Onzow ZeroDust reportedly leaves a residue

Well crap, has anyone tried Easy-off oven cleaner? I bet that will get everything off the stylus.

But really, I would be careful, but not afraid of, a liquid and US device. Seems that it would take a bit of 3D action to remove deposits from the very tip to begin with. As in many cases, it is upon the user to be able to use common sense with whatever cleaning device is being used.

These ’gel type’ cleaners simply don’t walk up the cantilever unless there is some urging to do so. No doubt there are those who may not be using these cleaners in the right manner, whatever that is. I do see how gel would get onto the stylus tip itself and is more to do with the viscosity of the gel itself and necessarily the user’s fault.

I use a more rubbery form of cleaner that has no way that I can see of getting stuck on the stylus.

Have you used Blue-Tak on a glass surface before to hold something to it? Maybe then it would be apparent why not to be using it. It leaves a slight film on the glass, no surprise then it would likely be doing the same to a tip of a record needle, um stylus, sorry.

In the same way, I would also be hesitant to use an abrasive cleaner, such as Mr. Clean erasers to do something they really weren’t designed for. Why not use Scotch-Brite folks? Maybe a steel wool or brass wool pad if it makes no difference.

This discussion makes me want to buy a good microscope to see what is what with my stylus. Afraid to look though.

There is a follow up article from Mike Fremer. An independent source has reported the same exact problem. Wally Tools is off the hook.

When your supposed US stylus cleaner is in operation, do you hear a hum or buzz? If so, it’s probably operating within the audible range of frequencies, not really US. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. IMO, it’s actually safer. Most operate below 1000 Hz.

Using my Carson 8X magnifier (from office max) and LED flashlight I was able so see a similar debris buildup on my cantilever. At this level of magnify I can't see the stylus very well. 

I eagerly await WallyTools lab analysis of what this stuff is.

Used my supplied AudioTechnica cartridge brush to gently swipe from back to front and after several minutes managed to remove 75% of it. 

I think the common emergent theme here is: don't JUST use a gel pad dip (whether Onzow, DS Audio, etc). You should also implement proper & frequent brushing.

Adding the occasional liquid cleaner might not be a bad idea for some. The ultrasonic cleaning devices look cool. Blutak is perhaps a good gel alternative. ME is also very effective, but its effectiveness varies GREATLY based on how you use it - I'm of the camp that a simple dry dip & lift isn't maximizing its utility; I do a lot more. People get skittish around this stuff, so there's certainly a lot of divergent opinions on how to use that ME.