Question regarding machines that have a vacuum arm over the record: Isn't the platter the record sits on subject to getting contaminated either with dirt from the record (if you are cleaning the record on the machine) or with the cleaning solution (if you cleaned the record in a previous step and then moved it to the vac machine)? It would seem to me that when you clean the first side of a record and then flip it over to clean the second side, you risk transferring dirt from the platter to the clean side. Am I missing something?
Vacuum record cleaning machine
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mrwood200
Well-Known Member
No, but yes.
You do have the potential to transfer dust to the clean side when you flip, but probably just surface dust, easily removed when you brush before each play.
You should not transfer dust back into the grooves that your liquid/brush/vacuum just removed.
I got a VPI vacuum cleaner. I try to preclean any really dirty records prior to placement on VPI platter, to keep platter clean & reduce potential for flip contamination.
I also like the discussions re: ultrasonic cleaners. I will probably get an inexpensive system to add to my quiver.
Thanks for the answer. One of the first things I read about in cleaning records was using something like a Spin Clean. There were comments about using something like a lint-free microfiber towel to dry the record. And then a lot of comments about dust getting onto the clean record during the drying process, especially if you were to wipe the record with a cloth. That made sense and it stuck in my mind. So when I watched videos on using vacuum cleaners with the arm on top and a full contact platter underneath, the idea of contaminating the clean side of the record when you flip it came to mind.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
Some Cleaning Machines like a Nitty Gritty have no Platter. But because of that, they are a bit more difficult to apply and spread solutions.
As for machines like VPI, and those that do have a platter, the surface of the Platter can be Cork. You can wipe it and keep it as clean as you can, but eventually in time they get old, dirty and should be replaced. Or, changed to a different material.
And that's what I did with my VPI 16.5 RCM, I went with a 1/8" thick Neoprene Sheet, shore hardness 60 to replace the Cork Mat. Custom cut, and permanently bonded to the Platter. Problem solved.
Non Porous, Chemical resistant, easy to clean and easy to see anything such as dusts on the surface. You can wipe to your heart's content with no harm done, and in between each and every record you clean if you wish to.
As for machines like VPI, and those that do have a platter, the surface of the Platter can be Cork. You can wipe it and keep it as clean as you can, but eventually in time they get old, dirty and should be replaced. Or, changed to a different material.
And that's what I did with my VPI 16.5 RCM, I went with a 1/8" thick Neoprene Sheet, shore hardness 60 to replace the Cork Mat. Custom cut, and permanently bonded to the Platter. Problem solved.
Non Porous, Chemical resistant, easy to clean and easy to see anything such as dusts on the surface. You can wipe to your heart's content with no harm done, and in between each and every record you clean if you wish to.
That makes sense. Funny I haven't seen any videos where they address keeping the platter clean. Maybe I missed it. I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone (but again, maybe I missed it) recommend having two machines where the second one was used with the clean side of the record from the first machine on the clean platter of the second. I'm all for doing the best to clean my records, but what some people spend on it (both their time and dollars) can really get up there.
gizzyman47
Addicted Member
Get a ultrasonic cleaner and not have to worry about cross contamination during cleaning.
Also, remember to change out the inner sleeve once the record has been cleaned, if the record is a used and dirty album. Doesn't make sense to put a freshly cleaned album back into a dirty sleeve and recontaminate it.
Also, remember to change out the inner sleeve once the record has been cleaned, if the record is a used and dirty album. Doesn't make sense to put a freshly cleaned album back into a dirty sleeve and recontaminate it.
mrwood200
Well-Known Member
I like my vacuum cleaner & will continue to use it.
I do think most are/have gravitated to ultrasonic re: Vevor. I will probably get there, to try it out & maybe add to 'the cleaning procedure'.
If I was starting out, I would probably go with AQ brush & Vevor (not sure on solution).
frankmarsi
Active Member
What the heck, just use another clean cork mat and flip every time you flip sides. One mat for the first side, another clean mat for the second side.This is ‘001’ vacuum and brush standard practice. Two separate cork mats is the only way to insure both sides stay clean, one mat alone is self-defeating.
But, that for was 2009 to 2014 for me which is when I changed over to the better method of ‘ultra-sonic’ cleaning. I must again say, after brush and vacuum, there’s nothing that comes close to ultra-sonic cleaning, by far.
From 2009 to 2014 I was distracted by other matters so I was only able to clean 1500 LP’s with the VP16.5 brush and vacuum method. Since 2014 thru 2016 including distractions away from playing records I cleaned an additional 2500 disks out of my 7000+ collection. All these disks have become obstacles to walk around as they’re now in every room except the kitchen and bathrooms. I need to build a few more substantial shelves.
FM
FM
But, that for was 2009 to 2014 for me which is when I changed over to the better method of ‘ultra-sonic’ cleaning. I must again say, after brush and vacuum, there’s nothing that comes close to ultra-sonic cleaning, by far.
From 2009 to 2014 I was distracted by other matters so I was only able to clean 1500 LP’s with the VP16.5 brush and vacuum method. Since 2014 thru 2016 including distractions away from playing records I cleaned an additional 2500 disks out of my 7000+ collection. All these disks have become obstacles to walk around as they’re now in every room except the kitchen and bathrooms. I need to build a few more substantial shelves.
FM
FM
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markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
As mentioned earlier, cross contamination on an RCM is extremely minimal, provided you're not flipping the record onto a sopping wet, contaminated Platter.
From what I have read, ultrasonic has its own set of issues. Pretty sure there are pros and cons to every method of cleaning. I think it's just a matter of what you prefer. I have ruled out ultrasonic.
It is interesting that you would rule out completely a tried and true method of record cleaning merely upon what one has read. I won't ask what you've read as pros and cons as we all have our own personal criteria of what constitutes adequate methodology.
I haven't seen any advantages of ultrasonic cleaning over vacuum, and I've done it all since the 70s.
For me, it's too much to learn. What power? Frequency? Temperature? Record spacing? How long in the tank? I'm sure it's an excellent method, it's just more than I want to deal with. Also, I have used ultrasonic in the past on other things. I wasn't overly happy with the results. I needed to do manual hand work after. That might be because I had the wrong power or frequency. I'm not interested enough to try numerous methods, so I have to eliminate some.
frankmarsi
Active Member
"se la vie"
All I know is my vinyl sounds better than it ever sounded and it's all due to the ultra-sonic cleaning method and my determination to achieve more realistic sound.
More pleasurable listening satisfaction it what it gives me. It's as if it has opened new windows to better sound quality. One doesn't know until one tries it.
I still have another 3500+ vinyl disks to clean, I won't be wasting my time using lesser performing methods.
I use new inner sleeves and new plastic sleeves for the outer jackets as there's no sense in contaminating a freshly cleaned disk using the dirty original inner sleeve that holds all that old dirt in place. I've used and trusted the results for more than ten years now and I'll remain.
FM
Below: One of my finest cartridges tracking a wonderfully clean disk.
FM
112
All I know is my vinyl sounds better than it ever sounded and it's all due to the ultra-sonic cleaning method and my determination to achieve more realistic sound.
More pleasurable listening satisfaction it what it gives me. It's as if it has opened new windows to better sound quality. One doesn't know until one tries it.
I still have another 3500+ vinyl disks to clean, I won't be wasting my time using lesser performing methods.
I use new inner sleeves and new plastic sleeves for the outer jackets as there's no sense in contaminating a freshly cleaned disk using the dirty original inner sleeve that holds all that old dirt in place. I've used and trusted the results for more than ten years now and I'll remain.
FM
Below: One of my finest cartridges tracking a wonderfully clean disk.
FM
112
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Thanks! Like you, I have the KAB EV-1, and now I know it's all I need (well, that plus a supply of Nitty Gritty Pure 2 cleaning fluid and my trusty Vinyl Buddy stylus brush).
I both respect and can appreciate your position as to the amount f information overload making one feel overwhelmed when making choices.
There are so many numerous threads covering the aspects of all involved in the record cleaning process, I would invite you to peruse the many threads that are spread across this great resource forum and one of the most ardent tryier of all things record cleaning is our own @onwardjames.
Hopefully he will drop by and point you in the direction of these threads.
They are worth reading not only for the information one can glean, but for their comedic value as well.
Welcome to AudioKarma.org, may we help you find your perfect cleaning method.
Just today, my best friend of 40 years came by with about 30 filthy .99 cent finds. We cleaned them, he went home.
He just hit me up, saying aside from a scratch pop or two, he'd never ever heard such a difference.
We used ETLS's ultrasonic rotisserie, and my ultrasonic tank. Did 30 records in 1.5 hours. How difficult? Let's see....
Add hot tap water to get within 35 c. Tank shows us the temp, adjust with cold water from tap. Add 1 tbs of jet dri. Wait 30 minutes. Rinse with distilled.
Flawlessly clean. I've no idea what hz my tank is, only that it can hold 10 at a time. BEST MONEY EVER SPENT.
Now, if you want good results for cheap?? Paint pad, a spritz of Dawn, scrub under tap, air dry. That'll do much, but don't kid yourself that it's as good as ultrasonic. Ultrasonic makes you forget you're listening to vinyl on some pressings.
With the options ever increasing, I'd give it a look. PM me if you need any answers, and perhaps read over this thread.
It's true, I would rather have a lovingly played copy I've scrubbed and resleeved in a new MoFi pair of pants than a Record Day exclusive.
What can I say, I love other people's forgotten junk.
In my experience, vacuuming seemed to do a good job, one would think it was as good a performer.
The reality for me, though, is that often, static buildup was so bad, I had to remove the vacuum entirely. I was enthusiastic about it, until I realized that 30 minutes in my tank with just a tablespoon of jet-dri absolutely removed everything.
I cannot overstate just how good this method works. With that said, you seem happy with your established routine, and I suspect you buy better records than I do.
Most likely 40khz many reports find negligible benefit upgrading to 60 khz, the cavitation bubble is the secret sauce, and the higher number produces a smaller bubble.
It's akin to 100 wpc is loud, 200 wpc only raises the dB by 3