Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

Ghosthouse, Sure can't throw stones for that recommendation. Bought a near mint Mommas, and Papas greatest hits not long ago for $2 at the antique shop here in town (akin to a used record shop, but they have a multitude of various other things as well)

I ran the Lp through my VPI 16.5 with AIVS 4-step cleaners, sleeved them up in Mo_Fi, and Japanese Sleeves. A few days later decided to give the LP a spin to reminicse. I was totally startled to say the least. I was starting to have doubts whether my new Benz Ruby 3 was ever going to come around to sounding "pleasing". (Note how I say "Pleasing", and not killer)

The sound really surprised me, crystal clear midrange,no groove noise at all, and bested many Mo-Fi's I have lying around here, like Momma Cass was singing in the room! That woman sure had a beautiful voice, that was apparent with this LP. She sure wasn't much of a "Looker", but she could sure darn well sing!
A terribly horrible loss, just like many other greats.
Mark

Ghosthouse: For years I have been using demineralized and distilled H2O super pure water manufactured by Peak as battery water. I formerly purchased another product no longer on store shelves;however,according to the customer rep for Peak, they also manufactured that product for a 3rd party distributer that was identical to the current manufacturing standards for Peak Battery Water. I purchase Peak @ Pep Boys Auto for $4.00 per Gal.
According to another Thread on Water below ours, Whole Foods Organic Stores sell a in-store water product possibly superior to Peak for significantly less $, provided you supply the container. All the Best in the New Year - Charlie

Man am I steamed! Based on Crem1 suggestions, I got my wife to buy me a Perfection steamer for Christmas. I went to Pep Boys and got the deionized water, even bought myself a 3" Purdy brush. I already have a VPI record vac that is 26 years old and still going strong (so obviously I believe in cleaning records). I have been using the Walker Audio Prelude with great success. So, I followed Crem1 recommendations and have been astonished at the results. I am truly hearing sounds in records I have played for 26 years that never heard before. And it most cases way less surface noise. Thanks Crem1! I now consider a steamer and a record vac a must.

Jbaussie : You made my New Year's Eve with such a positive email, thank you .

J: Steam Cleaning is based on science not hype. In terms of Lp cleaning, that means anyone who chooses to follow the process (and respects Steam Cleaning from a safety point of view) can expect the same positive results that I have enjoyed for years for a fraction of the cost associated with record cleaning.

We must always remember, the industry has "educated" we Lp'ers to expect Instant Karma by cleaning from a liquid in a bottle , a machine or brush costing BIG bucks. But thats only a small part of the story. Cleaners and machines all have a place in the arsenal of record cleaning aids; the real story is " what do your ears tell you " and that is priceless .

Be assured I'm science-type person with room for inspiration and innovation. I love those black discs and I have been experimenting with remarkable ideas that compliment steaming bringing more musical enjoyment to folks like you and I.

Recently, I have had several break-thru's that I must re-test to make certian they are ready for "Prime Time". Till then, keep the revolution going.

Based on the email threads on the subject of steam cleaning I purchased the Perfection Hand Steamer and Peak water today and tried it out. Some initial questions/comments as I try to get a process down:

1. Just to confirm, you do NOT use any of the attachments that come with the cleaner. If so, then if I chose to steam a record on my RCM (seems easier than hand held which I tried tonight) then I would need to use the extension & nozzle attachments to avoid tilting the steamer at > 45 angle (whcih the user guide does not recommend). Does that sound reasonable?

2. I steamed one (old) lp for practice, then cleaned with Disc Doctor. The lp must have expanded as it was much more difficult to put it back on the turntable (the center hole had become constricted). How do I avoid this from happening?

Any guidance is much appreiacted.

Thanks.