Keep it simple and be vinyl clean conscious.
Being a vinyl disk user since I was a little kid and with a collection of over 7000+ disks I realized ultrasonically clean vinyl was the only way to go.
Forget dry brushes, small tubs or any other method other than the ultra sonic methods. Dry cleaning methods are always endorsed by those who have limited knowledge as they just move dust and debris around additionally increasing static-charges.
By 2009 I began my dedicated vinyl cleaning journey by purchasing a VPI 16.5 vacuum machine. It worked wonderfully compared to my early-on simple dry cleaning methods and started enjoying the benefits of clean disks. It prompted me to move on and get serious by doing the proper research. I scoured hundreds of web sites and read countless articles mostly written by the high-end world of experience. As a side note, I purchased the first 'DiscWasher'' when it came out around 1977 or so.
Early 1970's I used the "Dust-Bug" and the "Disk-Preener" and any manner of available reasonable cost methods that promised it would work. On a low budget for insane reasons in '03 I bought a Technics 1700 just to turn disks around as I tried different brushes and methods but, the end result was poor. During the same period I was upping the quality of my system so I was torn in a
vintage Hi-Fi sort of way.
By 2014 I bought into using the ultra sonic vat and a spinning spindle cleaning method.
Although I did manage to clean about 3500+ records, presently I’m still enjoying my labors.
And though much of that big number of disks are good condition used disks, the ultra sonic method has yet to be equaled.
If you asked, I’d say forget about those high price cleaning models and go for the lower cost practical method of a simple tank where you can clean up to 10 or so disks at one time, though I usually clean 5 to 7 at a time depending on their condition.
I use distilled water, 1.5 to 2 oz. of 91% alcohol, and 1.5 oz. of Ilford ‘Ilfotol’ as a wetting agent. Either air dry or use a small low rpm fan in a dust free area.
In my opinion, I feel those big cost ultra sonic machines are simply money making methods for those who make them. A simple machine along with common sense diligent methods work the best and will quickly get you back to listening and, to all the personal enjoyment using clean vinyl affords.
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Understand a badly scratched or damaged disks will never improve so, strive to purchase well inspected good condition used records.
I’ve have become so pleased with my simple and quick methods and understand how important it is that of course I clean ‘new’ disks as ultrasonic cleaning also helps alleviate static charges. I always use new
poly/paper inner sleeves and use new plastic covers for the outer jackets.
Additionally, I attach a post-it note indicating the condition of the disk, when purchased, if any cleaning method changed and how it was cleaned.
FM
* CAUTION: I must add that hearing properly cleaned disks caused me to purchase more costly high-end cartridges.
A few headliners in my stable are the Lyra Delos, Lyra Kleos, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Audiotechnica ART-9, and the Benz-Micro Gull-Wing so believe me when I say the words above. Understand, I would never use a cartridge costing a few thousand dollars on a damaged or uncleaned disk, period!
Below: One of two completely vintage systems I enjoy immensely to no end. All components are restored vintage items except for the new MC phono cartridges that I use exclusively. All proper cartridge set-up parameters are strongly adhered to.
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