Stylus Cleaning Rituals

bluetak.
brush like artist brush.. dirt sometime micro hairs move above the stylus... 

once a while 30 percent alcohol solution if accidently goop up

most importantly a clean vinyl and carbon brush 

always work under a bright light so visibility is good

I hope this helps the OP question.

Step 1.)  I clean the stylus with the stylus cleaning brush that came with my Lyra cartridge.  I also have a Discwasher Stylus Cleaning Brush since 1975 but it's fairly large and the Lyra is nice and small.  They both provide the same results though, so as long as you get a brush that is specific for stylus cleaning you can't go wrong.  Follow the directions that come with the brush.  These are stiff bristle brushes and are very different from a brush for use with a cleaning agent.  That said, I use the brush after every 2 sides of record play.  

Step 2.)  After every 6 to 8 sides played I use the Lyra SPT Stylus Cleaner.  A bottle comes with a very soft cleaning brush and that is what I use.  Though it is expensive ($60), it will last about 5 to 8 years, depending on how many records you play per week.  I play about 12 to 15 records per week and my bottle of Lyra SPT is about 25% used in about 1 3/4 years of use.

Following such a cleaning regimen is like keeping your tires balanced and rotated.  You will get the most life from them by doing so.  As well, you will get the most life out of your stylus by keeping it clean.  Record care/cleaning is another topic, but you asked about stylus cleaning so I remained specific to that.  I hope this helps you.

problem with Lyra solution and stuff like that it have too much sticky surfactant it can goop up dust if there is too much residue. and the dirt and residue slowly worked up the cantilever over time. and can even make the washi paper more dirty. 

thus use some distilled water after is even better


and yes this is tried on Lyra. in fact now  use 30% pure alcohol with distilled water only. it's better. instant clarity

always have a good bright light stand that illuminate the stylus and look closer to eye level. it's surprising how much dirt can be in the records. it will known with experience which cleaning way is easier for that given time.

Carbon fiber brush for vinyl before each play. Zerostat Gun rarely used, but it’s really nice against static.

Dry brush for stylus cleaning only when I see some dust on the tip. Sometimes Onzow.

Cardas "Frequency Sweep" LP for ultrasonic cleaning of the stylus once in a few month.