Does the Spin Clean record washer work?
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markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
Sure. If you don't plan on expanding your record collection significantly anytime soon.
I would say one large part of the equation would be what types of fluids will you feed it? These are bath type machines with Pads, correct?
One can go a number of ways. Buy regular record cleaners, Mofi, Record Doctor etc etc whatever type you like. manually first clean the records/and/or apply with a record cleaning brush by hand, both sides, leave wet, wait a short period of time, then toss the record into the spin clean using pure distilled water. Thus you're using the machine as a rinse bath basically.
This could work pretty well.
There are also companies today who many record cleaning concentrates specifically for Ultrasonic Cleaning. I imagine these could be used to, to good effect.
I would say one large part of the equation would be what types of fluids will you feed it? These are bath type machines with Pads, correct?
One can go a number of ways. Buy regular record cleaners, Mofi, Record Doctor etc etc whatever type you like. manually first clean the records/and/or apply with a record cleaning brush by hand, both sides, leave wet, wait a short period of time, then toss the record into the spin clean using pure distilled water. Thus you're using the machine as a rinse bath basically.
This could work pretty well.
There are also companies today who many record cleaning concentrates specifically for Ultrasonic Cleaning. I imagine these could be used to, to good effect.
Yes, for whatever the current cost it is a good value if you are only looking to clean 20-25 records.
Also depends on how grungy the records are to start.
You aren't doing any harm but, if they are scratched up, the spin-clean isn't going to solve all the problems.
Good luck.
Also depends on how grungy the records are to start.
You aren't doing any harm but, if they are scratched up, the spin-clean isn't going to solve all the problems.
Good luck.
Yes, it does. It works very well. Just make sure you follow the instructions exactly. That is:
1. Use distilled water.
2. Add just the prescribed amount of concentrated solution to the water, not more. More won't clean better, but may leave a residue.
3. Do not let the dripping wet record dry naturally. Wipe it in a circular motion with the provided cloths; they're very good.
4. Keep the brushes and drying cloths clean.
Here's a before and after. It does look like a great job to me.
1. Use distilled water.
2. Add just the prescribed amount of concentrated solution to the water, not more. More won't clean better, but may leave a residue.
3. Do not let the dripping wet record dry naturally. Wipe it in a circular motion with the provided cloths; they're very good.
4. Keep the brushes and drying cloths clean.
Here's a before and after. It does look like a great job to me.
CLEANING VINYL - The AK compendium of fact, fiction and collective wisdom
If you're not leaving deep gouges across the grooves, you're not really getting them clean... Any examination through a $300 microscope reveals the truth. As you state, it's not merely removing the particles. One wants to clean all forms of contaminants from the record, including oils left...
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ra7c7er
Hoarding records since 1990
Personally I think the spin clean does a better job than most give it credit for. Will it out perform a ultrasonic or vacuum type cleaner no but for the vast majority of music listeners it's going to work for your collection.
Stick with the spin clean till you get around the 500-1000 mark for records in your collection. That's the point something a less manual really becomes a need. Especially if you are like me and let the to be cleaned pile add up.
Also if you are buying mostly new records the spin clean really is probably all you need. Since you'd just be looking to knock any flashing out of the grooves and remove the release agent*.
*I'm not sure how many pressing plants actually use a release agent. Vinyl doesn't stick like plastic and you never see any sort of release agent being used in production videos. I think release agent is a thing of the past we just think is still around.
Stick with the spin clean till you get around the 500-1000 mark for records in your collection. That's the point something a less manual really becomes a need. Especially if you are like me and let the to be cleaned pile add up.
Also if you are buying mostly new records the spin clean really is probably all you need. Since you'd just be looking to knock any flashing out of the grooves and remove the release agent*.
*I'm not sure how many pressing plants actually use a release agent. Vinyl doesn't stick like plastic and you never see any sort of release agent being used in production videos. I think release agent is a thing of the past we just think is still around.
troika
Super Member
I've cleaned hundreds of records with mine.
The gunk and debris in the water tells me it's working. Records sound and look cleaner.
The real proof is cleaning new vinyl, especially Blue Note 75th, which I boycotted buying after a couple because they skipped and sounded worse than a CD. Then I started cleaning them and everything else that I bring home, new or used. Those 75th Blue Notes are fine after a trip through the Spin Clean.
No doubt ultrasonic and/or vacuum would be better, but Spin Clean works and was a nice cheap solution for me.
The gunk and debris in the water tells me it's working. Records sound and look cleaner.
The real proof is cleaning new vinyl, especially Blue Note 75th, which I boycotted buying after a couple because they skipped and sounded worse than a CD. Then I started cleaning them and everything else that I bring home, new or used. Those 75th Blue Notes are fine after a trip through the Spin Clean.
No doubt ultrasonic and/or vacuum would be better, but Spin Clean works and was a nice cheap solution for me.
DeeCee
"Music is what we like to play..."
Yep. I bought mine on sale a number of years back; it works well for me. Just get a nice clean inner sleeve after cleaning and don’t be afraid to experiment with technique. Afterwards, you can use a carbon fiber brush (or something) to remove dust - re-cleaning shouldn’t be necessary, as long as you don’t smear pb&j or sneeze on it, or something.
I usually save a batch to clean so I don’t waste the fluid.
Same here. Once you hear the before and after difference, you will want to get your records as clean as possible.
Spin Clean first-time user rookie here.
The water level goes down about 1/4" after each record. (Yes, I let some of the excess drip back into the tank, but that's pretty minor.)
After several records there won't be any water left in the tank.
What am I missing? Are you supposed to keep topping it off?
The water level goes down about 1/4" after each record. (Yes, I let some of the excess drip back into the tank, but that's pretty minor.)
After several records there won't be any water left in the tank.
What am I missing? Are you supposed to keep topping it off?
Yes.
