I'm taking my first try and making some homemade record cleaning solution for use with a Squeak Clean RCM that's on the way. The website suggests 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol 3 parts distilled water and a drop of dish soap. I see a lot of recipes for homemade cleaner call for Isopropyl Alcohol. When I went to Walmart the bottle says 91% Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol. Is this what I'm looking for? I don't mean to spark a debate over the safety of using alcohol has a cleaner on vinyl. I'm just wondering if the fact they calling Rubbing Alcohol make a difference.
Homemade record cleaning solution question
- Thread starter dbarila
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It says Active Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol. Inactive Ingredients Purified Water. So I should just do 10% of the alcohol, 90% distilled water and a couple drops of dish soap?
jcamero
Who are you people anyway?
I made the cleaning solution you mentioned in your OP, and it works. But other members have went to the Dollar Store and bought their version of Scrubbing Bubbles. I have tried both, and found the Scrubbing Bubbles works better. A bonus to SB is it's ready to go, no mixing.
mistermax
Super Member
Sorry, but there's no way I'm dipping an entire record into any solution. Jeez. I do value my labels.
There was a guy selling a Triton X solution on here for a while. I got some, it's a concentrate and works really well and lasts forever (2 ts per 16 oz). I just use that, with some 91% iso alc and distilled water, brushed on, use the RCM, then pure distilled water follow-up and one more round in the RCM. Pic attached (label is mine, not seller's). Maybe he's still offering it, otherwise recipes are available all over the place.
There was a guy selling a Triton X solution on here for a while. I got some, it's a concentrate and works really well and lasts forever (2 ts per 16 oz). I just use that, with some 91% iso alc and distilled water, brushed on, use the RCM, then pure distilled water follow-up and one more round in the RCM. Pic attached (label is mine, not seller's). Maybe he's still offering it, otherwise recipes are available all over the place.
The only dish soap I have is Dawn and it lists sulfates. For one or two drop does it really make that much difference? Especially if it's going to be vacuumed off and rinsed with distilled water afterwards?
tcss
Active Member
I have found that isopropyl is not the best ingredient for cleaning records. I believe adding a drop or two of dish soap aids very little in cleaning or is not even needed as a surfactant with 25% iso. I use triton x-100 as a cleaner ( along with a little iso ) and it works great
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Djcoolray
Addicted Member
It's the effect the chemicals have on contact with the vinyl irregardless of how long and it's questionable if the chemicals can be washed free from the vinyl.....
But, no worries.......Ultra JOY Dishwashing Liquid is to the rescue !!! Great Clean, Great Price !
I LIKE MUSIC
Super Member
kcblair
Back to records
Thanks for the info. I'll delete that from my formula. How about Dawn, or maybe Joy as a replacement ?
I LIKE MUSIC
Super Member
The use of dish washing liquid is discussed in depth in the thread that I linked to and from a scientific perspective, it is not recommended, but a lot of people use it.
I agree with this post and link. Lots of very good info there.
ripblade
Addicted Member
A surfactant with more desirable qualities is found in 2-in-1 shampoo.
Condorsat
Audio Enthusiast
You were looking at Walmart
... maybe Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol is what they call it in China. 
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