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Record Cleaning - Soap and Water - test results

southp said:
I should also note that I used the plastic outdoor outlet covers (someone else I think used the metal ones).
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I'm a little confused about these 'Bell Outdoor plastic covers'. What are they exactly (covers for what?), and where do you get them (store, and department)?
 
I use to follow Wigwam Jones method of cleaning records, and it did work. The problem was, energy. At 65+, I don't have a lot and standing over a sink , scrubbing 10-12 records at a time, killed my back. Came Christmas, I invested in a KAB RCM. What a difference. I was worth every cent of the $170. Yes, I have to invest in cleaning solutions, and yes, there are lots of DIY solutions out there, but they better be blessed by the Audiophile Gods. I noise level of my hand washed records dropped considerably, but using the RCM, I know that the life is being sucked out of the grooves, leaving wonderful music. I usually buy 3-5 records at a time, and after running them through the RCM, they are ready to play immediately. I do believe, fidelity increases with a deep cleaning.
 
kcblair said:
I use to follow Wigwam Jones method of cleaning records, and it did work. The problem was, energy. At 65+, I don't have a lot and standing over a sink , scrubbing 10-12 records at a time, killed my back. Came Christmas, I invested in a KAB RCM. What a difference. I was worth every cent of the $170. Yes, I have to invest in cleaning solutions, and yes, there are lots of DIY solutions out there, but they better be blessed by the Audiophile Gods. I noise level of my hand washed records dropped considerably, but using the RCM, I know that the life is being sucked out of the grooves, leaving wonderful music. I usually buy 3-5 records at a time, and after running them through the RCM, they are ready to play immediately. I do believe, fidelity increases with a deep cleaning.
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I found the same to be true. I did the hand cleaning method and it works ok but the benefit of the vacuum cannot be disputed.
 
No denying a vacuum has to be a benefit in cleaning records or AK members wouldn't buy or build RCMs if they didn't improve the record cleaning process. An even higher plateau has now been reached with ultrasonic cleaners.
 
majick47 said:
No denying a vacuum has to be a benefit in cleaning records or AK members wouldn't buy or build RCMs if they didn't improve the record cleaning process. An even higher plateau has now been reached with ultrasonic cleaners.
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I don't deny there may be a benefit. Again I ask, what is the benefit?

Jon
 
In 10 years there will be a new cleaner that will really get inside those grooves and once and for all take out all that gunk and filth

(yes that's me being a smart ass)
;)
 
jnoyes said:
I don't deny there may be a benefit. Again I ask, what is the benefit?

Jon
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I can dry the LP faster by laying the wet LP flatt on a micro fiber towel and vacuum dry and it might suck up any loose crud from the Spin Clean brushes in the tub for my final distilled water rinse. YMMV on this. I did to so I did not have to wait for the LP to air dry.
Louis
 
LAB3 said:
I can dry the LP faster by laying the wet LP flatt on a micro fiber towel and vacuum dry and it might suck up any loose crud from the Spin Clean brushes in the tub for my final distilled water rinse. YMMV on this. I did to so I did not have to wait for the LP to air dry.
Louis
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Ok, I accept that it may be faster, but is it cleaner? That is really the question, does the vacuum remove more debris than rinsing with a hand held sprayer, or a Gen Dandy type of sprayer? The argument by the RCM crowd seems to be that it cleans more effectively then something you can do in the sink, because of the vacuum. I have heard no logical explanation that it can, or does.

Jon
 
I found 11 jazz records this weekend, all were quite clean (looking).

After using my SpinClean, there was black filth in the bottom. Sludgy looking grime.

I'm guessing, jnoyes, that due to the extremely small particles of dirt and grime and mold, and perhaps the natural attraction of the vinyl grooves, that water just can't get it all, thereby the vacuum comes in and forcibly pulls that little bit left out.

I've used a homemade RCM, glue, sink, paint scrubbers, etc, and I'm always amazed at how hard things can cling to the grooves
 
Kingshead said:
Vacuum sure gets my floors cleaner, just sayin
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Sure once the brush or beater bar knocks it loose the vacuum sucks it up.

Try getting the dust off of something only using the vacuum, no brush. Not very effective at all.

Would you vacuum your deck/sidewalk to get it clean, or spray it with the hose? Which would be more effective?

Vacuuming can't even overcome static attraction without the help of a brush.

Jon
 
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