Spin-Clean vinyl Record Cleaning System

[brianjrealto]

Just wanted to give my 2 cents on this vinyl record cleaning system...

Here is an example Ebay link, they usually run about $80..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-System-/370198006284

I have cleaned over 30 records of my collection so far using the Spin clean. I have alot of other cleaning methods used before pulling the trigger to get this system.

It's manual, moving the records back and forth in the tray and takes a bit of time. But, this thing is fantastic and worth every cent!!!

I spin each record 15 times in each direction to really dig down in the vinyl grooves before removing and drying. I am amazed at the results!!

The benefits-
1) No more crackles or pops on playback, almost non-existant after cleaning
2) Sound quality/dynamics improve dramatically and brings 2nd hand vintage records back to life.
3) it cleans the vinyl record so well, your stylus won't need to be cleaned! I have played many hours of spin-cleaned records and my stylus needle is still spotless. (used to get fuzz balls and grime build up from previous cleaning methods with brushes or felt)

Conclusion... I think for the money, you won't come close to finding a better vinyl record cleaning system. I have never tried the high-priced machines and cannot attest to spending that kind of money. But, seeing that the stylus needle is spotless after playing alot of hours of records tells me that this system is top-notch and well worth the $80 or so it costs...

 

[hbrocks]

I've had hit and miss experience using SC....
This weekend (However)...
I followed the suggestions of some quick-witted AK pioneers.
-mildly warm Tap-water Rinse followed by a scrub with the awesome "Shur-line" painters pad dipped in cleaning solution...
-Tap Water Rinse
-Then employ the spinclean filled with distilled (and the cursory microfiber wipe down and air dry)...

This cleaning method gave the Best results I've had to date...!

If someone could figure out how to form-fit the shure painters pads over top of the SC cleaning pads.....THEN we'd really have a much GREATER product!

 

[rnorton]

If someone could figure out how to form-fit the shure painters pads over top of the SC cleaning pads.....THEN we'd really have a much GREATER product!

My thoughts exactly. There must be a way.

 

[waynec]

I've been wondering about the Spin Clean system for a while now. I guess my biggest question is, for those that use it, how does it protect the label? I would think with all the water that it is going through, once the record rolls over to the top it would just run right down onto the label. Or are you spinning it fast enough that it doesn't happen?

 

[beatcomber]

I've been wondering about the Spin Clean system for a while now. I guess my biggest question is, for those that use it, how does it protect the label? I would think with all the water that it is going through, once the record rolls over to the top it would just run right down onto the label. Or are you spinning it fast enough that it doesn't happen?

Sometimes you get a few dribbles on the label, but it hasn't damaged a single one yet. There is no alcohol in the solution, which helps keep things safe.

 

[Elitemav]

I love my spin clean. all that paint brush and dish soap methods I tried didn't work nearly as good so I am glad I got one. wether you have a rcm or spin clean you gotta try adding gruv glide once the record is dry and it makes an even bigger difference. http://www.gruvglide.com/HOME.html I always spin clean with plenty of turns both ways then dry and then gruv glide after.

 

[brianjrealto]

I've had hit and miss experience using SC....
This weekend (However)...
I followed the suggestions of some quick-witted AK pioneers.
-mildly warm Tap-water Rinse followed by a scrub with the awesome "Shur-line" painters pad dipped in cleaning solution...
-Tap Water Rinse
-Then employ the spinclean filled with distilled (and the cursory microfiber wipe down and air dry)...

This cleaning method gave the Best results I've had to date...!

If someone could figure out how to form-fit the shure painters pads over top of the SC cleaning pads.....THEN we'd really have a much GREATER product!

surprised the Spin clean didn't clean your records like you would expect. But, i don't follow the instructions moving the record each direction 10 times. I rotate the record 20 times in each direction for a better cleaning. I had some very dirty records that the Spin clean did a bang up job on...

the record label doesn't get wet much at all. All the records I've cleaned didn't show water stains or anything like that. All the cleaned records look like new...

Seeing the needle/stylus with no buildup at all after hours of use is a good sign. this system cleans deep in the grooves.

I also used distilled water in the spin clean tub.

 

[asterion]

Just wanted to give my 2 cents on this vinyl record cleaning system...

Here is an example Ebay link, they usually run about $80..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-System-/370198006284

I have cleaned over 30 records of my collection so far using the Spin clean. I have alot of other cleaning methods used before pulling the trigger to get this system.

It's manual, moving the records back and forth in the tray and takes a bit of time. But, this thing is fantastic and worth every cent!!!

I spin each record 15 times in each direction to really dig down in the vinyl grooves before removing and drying. I am amazed at the results!!

The benefits-
1) No more crackles or pops on playback, almost non-existant after cleaning
2) Sound quality/dynamics improve dramatically and brings 2nd hand vintage records back to life.
3) it cleans the vinyl record so well, your stylus won't need to be cleaned! I have played many hours of spin-cleaned records and my stylus needle is still spotless. (used to get fuzz balls and grime build up from previous cleaning methods with brushes or felt)

Conclusion... I think for the money, you won't come close to finding a better vinyl record cleaning system. I have never tried the high-priced machines and cannot attest to spending that kind of money. But, seeing that the stylus needle is spotless after playing alot of hours of records tells me that this system is top-notch and well worth the $80 or so it costs...

The washing technique I have used most is with a home made solution and a childs soft toothbrush. Let the solution soak a little round and round with the brush and a warm water rinse and dry with super absorbent micro fiber towel, then some air dry time. Still you do get that gunk on the stylus for a couple of plays.

I have ordered a spin clean for about 62 bucks shipped from here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350644650925?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648

How many LP's are you supposed to be able to clean with the bottle that is provided with the spin clean?

 

[DaWoofer]

That will do 300-500. If you don't put more in than a cap full, but I would still order the larger bottle direct. It will last you long time.:thmbsp:
I use the 1.5 Nitty Gritty, the Spin Clean, then the 16.5 VPI. I use all three in
in that order. Getting the cruddy dust off the Nitty does good, keeps the water in the SC cleaner. The cleaning continues on the VPI with that torque motor. That what does it for me, some heavier elbow can be employed if needed. With the suction it has, it does a fabulous vacuum job.
The SP clean I think could slice someone with a DynaFlex LP. THen you put in a 200+gm LP and it getting pretty tough the spin around. I got tired of spinning after 500 LPs. I don't spin as much anymore, that's a good thing.

 

[rnorton]

I've been wondering about the Spin Clean system for a while now. I guess my biggest question is, for those that use it, how does it protect the label? I would think with all the water that it is going through, once the record rolls over to the top it would just run right down onto the label. Or are you spinning it fast enough that it doesn't happen?

I've never had water damage a label in 45 years of record cleaning. But the answer to your question is that the Spin-Clean won't get the label wet unless you're a complete klutz and even then it would be difficult.

 

[Danimal]

I've never had water damage a label in 45 years of record cleaning. But the answer to your question is that the Spin-Clean won't get the label wet unless you're a complete klutz and even then it would be difficult.

I will agree. I have never had a wet label and I have had decent results with my Spin Clean. Let's remember we are not using a $500+ record cleaner. It is a budget cleaner and does what they profess it to do. I'm very happy with mine.

 

[Junknewbian]

That will do 300-500. If you don't put more in than a cap full, but I would still order the larger bottle direct. It will last you long time.:thmbsp:

I haven't tried it yet, but another thread reported excellent results using Jet-Dry (a dishwasher solution that promises spot-free drinking glasses) as a replacement washing solution for the Spin Clean - "a few dollars at Costco will get you a lifetime supply" is the quote as I remember it. Someone may provide a correct link to that thread.

I have no affiliation with Jet-Dry. I do love my SpinClean! I ordered the small bottle and it has a long way to go still after a couple hundred records.

 

[brianjrealto]

The washing technique I have used most is with a home made solution and a childs soft toothbrush. Let the solution soak a little round and round with the brush and a warm water rinse and dry with super absorbent micro fiber towel, then some air dry time. Still you do get that gunk on the stylus for a couple of plays.

I have ordered a spin clean for about 62 bucks shipped from here

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350644650925?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2648

How many LP's are you supposed to be able to clean with the bottle that is provided with the spin clean?

Alot of good feedback, alot of options out there. I do remeber spending the $80 and getting the extras too- more cleaning fluid, extra brushes, extra towels..

Im still amazed at how deep into the grooves it cleans records. For my money, its well spent seeing that thers no buildup of gunk or fuzz on the stylus/needle while the records sound fantastic afterwards.

Im sure there are alot of other cheaper methods, but my experience left me looking for more as the spin clean does the trick..

I also tried the scotch brush, other brushes, wet wash. Nothing does it for me like the investment in this system. The proof is in the water after cleaning a few records. Theres alot of dirt and haze afterwards seen while dumping the water...

Good thread!

 

[ssmith3046]

Get rid of the towels and get a supply of microfiber towels. I've cleaned at least 700 albums with SC and it works great. Use distilled water and stay with the SC cleaning solution and don't alter it. I've read post where people add things to the solution, like Dawn, and then wonder why it doesn't work.

 

[c-eling]

Just wanted to give my 2 cents on this vinyl record cleaning system...

Here is an example Ebay link, they usually run about $80..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Spin-Clean-Record-Washer-System-/370198006284

I have cleaned over 30 records of my collection so far using the Spin clean. I have alot of other cleaning methods used before pulling the trigger to get this system.

It's manual, moving the records back and forth in the tray and takes a bit of time. But, this thing is fantastic and worth every cent!!!

I spin each record 15 times in each direction to really dig down in the vinyl grooves before removing and drying. I am amazed at the results!!

The benefits-
1) No more crackles or pops on playback, almost non-existant after cleaning
2) Sound quality/dynamics improve dramatically and brings 2nd hand vintage records back to life.
3) it cleans the vinyl record so well, your stylus won't need to be cleaned! I have played many hours of spin-cleaned records and my stylus needle is still spotless. (used to get fuzz balls and grime build up from previous cleaning methods with brushes or felt)

Conclusion... I think for the money, you won't come close to finding a better vinyl record cleaning system. I have never tried the high-priced machines and cannot attest to spending that kind of money. But, seeing that the stylus needle is spotless after playing alot of hours of records tells me that this system is top-notch and well worth the $80 or so it costs...

I agree completely with your write up, very happy with mine, cleaned a couple hundred and have been very satisfied, I air dry mine, distilled water, no cloth

 

[dosley01]

I think this is where I will spend my next eBay bucks certificate and maybe follow up with a KAB EV-1. Both items combined are still $125 cheaper than the cheapest Nitty Gritty and I'm willing to bet clean better. I was considering a B-Stock VPI 16.5 for $475 but I only own about 25 records so it just doesn't make sense (yet). I am still amazed that a brand new $50 180/200g album comes out of the package with rice crispies.

 

[DaWoofer]

It does a great job, in fact when I bought mine I had over $135 in all the extras. JUST DON'T LEAVE THE BRUSHES IN THE WATER WHEN NOT IN USE. This will destroy them before you know it. Always take them out until next cleaning and dry them off and air dry.
I first noticed wear on the brushes I believe where the most friction occurred. Only on one corner and stilled performed for 750-1000 records. I believe they could easily clean 2000 records before replacement.
I

 

[withmusic]

There was a time that I was sold on getting the SC and then learned about vacuuming and the importance of it here on AK and the proponants were right! I am convinced that vacuuming is an extremely important step. I put together a manual system of cleaning using paint pads, chemicals, old TT and vacuum that has given me very good results.
That said though, while I would love a RCM (saves on my hands) I can't afford or justify one right now. (I only have about 160 records). This thread has made me take another look at the SC. My main problem though is that I want to vacuum instead of air dry (especially considering the dust I get in my place). Because I want to still incorporate a vacuum, I don't want to clean both sides of the record at the same time, that makes things messy.

 

[wanders]

I've been wondering about the Spin Clean system for a while now. I guess my biggest question is, for those that use it, how does it protect the label? I would think with all the water that it is going through, once the record rolls over to the top it would just run right down onto the label. Or are you spinning it fast enough that it doesn't happen?

The basin is designed to keep the label out of the liquid, and the record's grooves seem to hold the fluid. As long as you move the record in a smooth circular motion, the label seems to stay dry. If a drop or two gets on, just wipe it off; doesn't seem to hurt anything.

FWIW, my 2 cents: Short of investing a lot of dough in a legitimate RCM, I think the S/C is aces. It is very popular and has legions of devoted users. The manufacturer has been selling them for years. I'm always interested to hear folks who don't like it and tell you how to make it better by not following directions. I tried lots of alternatives and get best results by following the direction carefully: use the right amount of the seller's cleaning fluid, use the seller's cheap-ass rags (much better than micro-fiber rags which are like an artificial chamois and won't dry thoroughly). Don't think it hurts anything if you want to do a few extra turns, however. Change the wheels and pads as they become worn out (the wheels have rubber inserts). The rags are surgical gauze, not source-able elsewhere, ridiculously expensive and you need about 1.5 dry rags per record to do it right; but they are the best alternative to a RCM vacuum.

Just sayin'.

 

[waynec]

Cool. Thanks, all. I think this may be where I spend money next. I have picked up several hundred used records over the last few months and they are all going to need to be cleaned. Quick is good and done right is best. By hand is tedious and if the Spin-Clean will let me do it in any sort of assembly line system, that will help greatly.