• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

My current Spin Clean results less than ideal - time for a different approach?

mike_p

mike_p

Downhome Upstate
I'm still getting a disappointing level of pops and ticks after cleaning (new) LPs with my Spin Clean, despite using a new pair of brushes and v.2 of the Spin Clean fluid. Drying records seems like the weak point of this approach; I have been using the supplied cloths to either pat or wipe the records clean. Am I building up static charge on the records that I just cleaned?

I've seen that some folks have taken to using the Record Doctor to vacuum off discs after cleaning them with the Spin Clean. The Record Doctor is $200; VPI's entry-level machine is about $650. What to do?

Thoughts and suggestions welcomed.
 
Register to hide this ad
I came to the exact same conclusion and bought a Record Doctor about 3 years ago.

The Spin Clean does do a remarkable job of loosening gunk out record grooves, but how can a bath-type cleaning system completely remove the dirt? I think it really needs to be combined with some sort of vacuuming device to be 100% effective. I sold my Spin Clean after buying the Record Doctor and do not regret it.

The Record Doctor has its weak points, but they can be overcome by the user's technique and some minor "upgrades." The supplied brush is useless, so upgrading to a Mobile Fidelity brush is recommended. I get the best results from first laying the disc down on a towel or microfiber cloth, squirting a few drops of cleaning solution on the disc, and scrubbing it in both directions with the MoFi brush before vacuuming it dry. Thrift store records usually need two passes for each side.

The RD cleaning solution is very good, and is safe for shellac 78s. After I exhausted the starter bottle, I bought the more cost-efficient bottle of the concentrate and mixed up a gallon of ready-to-use solution with some distilled water. You might as well order some replacement felt lips while you're at it.
 
beatcomber said:
I came to the exact same conclusion and bought a Record Doctor about 3 years ago.

The Spin Clean does do a remarkable job of loosening gunk out record grooves, but how can a bath-type cleaning system completely remove the dirt? I think it really needs to be combined with some sort of vacuuming device to be 100% effective. I sold my Spin Clean after buying the Record Doctor and do not regret it.

The Record Doctor has its weak points, but they can be overcome by the user's technique and some minor "upgrades." The supplied brush is useless, so upgrading to a Mobile Fidelity brush is recommended. I get the best results from first laying the disc down on a towel or microfiber cloth, squirting a few drops of cleaning solution on the disc, and scrubbing it in both directions with the MoFi brush before vacuuming it dry. Thrift store records usually need two passes for each side.

The RD cleaning solution is very good, and is safe for shellac 78s. After I exhausted the starter bottle, I bought the more cost-efficient bottle of the concentrate and mixed up a gallon of ready-to-use solution with some distilled water. You might as well order some replacement felt lips while you're at it.
Click to expand...

Sounds good - it's worth a try. Audio Advisor, here I come for a RD machine. Anybody want a nice Spin Clean in great condition cheap with 2 pairs of brushes, several Spin Clean cloths, a nearly full large bottle of Spin-Clean Washer Fluid Mk 2? Shoot me a PM.
 
Hmmm. I think I just broke some rules about posting 'for sale' stuff outside of BT. Not my intent, mods.
 
Like several others that have posted above I started with the Spin Clean and ended up buying a Record Doctor. Sometimes I use them together. Spin Clean and then dry using the RD works pretty well. For the most part the RD is all you need, and the RD cleaning fluid works well. There are some LP's that are exceptions and there are a couple of threads that get into everything from enzyme cleaning to using glue to "deep clean" difficult records - so you should check those out too. As 4-2-7 points out in his recent post, Ultrasonic is a great way to get records super clean. We have a record store nearby that uses one on every album when you buy it. I'd love to have one of those (AutoDesk?) but can't seem to find a way to justify the cost.
 
Time to step up to a RCM. There is a new budget RCM that cost less than $100 or the KAB-EV1, Record Doctor or a preowned Nitty Gritty and VPI. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone that regretted making the move to a RCM.
 
A few things that make the Ultrasonic cleaning the best option for me is volume, all static is removed, deep cleaning. Then the fact you can do other things while cleaning a lot of records as it's not hands on the whole time. Like cooking dinner and listening to music instead of the vacuum.
 
4-2-7 said:
A few things that make the Ultrasonic cleaning the best option for me is volume, all static is removed, deep cleaning. Then the fact you can do other things while cleaning a lot of records as it's not hands on the whole time. Like cooking dinner and listening to music instead of the vacuum.
Click to expand...

4-2-7,

Thanks for the link above to the ultrasonic cleaning thread. I'm about 2/3 of the way through. Is there any consensus yet about temperature and frequency?

Best,

Mike
 
Last edited:
If you watch eBay and audiomart you can find good deals on used RCM's
I purchased a used Nitty Gritty and am very happy.

A friend of mine has a spin clean that I used often before getting the RCM. It works well especially for really dirty stuff (depending on technique) and can be used in combination with an RCM.

Mixture is important as well.
 
Last edited:
Mister Pig said:
There is an interesting RCM from a Canadian manufacturer. Price is very reasonable, and has a full platter. Probably the best affordable RCM that I know of.

http://www.squeakycleanvinyl.com/

Regards
Mister Pig
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link, Mister Pig!

What do you think about a 6L or 10L ultrasonic cleaner from eBay, with

the "Vinyl Stack ULTRA Sonic Spin Kit" http://www.ebay.com/itm/161402849405?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

followed by a pass with a vacuum wand (e.g., the one from SqueakyCleanVinyl)?

Mike
 
If you are serious about LP collecting and cleaning, there comes a point, rather quickly for most, where a SpinClean just won't cut it. Vacuum and ultrasonic based machines are well worth the investment. They each have their advantages. Ultrasonic machines do a fantastic job without any rubbing on the record surface and multiple records can be processed at the same time in certain machines, as can records of different sizes. The disadvantage is the volumes of fluid needed as they are more effective if you use small amounts of surfactant and solvent instead of just water (not an issue if you make your own mix) and the need to air-dry. Wiping dry just encourages static. The vacuum machines require less fluid, but also employ some kind of mechanical disruption like brushes or pads which can be risky on very dirty records. Hence, this method benefits from some kind of brief pre-rinse to remove large debris. They also typically require special adaptors or modifications if you want to clean 45's or 10" records. They have the advantage of vacuum drying though, allowing the record to be put away or played immediately. Both methods are so much better than the SpinClean that you can't go wrong with either. Go for it, you won't regret it! There are entry level machines in both technologies available for a modest investment.
 
Last edited:
the spin clean is MUCH better than nothing and can serve as a pre-cleaning to using an RCM. the uS method is more costly AND waaaay more effective than most anything else. ther are some available for about $1500, not cheap but not $4k either.
 
I've heard all the negative talk about SC. And rightly so if one is into used records. But I won't ever buy used records again. Haven't bought them in years. So, for me a SC rinse with a Record Docter vac is perfect for my new records. Also , one must change the water and all is fine.
 
Thanks, all.

So, I took the plunge and dropped $290 on the Vinyl Stack magnetic clutch spinner:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161402849405?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

and $195 on a 10L unit from an ebay seller with 99.9 PF:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161905998770?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

This uS unit has independent controls for the tank heater and the transducers, and comes with a 1 year warranty. We'll see how that works out.

Now to figure out the solution to use from all the suggestions on this and 4-2-7's thread . . .
 
Last edited:
mike_p said:
Thanks, all.

So, I took the plunge and dropped $290 on the Vinyl Stack magnetic clutch spinner and $195 on a 10L unit from an ebay seller with 99.9 PF:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161905998770?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

This uS unit has independent controls for the tank heater and the transducers, and comes with a 1 year warranty. We'll see how that works out.

Now to figure out the solution to use from all the suggestions on this and 4-2-7's thread . . .
Click to expand...
There you go, your set now. Doing it this way will do 95% of your cleaning. A few records here and there might need a little physical scrubbing and then back to the tank. I guess you did a lot of reading in that thread. I use my dish washer as a big drying rack.

Some quit tips.
pull the records out of the tank prior to the sonics stopping.
45 degrees is good, get the old school record lint rags, when the record is dry wipe the lint off and put it in a new sleeve. The heat and sonics will expand and contract the vinyl, this removes all static and lint will fall right off the record.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom