2. analog
  3. 153591-112482

Vinyl cleaning and alcohol

Hej

What is the latest truth about alcohol being harmful or not harmful to vinyles?
I'v read that yiu should never use alcohol in the cleaning solution because of "this and that". I've never read anyone saying; "I've destroyed all my vinyls due to alcohol in the cleaning solution". On the other hand I have read several posts saying that they have been using alcohol for 5, 10 even 20 years without hearing any degeneration of the vinyles.

I got worried after have been cleaning all my best old vinyles with Okki Nokki cleaning fluid, so I searched the net for facts. I found hypotheses why alcohol is harmful and statements that it's not.

So what is the truth? 
simna
lewm
12,994 posts
 
I remember some of those threads.  It turned out that some guys actually use undiluted alcohols. I'm not sure I would recommend that or do it myself. I have always used a solution that is about 10% pure ethanol, laboratory grade, not drug store bought. The best you can get is 98% pure, I think. As you probably know, "rubbing alcohol" is a definite no-no, because of additives.  Given my own 10% solution (plus distilled deionized water plus a few drops of non-ionic detergent), I have had no discernible problems with alcohol.  But there is sure to be someone who says it is a bad idea.  Let's also argue about ultrasonic machines and damage those might do.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The truth is it won't destroy your records, but you can do a whole lot better. But audiophiles are always about one-upping each other on tinier and tinier details. 
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,264 posts
 
Well...there is really NO truth, because all of this in it’s infancy.

Alcohol, what I find disturbing is, that over time it may cause vinyl to become brittle.

I use a product developed to clean plastics. Versa-Clean from Fisherbrand scientifics. I dilute it.

Read on "Thumbs up for Ultrasonic Cleaning"
More to discover