Stylus Cleaner

[KA2Z]

What do you guys like to use to clean your stylus?
Liquid and brush?
How about that zerodust gel ball?
What else?

 

[KN Leong]

NAGAOKA Stylus Cleaner Needle Cleaning Fluid with the brush that came with it.

 

[dcmfan]

I use a zerodust and like it a lot. Found it on sale, so watch for deal.

 

[wualta]

As long as the manufacturer doesn't warn against it (a few do), stubborn grime can be shifted by swabbing gently with a little 6mm eyeliner brush moistened with denatured alcohol. Usually that's not required, but I do end up with a lot of used (read: eBay horrors) styli. Once that's done, and assuming clean records are played, a little carbon-fiber stylus brush, used dry, or maybe some Moongel (sticky polymer similar to the Zerodust dome, but flat) keeps everything tidy. I'll put in a good word for the cheap 60x "pocket microscope" sold on eBay. Lets you see if your cleaning methods are working.

 

[KA2Z]

I had the zerodust a few years ago. I liked it a lot. It got lost. May buy another one but a bit pricey around $40.00 on Amazon.
I have used a brush with LP # 9 stylus cleaning fluid. My problem is that I may be putting too much upward force on the cantilever are as I clean the stylus.
After hundreds of swipes the stylus may no longer be square with the plane of the record. May be bent up or to the side. So i'll probably buy another zero dust.

 

[4-2-7]

zerodust

 

[dcmfan]

My problem is that I may be putting too much upward force on the cantilever are as I clean the stylus.

Here's a tip for that:

Raise the tonearm on the lift, release it from the tonearm lock and move it to a position between the tonearm rest and the platter. Clean the stylus in that position. Any excessive upward pressure will cause the tonearm to raise instead of damaging the cantilever the way it might be if the tonearm was locked in place on the rest.

 

[KA2Z]

Here's a tip for that:

Raise the tonearm on the lift, release it from the tonearm lock and move it to a position between the tonearm rest and the platter. Clean the stylus in that position. Any excessive upward pressure will cause the tonearm to raise instead of damaging the cantilever the way it might be if the tonearm was locked in place on the rest.

Hey! Thats a good idea! Thanks!

 

[Davron94]

Zerodust is awesome. Don't know how I lived without it! I never realized so much junk builds up on the stylus that you can't see!

 

[Bugler]

I have been using Audio Technica AT607 for many decades and have been quite happy with it. It comes with built in applicator brush attached to the cap. As with any liquid cleaner hold the cartridge/stylus in a position that does not allow the liquid cleaner to run down the cantilever to the suspension.

 

[Oasis8]

Using a gel drum dampener, It's like the material of the zerodust (maybe not quite as sticky) but costs less.

I use that before each record and a dry stylus brush when flipping sides. As i run a 2M series cart I heed the advice of Ortofon and never use liquid cleaners. I also found the magic eraser did not live up to the hype it receives.

 

[savatage1973]

I use the LAST products, the stylus cleaner and stylus treatment--have for years with great success. Pricey, but a little goes a LONG way.

 

[toma-t-amot]

Works very well !

 

[Mitkraft]

I inherited one of the discwasher brushes with the wooden handle that I use for a dry brushing. I used a magic eraser for a bit but I've switched to using moongel. For all of them I try to place the brush or gel stationary on the plinth next to the platter and use the cueing lever to lower the stylus onto and off of it a couple of times. This hopefully prevents me from accidentally bumping the stylus to hard or jerking the cleaning device in a way that would bend or damage it. I don't profess to be an expert however, that's just the process I've come up with after reading around here.

 

[Rushton]

For about the past 10 years I've used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which I suspect must be the same product under different branding as the Magic Eraser referenced by toma-t-amot above.

Over the years I've used all the various liquids and gels (alcohol, the LAST products, Mobile Fidelity #9, Zerodust...) This lifetime supply of Magic Eraser has proven to be the best, most consistent stylus cleaner I've used. Just pay careful attention to how to use it as explained by Doug Deacon almost 10 years ago:
http://www.high-endaudio.com/Magic.html

 

[Balifly]

For about the past 10 years I've used the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, which I suspect must be the same product under different branding as the Magic Eraser referenced by toma-t-amot above.

USA knock off.

 

[stevoz]

Yes, Magic Eraser is the cheapest, most effective stylus cleaner.......do a 60x magnifier 'before and after' inspection and I guarantee you will use nothing else.....but first, you must leave your 'brand name' ego's at the door........

 

[stevoz]

I have been using Audio Technica AT607 for many decades and have been quite happy with it. It comes with built in applicator brush attached to the cap. As with any liquid cleaner hold the cartridge/stylus in a position that does not allow the liquid cleaner to run down the cantilever to the suspension.


View attachment 792409

It doesn't need gravity to enter the cantilever, the key is to use minimal liquid, like 'stuff all' (Oz for very little!)........or ditch the liquid altogether for a Magic Eraser for safe, dry, and perfect cleaning of your gem.

 

[Musicfan#51]

Onzow Zerodust

 

[Bugler]

It doesn't need gravity to enter the cantilever, the key is to use minimal liquid, like 'stuff all' (Oz for very little!)........or ditch the liquid altogether for a Magic Eraser for safe, dry, and perfect cleaning of your gem.

I realize that. I blot the little brush almost dry before I apply. We have Magic Eraser. I might just give it a try. It certainly would be easy to use and using the cueing technique it should be safe. Magic Eraser on my ReVox B795 might be a bit complicated though.