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Record cleaning and realistic expectations

I recently purchased some Audio Intelligence solution #15 enzymatic pre clean to use on my VPI 16.5 prior to my usual cleaning with Disc Doctor cleaning solution followed by 3 distilled water rinses. I picked a record that came from a collection in a particularly moldy house.The record had faint white splotchy marks all over that I assumed were mold. Pretreated with AI #15 for 5 min per AI’s instructions. After cleaning and drying, the record was cleaner, but the splotches remained. Did I do something wrong? Could the splotches be something else?

A second record had inner runout marks I assumed were from the old plastic inner sleeve, but going thru the same process these as well did not clean up as well...Hmmm?

Would an US RCM like a Degritter do a better job?

Thanks for any assistance on this.

 

 

jim94025
dmk_calgary
121 posts
 

@chasjs - read the same article. excellent. but yeah, long and incredibly detailed.

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,364 posts
 

192 pages??!!!

You guys read that whole thing??

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 

Distilled water yes ,how about using those mold wipe bags in the room you keep your records especially if there's any dampness or you bought vinyl records with mold in the sleeves. I've been using them...like 12 bucks for 3 bags will last you a couple or move years...I know a humidifier, but they make the air hot...

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 

There more record collecting that cleaning records storage and humidity and heat are the big factors....to keeping you vinyl in a-1 condition. 

iopscrl
196 posts
 

I watched a youtube video a few years about record cleaning.  The uploader had a process for cleaning very dirty LPs, including LPs embedded with mold and other organic material.  He used a home made enzymatic solution to break down and neutralize the material.  He saturated each LP side, deeply scrubbed, then let the solution sit on the LP for about 10 min per side.  Then he scrubbed again, vacuumed, then rinsed, then vacuumed again.  He claimed that is method was very successful in removing the debris.   Makes sense; instead of just scrubbing and cleaning, take time to break down the material so it is easier to remove.  

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