500 albums in a basement flood--worth saving?

tt1man:

The following link is to a "label saver" that I use when hosing down LP's with with either the water tap or a Waterpik (the teeth cleaning gizmo).

The link is to the "Groovmaster" on Amazon, but there are other like items offered as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Groovmaster-Label-Saver-Record-Cleaner/dp/B00NP0QAOW

I always rinse used LP's with water, before applying a brush, in the event that there are small hard particles which would otherwise scratch the vinyl if I started out with a brush or cloth.

It takes more time (the Groovmaster), but then I don't have to worry about mucking up the labels with water or my DIY cleaner.

I use this with tap water followed with the DIY cleaner (made with filtered tap water) and brushes (rinse with filtered tap water as well).

No RCM (can't stand the noise) and still get excellent results.

DeKay

Contact Michael Fremer and ask for his advice.

I just discovered a rare copy of Neil Young's "Mold Never Sleeps"

My friends and I bought a number of records from a similar situation. They all came out fine after ultrasonic cleaning.

Thing about US cleaning is that solids just come off the surface and drop to the bottom. No damage at all.

I use a very fine product from Louisiana if I remember correctly. Vinyl Stack has a stand, motor, and spindle for use with just about anybody’s US tank. I went with an ElmaSonic tank (German) because I have several thousand records and an expensive cartridge to protect, but you can use any tank, and just about any tank is better than the next best cleaning alternative. IMO.

There are several good threads on US record cleaning here and on DIY Audio.

You can get a variety of sleeves online from many record stores. Elusive Disk is good - I prefer MOFI sleeves, for what it's worth.

Good luck! May your records stay safe!

@dekay --thanks for the Groovemaster link and other stuff@bigkidz --know Michael.  Was going to call him about another subject soon, but good idea to discuss this personal "rekkid" problem@lewm - good points, debating that save vs. toss right now due to time constraints. Just don't want to regret it later on when I get a TT down the road@oldhvymec--helpful cleaning tips. The outside water was mixed with the house water and I'm not seeing too much, if any, apparent silt or dirt on them so far, just some moisture@millercarbon--see above about water mix@stereo5 --all staying flat so far@pjr801--the plan is to save, but best laid plans can go astray@gary7--hope the big wind never hits.  Think about separate rider on your policy covering them if not already, and if your insurance company would accept. Do you need flood insurance in your area?@jjs49-- thanks for the thought
@three_easy_payments-- mine sound best when I hold them up to my ears at a 45 degree angle.