I have been using my own "home brew" record cleaning solution with a DIY vacuum cleaning machine for years. I use Triton X-100 as the surfactant. It works very well, and does not harm the records. I buy the technical grade (100% strength) and use it sparingly in a solution of distilled water and IPA. I have a fairly extensive chemistry background, and it would not surprise me if most/all of the commercially available record cleaning solutions are using one of the Triton or Tergitol surfactants. Both series of surfactants are used extensively in ordinary household products--from body washes, dish soaps, laundry detergents, shampoos, etc., so safety is not an issue.
For the record (and it is no trade secret), my formula is 1 gallon of distilled water, 32 ounces (one large bottle) of 91% IPA and 1 ounce of technical grade Triton X-100. After cleaning with the solution, I always rinse with straight distilled water. Triton is available on that auction site and via numerous vendors with no regulation, distilled water you can get anywhere, and 91% IPA at any drugstore or pharmacy department--again not regulated. All you need is a clean bucket and a shot glass to whip up a batch (and some empty bottles to store it, which are also available on-line). I don't know if you wear contacts, or know someone who does, but the large (12-16 oz) saline solution bottles work great and are easy to use for record cleaning.
Some folks don't like the idea of the IPA, so you can delete that and replace with another 32 ounces of distilled water. I prefer the IPA because it helps cut grease (fingerprints) and nicotine residues, and acts as a "drying agent"--especially with a vacuum cleaner.
There are a million different "home brew" formulas here and on other sites, so take a peek. I prefer to avoid the ones using laundry or dish soap, since I can get the same surfactant without all of the other additives that may (or may not) leave a residue.
Hope this helps, and Good Luck!!!
