Stylus Cleaning Rituals

A long-time analog aficionado recommended NOT to use the ultrasonic cleaner on a higher end MC stylus because of the potential for vibrations to disrupt the cantilever, etc.  So I bought the Last Stylus cleaner and Stylast package. . . 

The instructions for the stylus cleaner are clear, but the instructions for Stylast are not so clear, as they say "Using the applicator brush built into the cap, gently apply the treatment to the stylus tip. One or two strokes, using a back to front motion, is sufficient. Never brush tip/cantilever assembly. Do not use any force or pressure on the stylus tip/cantilever assembly."

So, to clarify, brush only the tip of the stylus with the stylast, and be careful not to brush any other part of the needle/cantilever assembly? 

I've been using the Flux Hifi Ultrasonic stylus cleaner for about a year now, with a Hana ML & a AT 150 mlx, with no problems to the units. Every 2nd or 3rd LP for me.

For years I've been using a handsome, elegant nine volt powered device called simply "Professional Electronic Stylus Cleaner" but when I google the name I come up empty. In any case, you guys have gotten me paranoid. It never seemed to harm my Grado or my Lyra Delos but should I shun using it on my new Hana ML?

I use 3 different approaches:

1. anti-static stylus brush. I use this most frequently and is good to remove a gob of glop that is interfering with playback

After every 7 records or so:

2. Sandpaper: not real sandpaper, but emory paper designed for cleaning stylii;

3. Silly putty. I pull off a small hunk and gently press it up to the stylus 2-3 times. Being careful to just blot the stylus with it; don’t get it on the cantilever. Gets the glop off.

I do either the silly putty or the sandpaper every 7 records or so, not both

I use a thin sliver of Magic Eraser and just barely touch the stylus before each side.

15 years on and no problems.  The stylus is spotless . I also US clean all albums I play and brush each side off  before playing

I sent a cartridge in to one of the rebuilders to have a look at it after a couple years of using it because I had bought it used and had untold hours on it. So figured it was time.

He said the stylus didn`t need replacing at all and that it looked very good.

Really appreciated his honesty.