Interesting information from Analog Planet on Stylus Cleaner Onzow Zero Dust.

I ordered a Flux Hifi ultrasonic stylus cleaner yesterday. Been meaning to do so for awhile. Won't throw my DS Audio pad away just yet.

I have been against the use of solid cleaners from the beginning. Almost all if not all of the best styli are glued on and even if your motion was perfectly down and up you still risk tearing your stylus off. The residue problem was an unsuspected problem that is unacceptable in any amount. The residue gets deep into the grooves, dust sticks to it and you have a real mess. 

I have seen many very poorly kept "audiophile" systems so it does not surprise me that the problem went undetected for so long. Most people do not routinely check their styli under magnification. Wally Tools is expert at looking at styli and I would take their warning seriously. If they are wrong Onzo will sue their asses off.

I use the Lyra Stylus cleaner which comes with a nice soft brush. I use to use an artist's brush with 50% IPA but I was told this might attack the glue and cause failure eventually. I clean my stylus every month or two maybe. Using a conductive sweep arm and a dustcover effectively keeps dust from getting to the stylus. I have a look once and a while with a USB microscope to make sure nothing is forming on the stylus. Large clumps of dust are obvious. 

+1 mrskeptic. Great moniker 

I had custom acrylic dustcovers made for my 2 turntables to keep dust out. But I can't use them when playing. 

I used to use a brush with Last with dry brushing first. Then got the Orzo and I won't risk stylus damage with my new cartridges.  So I am now lost as to what is the definitive best cleaner.

And now Fremer says you have to use a carbon fiber static brush like the AudioQuest or Clearaudio etc. But why if you use a Loricraft or Ultrasonic before every record is played. 

I need to find the consensus!

@daveyf    “Maybe a better question would be to ask..and verify, IF a reduction in SQ is heard by any of these ’deposits’.”
 

+1 Yes, my first thought as well. 
 

I will admit to being lazy. I want to do the least amount of work as possible (I worked 75 hours / week for over 45 years)… if I see some fuzz on the needle I’ll use my KAIU Anti-Static Turntable Stylus Gel Cleaner. I use as infrequently as possible. Don’t really notice a difference before and after. I used to use Last, never lost a needle.