Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

Todd, My appology for misunderstanding your query.

I have discussed exactly what you have observed with a few audio fluid designers in the past few years. The consensus of opinion was that some mold release products attract bacteria that actually feed on the mold release product; coupled with inorganics from the manufacturing process , it produces a white "concrete" that "glues" itself to the grove wall. Some fluid companies have done extensive research on removing the stuff relying on enzyimes to break down the compound and alcohol-type liquids to neturalize the bacteria .

Since my conversations were confidential in nature I am hesitant to relay information that may not be complete or breaks trust. But I will say that Audio Intelligent Design Fluids and L. Walker products make a strong case in print they can remove that particular problem.

I have also been attempting to tackel the same issue using a slightly different approach, live patient protected bacteria designed to eat all organic materals. My interest came about after having a LP that seemed to resist every attempt at cleaning. Live bacteria do require certian conditions to thrive and they take at least an hour per side. But, in my case they worked beyond what I felt possible. Right now I am awaiting a shipment of bacteria and I would be happy to send you a sample but I have no way of knowing when company "X" will send me a shipment. Should you feel ok with the wait send me a email or purchase a enzyime based cleaner, use the product and later steam off. Charlie

T : Sorry, the correct product name is "Audio Intelligence Vinyl Solutions".

Crem1 - I have been using AIVS cleaning solution and it works great. However this super tough crystal like deposit in the grooves are very stubborn. I have found them to only be on Sheffield lab albums and after 6 cleanings with a total soaking time of 3 hrs i have only removed about 50% of the deposits. I am just using up large amounts of cleaning solutions for very little gain. I am just looking for something that might remove it in one shot even if it has to soak for a few hours. I will try soaking with the AIVS enzyme cleaner for 3 hrs straight and see what results i get. Also i am concerned i might be damaging the lp playing it with these deposits still on the lp since a white powdery substance is coming off it might be scratching the grooves. Or worse yet damage my $2k cartridge. I hope all the steaming i have been doing is not setting the deposits more firmly in the grooves. Only time will tell.

Tshulba: Jim Pendleton, President of Osage Audio & Audio Intelligent Products reports Sheffield Lab Records , which weren't in paper sleeves, were probably treated with Last Preservative that is beginning to go bad.

He wrote , "Last is a polymer coating that is near impossible to remove without damage to the record ... it was not designed to wear off". Mr. Pendleton's products (nor are other fluids) designed to remove Last .

Todd, it appears we all have learned something from you even if Last can not be removed from that LP.

Perhaps as a place of last resort , contact the makers of "Last" to see if they know of a solution that none of us are awaire of.

This is one super thread. Thanks Crem again