I have steam cleaned thousands of LPs and I don't feel that I yet understand "everything" regarding steam cleaning. Yes, I believe I possess a understanding of the process and I feel I should contribute that knowledge to the discussion. Steam cleaning a dozen recordings is a good thing but doesn't qualify for the gold. Learning to steam clean and living the life are two worlds. This is only to suggest caution in one's judgements that I as a decade + person in steam cleaning refrain from. But I will stand on these ideas : Do I believe that this method is revolutionary ? Yes, I do. And have I found any other lo-cost method that excells beyond the performace of steam ? Not yet but I'm always looking. Also, I am awaire of the growing numbers of folks that no longer feel a need to purchase RCM's.
What I have observed is that so many vary from the suggested guidelines now buried in this thread one can never be certian of repeatable results. The important reminders are keep to the least number of attachments, use purified & demineralized water as can be purchased and steam, scrub(w/record cleaning fluids) , steam and re-steam to remove any cleaning fluids left behind. Then dry. Should you have a RCM - USE IT, and don't forget to dry the LPs.As long as you do a final steam what cleaning fluid you choose is not as big a deal as if you use one or just steam.
After 4+ decades as a Audio-Head I suggest: Be careful how you spend your money. There are so many that want your $$$ and you can do better without many of them. Remember, there is no one looking over their shoulders ... All the best.
