stereo for the joy of it - can records be cleaned?

You must be carefull with steam cleaning, the temperature should be precisely controlled. I had a few records cleaned by a pro using sequencially steam and  Audio Desk ultrasonics and then regular machine with just water, and enzyme pre-cleaner before all that. Seven step cleaning, I think. Great results. With my rig, exactly the same as using Okki Nokki RCM with Audio Intelligent three step system, double water rinsing. But I did it very thoroughly, 15-20 minutes per record. High resolution systems might show the difference, though. That kind of pro cleaning was about $6 per record, including Mo-Fi sleeves and shipping, at least. Saves a lot of time and effort if you are prepared to take a risk with shipping. I would never ship my most valuable records, others I would.

LOL

" I have a "factory mistake" record with double labels applied on one side, one of which is incorrectly positioned way off center, such that several tracks on that side can’t be played - What brand/model of steam cleaner do you have, and do you think it would be suitable for the job?"

Are you SERIOUS? it only takes zippo lighter fluid to take excessive one off and than conventional cleaning with RCM.
zippo lighter fluid will not damage vinyl when removed soon after label repair or debris removal is done. and it’s only less than $3

1. Apply lighter fluid onto the contaminated surface
2. Wait 5...10 min
3. Remove debris with soft damp cloth or microfiber cloth
4. Apply conventional cleaning methods

Bear in mind that I handle 2...3,000 vinyl records and cleaning one individually for $6 isn’t for me who needs them cleaned sometimes hundreds daily.
I’m also too cheap to purchase $4000 ultrasonic cleaner that only washes one record per cycle. It’s only for "passengers", but I’m really driver if ya’ll know what I mean. I built mine for $300 that REALLY works.

Dave,
The max speed on the drill is near 1,000 rpm.

Half is good enough. Moreover, the drill isn't clamped to the spindle but rather have clamp completely down so it snaps onto the hex nuts and can be released right after it dials speed and let the spindle rotate free for up to 10min.

Fun process... Still haven't seen your PM to see video.

czarivey,

Thanks for your comments..

Good to know about the drill speed of 500rpm, as that is pretty high speed, so I’m sure it must fling all the water off quickly! Have you had any problems with record spindle hole wear or deformation?

I’m relatively new here on A’gon, not many posts, so I’m not sure I can "PM" anyone yet, but I did look at your profile and was able to use the "Send a Message" button on the "Marketplace Feedback" page to send you a note with my email address, but better yet, put the videos up on Youtube and post a link for everyone!

I’ve never used lighter fluid directly on any records, but of course it’s good for removing unwanted labels from jackets. I guess it might be okay for records themselves if it’s not on there for long, but I would want to make sure the area is thoroughly rinsed immediately afterwards.

I do have concerns about steam cleaning doing damage, but my interest in it comes primarily from seeing Michael Fremer’s video where he cleans a water damaged record that had a paper sleeve stuck to it.. It was a real mess, and he seemed to do pretty well with just a small hand-held steamer.

I applaud the fact that you’ve made your own cleaning devices for $300 and you find those results acceptable (and convenient) on your 2,000+ records. I’m using 2 Audio Desk machines, and 2 Klaudio machines to good effect (especially when "double-cleaning" with both machines) and I know Record Genie customers love the results too.

Yes, proper cleaning using the "single slot" machines does take a lot of elapsed time, but they are highly automated and the results are very consistent. $6 per record has been mentioned, but I charge less than $3 per record for ultrasonic cleaning on one machine, and $5 per record for ultrasonic cleaning on both machines ("double-cleaning"). New inner sleeves are always included in my prices, and I also offer bulk discounts as high as 25% off.

Drivers and passengers? I’m not sure how this relates to record cleaning, but I’m definitely a driver.. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy owning and driving some nice cars over the years, including a Porsche 911, BMW M3 coupe, BMW M5, and I also had a BMW R1100RT touring motorcycle for 8 years. Yes, I love high-performance German cars and motorcycles, but now with 3 children aged 5 and under, we’re taking a practical approach, so our minivan and station wagon make sense! :)

Enjoy the music!
Dave

Dave,
 Driver knows routs. Passenger sits back and relaxes.
Speed of 500rpm is dialed gradually so there will be no spindle hole damage and records are clamped pretty tight as well between plastic "pancakes".
I have much more records, but usually stack about 2...3000 for sale in record store. Any new arrivals to be priced $5 or more should be cleaned if dusty or filthy. 
Cleaning records with steamer seems to be similar to placing them to dishwasher when you have nothing to loose. I've placed some of them clamped with same pancakes I use for ultrasonic machine to protect labels right into the dishwasher to get rid of PAINT, but apparently, Zippo lighting fluid worked almost same or better with no hassle. With steam or dishwasher cleaning it's win or loose situation. Would not recommend it on very light records, because they will get warped even after the short period of time 5...10min enough. Not sure if Michael Fremer explained magnitude of risk using steamer.