Best Record Cleaning Process on a Loricraft

I own a Loricraft PRC-4 Record Cleaner and it is a GREAT unit but the process is very slow and manual to clean each LP. I have experimented with the following solutions:

L`Art du Son mixed with distilled water as prescribed in the provided instructions. I then apply the solution to the LP and then work it into the grooves using the brush provided with the Loricraft. I run the Loricraft in the clockwise mode for about 2 minutes working the solution into the grooves. I then do run the Loricraft in the anti clockwise mode again for 2 minutes again working the fluid into the grooves.

I allow the LP then to sit for another few minutes and then I run the Loricraft in the clockwise mode with the vacuum turned on and the pickup arm located at the inside of the LP. Once the arm has moved slowly from the inside to the outside of the LP vacuuming up the liquid and hopefully the gunk from the grooves, I run the Loricraft in the anti clockwise mode and again position the arm to the inside of the LP and let it repeat the process.

I then carry out the above steps for the other side of the LP.

When I play the LP after cleaning I have found that there is still some noise and pops so I then tried another step in the cleaning process where after I have finished with the above cleaning, I would apply a mix of 50% distilled water and 50% Isopropyl and then use The Disc Doctor Cleaning Brush (felt) to work the solution into the grooves though for not as long as above. Again I run the Loricraft both in the clockwise and anti clockwise mode. I then again start the vacuum and place the Loricraft arm at the inside of the LP and let it vacuum out the solution.

When I then played the LP I found that it was a lot quieter with less pops than just using the L`Art du Son but it increases the cleaning time and with over 800+ LPs to clean I was not looking forward to the cleaning. So I decided to try some other solutions.

Distilled water, white vinegar and rinse aid. I repeated the same cleaning process as for the L`Art du Son but again found the LP to be still a bit noisy with pops. So again tried the distilled water and Isopropyl and found it to be quieter, less pops but again the time required to clean the 800+ LPs was daunting.

Distilled water 50%, Isopropyl 50% with a capful of rinse aid. Again I repeated the same process as with the L`Art du Son but this time I did not allow the LP to sit since the solution evaporates quite quickly.

I then played the LP and found that it was very quite and with minimal pops. I have now cleaned another 20 or so LPs using this last process and I am quite happy with the results and since the amount of time required to clean each LP has significantly reduced, I am not so daunted now in going ahead and slowly cleaning the 800+ LPs.

Have FUN!

Michael Pozar

PS: New inexpensive RCM from New Zealand:

http://kiwircm.co.nz/

Sunnyboy, glad you're enjoying ever-improving results. We also demag our LP's, with audible improvements as Peter described. We use an industrial tools demagnitizer. These are available from industrial supply houses for < $100.

Hi Doug
Good to hear from you. If know you know of any online retailer selling demags do share
Cheers

I have had a PRC4 for a few years now but I buy almost exclusively 30 to 60 year old records so I don't know that my recommendations will be relevant to you unless you move in this direction.

I have achieved outstanding results, restoring many (but not all) VG or VG+ records to VG++ or NM- condition with the PRC but it takes some time and effort. Don't expect miracles of course with a damaged record but I have been impressed with what can be done in time with records that are in excellent condition but dirty.

I start with just a rise under the faucet using a Last brush. (No cardiac arrests here please, it's just to get the heavy dirt off without using up expensive record cleaning formulas and dirtying lots of brushes).

Then I suck off the excess with the PRC and use AI enzyme and/or just super cleaner depending on what I think it needs.

Then I play it to evaluate and look at the needle after. Usually more cleaning and playing results in more improvement until I am satisfied that just a quick clean with ultra pure water (which is my minimal cleaning before playing any record) is enough.

I have L'art du son as well which I mix with the enzymatic fluid for serious cleaning.