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

stringreen,

Thanks for the info, although unfortunately it looks like the Perfection brand of steam cleaners are no longer made, although I checked and see it’s probably a 1000 watt steamer you have, the bright red one!

There are steamers on Amazon for around $30 if I want to buy new, but I think I will keep an eye out for one at yard sales etc just to play with, and I will be sure to experiment on scrap records to start!

Thanks,
Dave

..and a lovely shade of red it is... too bad they're out of business.

Stringreen: In case I missed it, Did you ever report what type of "audiophile approved" record cleaner you use? I assumed, by your posts, it was something other that the steamer?

FWIW: I have always steamed my lps before my normal cleaning regimine.
I use to use the original Mapleshade steamer that was highly recommended in these forums years ago. Since then, I purchased a db tech steamer off of Amazon a couple of years ago that really works well. It has 95% of the steam power, 95% of the steam outflow/pattern area of that machine and in addition, has similar water reservoir capacity, and much better ergonomics.
I find all of these things very important as I do with any tool I use. The end result is only as good as the well designed tool that is used, IMO. I'm willing to pay more for such things. If I remember correctly, it cost under $40.00 when I purchased mine.

FWIW: I would not put a lp into an ultrasonic cleaner that has anything stuck to it's surface such as inner sleeve/paper. I have an Audio Desk and a 16.5. My first goal in cleaning is to remove all contaminates from the lp surface before the lp sees the last two machines.

BTW: When I steam my lps, after I scrub them with enzymatic cleaning fluid, I then hold them over a sink while steaming off any crud. Then and only then do I proceed to the next two machines.

The ultimate goal is, for me, when I introduce the lp to the AD cleaner, to have the very least possible contaminants on the lp surface so that cleaner can perform it's job with as much "clean water" as possible for as long as possible of time. Reducing money spent on associated fluids etc...

slaw,

+1

For really dirty records I use VPI 16.5 first, then Audio Desk, then Klaudio is a great last step with only distilled water.

I also use a TDS water testing meter (total dissolved solids) to carefully monitor actual impurities the Audio Desk cleaning solution, and the Klaudio distilled water.

If you want consistent results, it's much better to measure TDS than "guess" based on the number of records cleaned. Makes financial sense too when Audio Desk cleaning agent costs $20 per tiny bottle!

Happy cleaning! :)
Dave   

Dave,

Thanks for your response!

I'm a BIG believer in steaming first. There are many "common sense" +'s to be found this way.

This is, again, a plus in that it keeps all of our expensive velvet pads, expensive water, expensive rollers/filter (in the Audio Desk) cleaner...LONGER!

I can't match you on your testing methods/TDS. However, I'd challenge you to try my way, (steam first),  then use your testing methods (TDS) and post your results.

(An additional benefit of having/using a steamer is, you can actually steam clean your velvet pads on and vacuum machine, vs replacing them, you can steam clean your nylon bristle brush that's used in applying your favorite cleaning fluid, you can steam clean your Disc Doctor/Mobile Fidelity brush/velvet pads, your VPI pick-up tube velvet pads... Need I go On???

Some things are just "common sense" options that can't be beat.