2. analog
  3. 138032-104219

LP Cleaning

While there will probably be a lot of replies to my post my search for answers is quite simple......I have an abundant collection of Lp's. Some I have bought new (from very long ago) and some I have bought used. Most of these LP's are in very good or great condition. I always place the LP's into their sleeves after play and handle them very carefully. In the past, I have only use a brush to clean them before each play.I'm not looking for a magic sound improvement but only to preserve my current collection. None of these LP's (to my knowledge) have ever received a "wet" cleaning treatment. Record cleaning processes and machinery are many...from a few $$ to many $$$$.After reading many recommendations and reviews, many recommend a simple wet cleaning process. There are many of those products available while there are super $$$ systems out there with vacuum technology and the like.
Of the many wet cleaning systems( like SpinClean and others) at a modest price, would a system such as this be beneficial? Also, since I don't know how these various systems work.....Is there danger to damaging the label since some of the rare LP's I own may be sold in the future?Thanks

jrpnde
marktomaras
544 posts
 
I started with a VPI 16.5, and years later, I upgraded to an audio desk vinyl cleaner pro. Both are great machines, albeit at very different price points.  With these machines there is very little danger of getting the label wet. Watch some YouTube videos on these two models! By the way, I still have my vpi 16.5 with accessories and fluid. All you need to get started. I’ll sell it cheaply if you’re interested. Send me a private message.  Good luck!
reubent
6,956 posts
 
I use a Spin Clean and use their record cleaning fluid at the recommended level. For few $’s it works very well. I clean every record I buy, new or used. For new records, I do the recommended 3 turns in each direction. For used/dirty records, I do 10 turns in each direction, then 5 more turns in each direction. I’ve never experienced any damage to the label.
inna
7,296 posts
 
You can spill some fluid on labels. Whether that will damage them or not will of course depend on both the fluids and the labels.
Rare expensive records..I don't know, especially considering that you have no experience in wet cleaning.
Whart, a member here, knows everything about cleaning, including rare records, he might want to say what he thinks.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I have cleaned my LPs by hand using a wet process and air drying. I do the whole record, including label. Never had any problems!
More to discover