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Is it true records are sealed to look better....

...and need a thorough proper cleaning even when new to sound best?

A vendor of ultrasonic record cleaning machines asserted this to me recently.  He also described a 45 minute process using an ultrasonic record cleaner to address it. Yikes! I clean my records manually now in just a few minutes and sounds clean when done. I thought an automatic record cleaner would save time and make things easier but not according to this particular expert.

128x128mapman
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
Yes, new LPs do need cleaning. This helps remove any residual mold release agent, any bits of paper or card present if they were sleeved in paper (as many still unfortunately are) and overall give you a nice clean disc to start with -- of course they should then go in brand new inner sleeves as well.

I'm not convinced you need a 45min regimen however, but everyone has their own recipe!
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mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,172 posts
 
Just to be clear the guy was saying the record surface  itself is treated  prior to sale at least in some cases for the explicit purpose of hiding imperfections and looking better than actual condition and cleaning for 45 minutes with the ultrasonic cleaner was needed to remove this gunk. 

I recall he claimed this was common practice possibly by vendors selling used  and/or new records.  It was news to me.  

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Just as they put wax on apples destined for the supermarket.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,268 posts
 
@elizabeth ,

You've never cleaned new records?
WOW! my friend, you have a whole other world waiting on you.
Good luck.
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