water and use a fine nylon paint brush to spread it.
Vacuum dry and then rinse with the VPI record cleaning fluid and vacuum dry again.

I now have the quietest vinyl I have heard played.

Yes the spray & wash mixture sounds crazy, when I was told about it at a DIY meet
last weekend I laughed. The guy gave me a small amount and I tried it on 10 records
the records where all in good shape, now they are in near perfect shape.

Try it and decide Brian.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Falcon on January 30, 2011, 06:01:45 PM
Thanks for the offers guy's, that is very cool.


Carl, maybe we can do that next weekend.   Mikey not able to go outside this weekend. :(
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: bmwr75 on January 30, 2011, 07:09:45 PM
I have a VPI 16.5 also Mikey.  The invitation to visit the house stands.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on January 30, 2011, 09:13:44 PM
Can you tell me what fluids you guys are using on your VPI 16.5


Brian,

I also use a two step process.  The solution that I use is a mixture of Tergitol and water.  This is the solution that the Library of Congress uses.  Read Here! (http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/record.html)

Spray and Wash contains a surfactant, Tergitol is a surfactant also.  There are many good cleaning solutions out there.  Your two step process includes the rinse step which is highly recommended.  Let me suggest that you get a MoFi microfibre cleaning brush.  They work great!!
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on January 30, 2011, 09:40:11 PM
Mikey not able to go outside this weekend. :(

Yeah, I had a bad cold that kicked my ass this weekend.  I'm just starting to surface now.  Maybe next Saturday late morning or early afternoon? 
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: BrianT on January 31, 2011, 06:34:36 PM
Can you tell me what fluids you guys are using on your VPI 16.5

Let me suggest that you get a MoFi microfibre cleaning brush.  They work great!!

Carl.

That's funny, that you should suggest the MoFi cleaning brush, as that is what I use.
Tergitol sounds better, but looks like it's harder to store than Spay & Wash

Brian.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on January 31, 2011, 07:30:50 PM


Carl.

Tergitol sounds better, but looks like it's harder to store than Spay & Wash

Brian.

[/quote]

No storage problems, I keep it in a spray bottle on my shelf?? ???
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: wkhanna on February 06, 2011, 11:30:25 AM
falcon377

..... wkhanna.

Can you tell me what fluids you guys are using on your VPI 16.5

Hey Brian,

Here is a description of my cleaning method based a lot of reading and a few years worth of experimentation.

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/wkhanna/aa/DSCF5258.jpg)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/wkhanna/aa/DSCF5261.jpg)

Supplies:

•   Audio Intelligent Step 1 Enzymatic Formula – (removes organic contaminates)

•   Audio Intelligent Step 2 Super Cleaner Formula – (Surfactant for dirt & oil contaminates)

•   Aquafina bottled water – (for rinse, Aquafina is more pure than distilled water and far cheaper than ultra-pure water marketed to ‘Audiophiles’)

•   2 MoFi Cleaning Pads – (1 for use for with Step 1, the other for use with Step 2)

•   Three polypropylene spray bottles

•   Carbon Fiber brush

•   Mobile Fidelity Original Master Sleeve - (I splurge on these but appreciate the fit, weight & due to the design, ease of getting the LP in the sleeve)

Process:

•   Spray Step 1 cleaner on dedicated MoFi pad & clean LP from center moving slowly toward outside edge using light downward pressure.

•   Vacuum two full rotations (vacuuming longer will induce a static charge on the LP)

•   Spray entire LP with rinse water

•   Vacuum two full rotations

•   Spray Step 2 cleaner on dedicated MoFi pad & clean LP from center moving slowly toward outside edge using light downward pressure.

•   Vacuum two full rotations

•   Spray entire LP with rinse water

•   Vacuum two full rations

•   Repeat on 2nd side

•   Clean with carbon fiber brush

•   Place LP in a new MoFi Original Master Sleeve
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: DJTommyK on February 07, 2011, 08:19:49 PM
I'm a DIYer when it comes to cleaning vinyl.  I don't own a RCM, and don't plan to unless someone wills me some money.  My vinyl comes out dead quiet, shiny and clean after I'm done with 'em.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on February 07, 2011, 09:50:01 PM
wkhanna, your cleaning process sounds almost identical to mine.  However Tergitol has the cleaner and surfactant both in the same solution.  I use research grade ultra pure water for mixing the solution.  Distilled for the rinse.  I get by with two MoFi brushes and I always put them into new MoFi static resistant sleeves.  I'll bet your vinyl is dead quiet, mine sure is.  Unless it's a POS record, which happens.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: BrianT on February 09, 2011, 06:10:45 PM
wkhanna, Carl.

Thanks for you reply's

I do like the idea of the Tergitol, Dale can you tell me where I can get it and cost.

wkhanna. Thanks for the idea of Aquafina bottled water, I will try that next time I make a batch.

Brian.

Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: wkhanna on February 19, 2011, 12:34:08 PM

WARNING!!!!

Cleaning performed by a professional (Merry Maids) in a controlled and secured kitchen.

Do not attempt at home.

Cleaning LPs with a cordless drill.. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF-Zow5CZRY#)
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: schwarcw on February 19, 2011, 01:05:55 PM
I like how he could care less about the water and soap on the labels.  And his use of chamois and cloth to clean and dry the records. 

If you have plastic eyeglasses, you know what damage a cotton towel can do to your lenses.  Imagine what some China made Walmart cloth can do to the soft vinyl using a high speed drill.  This guy should get the Darwin award from audiophiles for his prestigious work cleaning vinyl.

I do concede that vinyl cleaning machines are doing the same thing.  I am just noting his poor choice of materials, chemicals and technique.  I'm guessing that drill gets a little heavy after using it to clean vinyl for an hour.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: wkhanna on February 20, 2011, 12:10:16 PM
Yeah! I know, what a lack of understanding the need for proper cleaning materials.

Everbody knows you should always use Soft Scrub & Brillo pads!

And don't forget the muriatic acid rinse.

However, I do like the way he has found for getting rid of those pesky labels in the center of the LP!
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Slim-Shaddy on February 20, 2011, 12:33:43 PM
Yeah! I know, what a lack of understanding the need for proper cleaning materials.

Everbody knows you should always use Soft Scrub & Brillo pads!

And don't forget the muriatic acid rinse.

However, I do like the way he has found for getting rid of those pesky labels in the center of the LP!

If you have a REALLY dirty record, I've found 100 grit sandpaper really get's 'em shiny!!
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine? I FOUND ONE!! MUST SEE!
Post by: Falcon on February 20, 2011, 02:01:29 PM
How about this one? 



Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: bmwr75 on February 20, 2011, 02:49:43 PM
Looks pretty high end..........and pricey at that!!
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on November 04, 2015, 09:43:01 PM
I'm a DIYer when it comes to cleaning vinyl.  I don't own a RCM, and don't plan to unless someone wills me some money.  My vinyl comes out dead quiet, shiny and clean after I'm done with 'em.

DJTommy - what is your process?
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: Sir Thrift-a-Lot on November 04, 2015, 10:07:11 PM
Looks like he hasn't been here since March, but I'd love to know too.
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: OldiesButGoodies on November 05, 2015, 10:26:18 AM
Carl - wondering why you landed on using the Mofi brush - is it this one?:

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Record-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B003DX0S2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1446737002&sr=1-1&keywords=mofi+brush (http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Record-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B003DX0S2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1446737002&sr=1-1&keywords=mofi+brush)

Compared to the brush that comes w the VPI 16.5,  if feels to me like this one would not go as deep into the grooves and instead "ride"  on the crests.  In your experience if does a better job than the VPI brush?

Also - some folks on the thread have mentioned using "spray and wash" - can you clarify exactly what product that is?

Thanks!

OBG
Title: Re: Vinyl cleaning, anyone have a machine?
Post by: scorpio333 on November 05, 2015, 02:56:21 PM
OBG, I've got that mofi brush and your guess is right. I'd compared it to the pads on the VPI wand. It does not go deep enough for cleaning. I use it as a first step to get stuff off a dirty record then use a shurline paint pad for the deep junk.

Not sure if you plan to stop at Jim's tonight, if you are let me know and I'll bring it along so you can see it.