Steam cleaning records 2

Great thread, as was the first one. I noticed the first thread early on and gave it a try soon after. This was because I already had a hand-held steamer at my disposal. My wife several years ago bought a Eureka Hot Shot, and after a couple of days of use, put it away in a cupboard where it sat for several years. It was waiting there for me when I needed it. Steaming records is now part of my record cleaning process, because it works. Not all of my records come out silent, but they all do show improvement with the steaming. I also use the "Quickie" back brush that was recommended in the first thread.

After a while, I bought a Perfection steamer since there was some indication here that it might be superior. After having used both, I'd have to say that's true, but they both work. The Hot Shot does have a tendency to "spit". I have noticed with both that they cycle heat to the boiler which would account for the steam coming out stronger at times than others. My guess is that was designed in for either safety reasons, or to extend the life of the heating element, or both. I find that if I'm getting a weak blast of steam, if I wait a short time, it will be stronger the next time I need it. I haven't run into the problems described by Madfloyd. I can only guess that his local Walgreens maybe got a bad batch of Perfection steamers. Who knows?

Anyway, thanks crem for bringing this method of cleaning record to our attention. I never would have thought of it on my own.

This may be a dumb question, but....

There's a red light on the Perfection? Where? I don't see one.

It's near the base, it is lit when the thermostat calls for the steamer to heat up. So it goes on and off as the need for steam is called for. It always goes on when first plugged in until the thermostat shuts it down.

Nickiguy: Thanks for your support. Later this year or perhaps a little later, I will be posting some helpful hints to clean difficult LPs. So far these methods have been sucessful with a handful of recordings that resisted steam cleaning. Nickiguy, all the best.

FYI : On Sunday, a "Professional" steam cleaner "exploded"(complete failure)in my Kitchen. No damage done to humans or the surroundings. For reasons currently unkmown, the unit exploded shortly after I left the room to answer a line-line phone call. This is a reminder, sometimes, steam cleaning units can fail.The explosion was contained in-itself & not a danger , just a lot of water on the foor. I shall to take the steamer to a repair house for details. Be assured it scared the S--- out of me.