The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"


The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation"

 

I am providing this formulation for all who are interested in the very best, and can be proven and demonstrated to be the "Very Best". It can easily be made from available ingredients. On the surface, it appears to be very simple. However, it is based on extensive complex chemistry along with precise mathematical calculations and verifiable data.

 

You may use it with absolute confidence and be truly assured that it is beyond doubt the "Very Best". You may use it for your personal needs. Or, archival entities may use it for their purposes with confidence. Or, you may choose to start an enterprise that makes and packages quantities as either a "ready-to-use" or a "Semi-concentrated" version for sale and distribution knowing that nothing better exists. You have my blessings and encouragement with one condition. And, that is, that the pricing represents a "fair margin", and, not an obscene gouging, typical for such products.

 

Initially, I had prepared a presentation that briefly introduced myself, and provided the thought processes, design parameters, and the necessary basics of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to assure you and allow you to be absolutely confident in this formulation. I made a considerable effort to keep it as simple, but, also as thorough enough to achieve this confidence. However, that presentation entailed 5,239 words, typical of such a requirement, however, unacceptable in length by this website forum.

 

I have no option other than to offer the formulation as a 100% parts by weight version suitable to produce 1 Kilogram of the cleaner, and, invite you to question me about any aspect of the formulation.

 

Professionally, I am a Chemist, more specifically a Polyurethane Chemist. I have a Doctorate in Chemistry as well as two other Doctorates and a M.B.A.. I held prominent positions in significant corporations before being encouraged to start our (wife and I) manufacturing facility servicing those I previously worked for. We started, owned, and fully operated this business. We eventually obtained 85+% Market Share in our sector in Medical, Automotive, Sporting Goods, and Footwear areas before retirement.

 

The Audio Industry is extremely technical and many brilliant minds have contributed their talents over the decades in order that we may enjoy music today as we choose. Like many other technical industries, those of lesser minds and values invade the arena with their "magical" inspired revelations and offer their "magical" ingredients and items to all at extremely high prices. They promise that if only we are willing to part with our money - they can provide these items to you that make your audio system sound as if the orchestra, or vocalist, is in your room with you. And, after all, "magical items" must be expensive, otherwise, they would not be "magical".

 

This disturbs me enormously, and, it is for such reasons, I feel compelled to provide realistic and truthful information that conforms to basic Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematical Principals in those areas with which I am very knowledgeable and familiar.

 

          "Ultimate Record Cleaner Solution"

 

   Ingredient                                          Amount by Weight (Grams)

 

Distilled Water                                     779.962

 

Ethyl Alcohol                                       220.000

 

Tergitol 15-S-7 (Dow Chemical)            0.038  (Approx. = 2 Drops)

                                                         1,000.000

 

Important and/or Relevant Criteria

 

1.)  Distilled Water ONLY. Do not use deionized, tap, rain, or spring water. Distilled Water is readily available in most grocery stores. Check labeling to be certain that it is distilled and not deionized. The pricing is comparable.

 

2.)  Ethanol must be purchased at a "Liquor Store" or a "Liquor Control Board" that is suitable for human consumption, and the appropriate taxes must be paid. This assures that the alcohol consists of only Ethyl Alcohol and water. You need to purchase the 95+% version, also known as 180+ Proof. NOTHING ELSE is acceptable. (100% Ethyl Alcohol is not available under "normal" circumstances). Denatured alcohol from a Hardware Store or elsewhere is PROHIBITED, as well as ANY other alcohols.

 

3.)  Tergitol 15-S-7 is made by Dow and is available on the internet in small quantities from Laboratory Supply Houses such as Fisher and Advance, etc.. I have no affiliations with either Dow Chemical, or Fisher, or Advance. You MUST use Tergitol 15-S-7 ONLY. No other Tergitol product is acceptable for this designed formula, and you need to acquire the undiluted form only.

 

4.)  The above cleaner formula will result in a non-foaming (VLF) Surfactant Formulation that exhibits the following:

            Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter @ 20 C. (68.0 F.)

            Surface Tension of 28.2 dynes/centimeter @ 25 C. (77.0 F.)

 

5.). A Surface Tension of 28.5 dynes/centimeter is Remarkable and will properly clean records of all organic soilings, and all oily substances, as well as very significant amounts of inorganic soilings.  This available Surface Tension coupled with the Azeotropic Characteristics of very rapid evaporation and spotless drying occur because of the selection of Ethyl Alcohol and the very specific concentration determined as 22.00% p.b.w., further improves the products abilities.  The "Ease-of-Use" and "Spot-Free" results are to be accepted.

 

6.). Be aware that an "ideal temperature of use" also exists for this formulation.  And, that reasonable temperature is 40 C. (104.0 F.). Further increases in temperature offers no improvement, therefore, confirming the proper use of the term "ideal". I mention this not because of of any substantial improvement, but, only to be aware of its’ existence. And, if you have a choice to utilize a room that is warmer than another, select the warmer room closer to 104.0 F. There is no need to elevate the temperature of the records or the materials. Simply be aware that 104.0 F. Is ideal.

 

If interest is expressed in this submission, I am willing to provide additional submissions regarding other materials, and, other areas of interest.  Such as"Best Contact Substance", "Best lubricants for turntables", " Better Dampening Materials" for turntables and tonearms, and, most significantly, "Best" material for "Turntable Platter/Vinyl Record Interface" usually called "Record Mats". The last item will certainly disturb many individuals and anger many suppliers.

 

Whatever I may contribute is substantiated by Science and Testing, and Verifiable. Science has no Opinions. Opinions in these matters are best reserved for those who rely on their imagination and wishful thinking.

 

Also, I have no vested interests in this Industry. Simply possess some scientific knowledge that also relates to some aspects of the Audio Area, and I am willing to share that information if requested!

128x128wizzzard

@mijostyn 

cc:  @lewm ​​@pindac @bdp24 @cleeds @joenies 

Sorry about that!  Went for a special test at a London Hospital and immediately afterwards I was in for Spinal Surgery.  Everything went O.K., and they did manage to fix another "broken part".  Only 27 more "broken parts" to go and some day I may be considering my Medical Situation approaching "Normal".  All kidding aside, the surgery went very well (even though it was a complete surprise), and I am very pleased.  I asked my wife to send you an update, and, I see she did.  Now I can get back to responding to your issues.

 

Your event with the pump on your vacuum cleaning device for records has become a very serendipitous event in several respects, and, has precipitated several fortunate events from my perspective.  Other than costing me far more than than what I could have possibly imagined - it was a very interesting journey.

After you stated your issues regarding your seal leaking, I had an immediate reflexive reaction and had drawn subsequent conclusions in my mind.  After all, this is/was another aspect that I had taken into consideration for those that have record cleaning devices, because I possess and utilize a VPI 17 machine myself.

In hindsight, I am glad that I did not post my first prepared response about seals and compatibilities with various materials.  What was needed, was to know more about your device, also, I was silly to ask about particulars.  The KEY was knowing exactly what device/machine you had.  When you informed me that you had been using a " Clearaudio Double Matrix Sonic Pro", I had no prior knowledge about this machine whatsoever at the time.

I used my search engine to investigate.  First, I went to their website and found out it was made in Germany.  That alone, confirmed my initial suspicions.  After going to the Clearaudio website, I chose to view two lengthy youtube videos.  The first was in Polish, and it was excellent, the second was in German, and, that was good as well ( I speak and understand both languages).  I then downloaded the user manuals and the manuals for accessories including surprisingly the manuals regarding the "fluids" designed and designated to be used with their machines.  Looking for a repair manual was futile, but, that is now O.K., I have made alternative arrangements.           

Before proceeding any further I must thank you and inform you that I had decided and made arrangements for what is now to be my early Christmas gift to myself this year.  This present should arrive in a few weeks.  Yes, the deed has been done , and I will be using my own "Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic (in silver) with my "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation" myself fairly soon.  I fully realize that my VPI 17 machine is perfectly adequate and the Clearaudio machine will not necessarily be much better, other than being quieter, but, my attitude now is "Who Cares"!  The design is terrific both in appearance and function, and the engineering is excellent.  Typically German, why should one use a ordinary $0.05 screw when you can use a $5.00 Titanium screw?  I am a "sucker" for a good design and things that are constructed well.

As you already know, Clearaudio provides 4 different solutions to be used in conjunction with their products.

   A);  "Pure Groove" - A ready to use cleaner that can be obtained locally, or, can be shipped, if you are willing to spend the additional outrageous amount of money required to do so.  This is because of the higher alcohol content.  It contains a 41.5% concentration of Ethanol for the original development, and, this requires additional shipping regulations and packaging to be provided.

  B);  "Pure Groove Essence" - is a semi-concentrate that contains only 10% Ethanol and all the other essential ingredients in distilled water, and, can easily be shipped without difficulties.  It is then to be mixed 2:1 "essence" to Ethanol, assumed to be 92.0% prior to using.

  C);  "Groove Care" - another product that contains only 10% Ethanol.

  D);  "Pure Groove Shellac" - that contains no alcohol or any other solvents that may affect these early recordings.

The WHMIS shipping regulations are the same for North America as it is for Germany.  You can ship any product, and with relative ease, as long as it contains no more than 10% of any ingredient listed on an extensive list of solvents and ingredients.  This is regardless of flammabilities in this particular group.  The basis is less than 10%.  Technically this "barks" loudly of lack of technology, however, WHMIS is already so complex that some areas need to be simplified.  I have mixed feelings, but, I do reluctantly agree with these standards.  WHMIS is something that can never, ever be 100% perfect, so, this compromise is reasonable.

In Germany (actually, most of Europe) Denatured alcohol is supplied at 90.0% or 92.0% Ethanol in Methanol with very minuscule amounts of terpenes or mercaptans in order to be distinguished.  Unlike in North America where denatured alcohol most likely contains 95.0% Ethanol with a considerable amount of Methanol, but also contains a host of other "very nasty" harmful ingredients.  This is, in this particular case, important because the people at Clearaudio were not made aware of how denatured alcohol is supplied in North America, as, North Americans are not aware of how it is supplied in Europe.

The group at Clearaudio are/were able to utilize the programs offered with German Universities.  They wanted the best for their equipment.  Who better to work with than those from the Technical University of Munich.  This is, without a doubt, the very best University for Chemistry in Germany.

I wish to start in my field of expertise, which is, Chemistry.  I selected the "Pure Groove Essence" product because it would be the most likely you, or most, would order for your machine to use for cleaning records.  Also knowing that you would need to add Ethanol to the "Essence" prior to use.  And the Ethanol that you should use according to "Wizzzard" and according to Clearaudio would be the 99.5% Ethanol in water available at your Liquor Store.

As I prefer to do to with all formulations, I would like to present them as a 100.0% version taking into consideration all of the details of each ingredient and converting it to its’ basic components.  And, this is all at a chosen specific temperature.  In this case I choose 20 degrees C again.

So, the following is the formulation for a "ready to use", "Pure Groove Essence" with Ethanol as recommended.  No need to ask how I know the actual formulation.

                         "Pure Groove Essence - Ready to use"             

 

Distilled Water                                  679.218  g.         67.9218 %  p.b.w

Ethanol (100.00%).                          296.565  g.         29.6565 %  p.b.w.

Methanol (100.00%)                          20.637  g.           2.0637 %  p.b.w.

BASF Larostat 264A                           2.350  g.            0.2350 %  p.b.w.

BASF Lutensol LA                              1.230  g.             0.1230 %  p.b.w.            

Total:                                             1,000.000 g.            100.00 %  parts by weight

The above 1,000.000 grams will produce:  1.086 liters    

Volumetrically, for those who prefer to view formulations in that format, is as follows:

Distilled Water.                            62.668  %  p.b.v.

Ethanol (100.00%).                     34.600  %  p.b.v.

Methanol (100.00%).                    2.402  %   p.b.v.

Larostat 264A.                              0.214  %   p.b.v.

Lutensol LA                                  0.112  % p.b.v.

Total:                                          100.000 %   parts by volume

If it were up to Clearaudio, the formulation would not contain any Methanol, however, the "essence" version is a compromise because of shipping regulations.  It would exclusively contain Ethanol as in the "Domestic Version", and, the Ethanol concentration would be higher, as in, 41.50% target amount.

When this formulation was prepared, it was prepared by "design", as was the formulation I presented.  The parameters are/were somewhat different, and, understandably so.  If any of this scientific "design methodology" sounds familiar — it should, you only need to read my very first post.  The educated minds that were designated the task to develop the best cleaner and other solutions had chosen Lutensol LA because it was considered, and subsequently determined, to be the best single non-ionic surfactant that was readily available in Europe.  They knew of the existence of others that would be better, however, availability in Europe was a problem.

Ethanol was selected because it also was known to be the least destructive of alcohols towards various vinyl compositions that were most available.  They also wisely chose to ignore the Hansen parameters, realizing that evaluating each individual parameter is far more important and more conclusive, as I also did in my development.  Also, they tested and determined that Ethanol was far superior with regard to cleaning records, more than any other alcohol.  Their determination was that Ethanol was superior, and they developed a series of tests that demonstrated that, in fact, Ethanol was far superior as a cleaning agent than any other alcohol.  It was perhaps these determinations that made them select the second inflection point of 41.500% rather than the more practical, but, almost equally effective 22.000% that I had chosen.

I ask you again if any of this "design Methodology" sound familiar to you.  The difference was that one individual, "Wizzzard", presented "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation" for all to know and use at no cost to you.  And, YES it is, and remains, a better cleaning formulation.  While the other was a well funded project conducted by a number of post-graduates assigned to a somewhat more specific goal for a client and their products.

You may recall when I wrote to you with regard to making a graph to visually relate to why I chose 22.000%.  At that time it was to demonstrate the very significant First inflection inflection point.  At that time the graph demonstrated a Secondary inflection point that occurred at 41.500%, but, was not considered sufficiently significant.  I saw no need for such a considerable increase in alcohol for such an insignificant benefit in Surface Tension.  However, I am of the "minimalist school", and, I had also chosen Tergitol 15-S-7 as the surfactant.  And, I was not adding other ingredients for either lubrication, or anti-static, or anti-microbial reasons.  I was solely interested in the very best record cleaning formula.

The team for Clearaudio had selected the secondary point, allowing 41.500% Ethanol, the very Maximum that anyone would ever consider.  Also, they were not using a secondary alcohol non-ionic surfactant.  Theirs was based on the primary alcohol surfactant, Lutensol LA and they also chose to add an additional anti-static agent Laristat 264A.  Which, by the way, is an excellent anti-static agent.  This had some bearing on their overall design, and that is their "chosen design".  Absolutely nothing wrong with their choice, only, that it is based on slightly different criteria.

If you recall my comment to @pindac, which was a post on 15 July 2023 at 2:34 AM.  I mentioned that, at that point, to the best of my knowledge, the closest product that BASF produced that resembled Tergitol 15-S-7 was Lutesol LA, and the amount I suggested was 0.113% p.b.w. to 0.114% p.b.w. However, I was also basing my calculation on a 22.000% Ethanol formula.  You can see how similar my speculative concentration is to the actual amount  used by Clearaudio with this primary alcohol based surfactant.

You can sense that I am very impressed with people who agree with me and my methodology.  If you detected any arrogance on my part in that statement - it was meant as such.  But, seriously, I have seen many formulations proposed as the "most wonderful".  Most are "crap".  Some are even very destructive and many are sinfully overpriced.  I believe, I destroyed one such company with overwhelming details of their gouging.  I did not receive one recognition for that post or a "thank you", so, they can avoid being swindled.  On the other hand, one individual "actually" defended this almost criminal activity.  I realize the animosities that I have generated, but, I also think it’s time to put those feelings to bed and accept the realities.

If you choose to not make your own "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation" that I initially posted and choose to purchase a product instead.  The Products supplied by Clearaudio are all very good products.  Their products are the only products I am aware of that are very impressive, and worthwhile purchasing.  Their products are the ONLY products that I would recommend to purchase.  Yes, they are not cheap, but, if you are choosing to purchase, then these are the products you need to buy.

Clearaudio makes no outrageous claims about their formulations.  They are only supplying products in conjunction with their equipment.  If I say anymore, I will begin to sound like a sales person for Clearaudio.  One other thing I had noted about their record mats is that they supply a felt mat (not specifying the type of felt) and a leather mat that is Bovine and embossed, with what is referred to in the leather goods industry, as a "Bison" pattern.  This was another point that impressed me.  When I eventually submit my extensive record-mat study that I did some years ago, you will understand how these two selections fit into my my study and why I was further impressed by this company.

Some final remarks for @mijostyn.  Clearaudio uses Butyl Rubber for their seals, which is unaffected by most certainly all the common alcohols.  Also, you can see that Clearaudio use substantially far more Ethanol in their products than in my suggested formulation.  So, when you tried my recommended formulation it was 1.) Either a fluke!, 2.) Time was up for your existing seal, 3.) or, perhaps it was some other additional ingredient in conjunction with the Ethanol.  4.) Something needs to be questioned about the alcohol used.  Or, 5.) prior activities with other ingredients may have remained in the seal that was activated by the Ethanol.  You certainly see that it must be something else other than the Ethanol because Clearaudio uses considerably far more Ethanol in their solutions recommended for their products.  Have you contacted them for an explanation?  I am very interested in to getting to the bottom of this problem of yours.  As I stated earlier, I will soon have my own machine to use.

I know this was a lot, but there is an obvious solution to the problem that we are both overlooking.  Please keep me informed.   

Sincerely,

"Wizzzard"

 

@mijostyn 

cc:  @lewm ​​@pindac ​@bdp24 ​@cleeds ​@joenies 

Apologies! During transcription I made a slight error on the 100% volumetric formulation with regard to the Methanol concentration.  I had written 2.402% rather than the correct 2.406% parts by volume.

I apologize for my eyes and fingers.

Wizzzard

@wizzzard ,

I looked at the prices of Clearaudio Solutions and decided to use my own at a far lower price. 

I suspect we will never know why the seal failed but I had the pump apart in no time, dried everything out, established a new seal and reinstalled the pump. I also have a spare pump, just in case.  You will enjoy the Clear audio machine. It is way easier to use than the VPI and it is way faster. It is extremely easy to work on if something goes south which more than likely will be that pump. Taking it apart is easy. You pop off the rubber feet with a little screw driver. Underneath are 5 mm Allen button head screws which you remove and the bottom comes off. There is a ground wire attached to a welded on stud you remove with a 10 mm wrench. It is very easy to break the stud off so be careful. The side panels then slide out of the corners giving you exposure to everything except  the electronics. Each side panel has the same ground wire you have to remove. 

Using the machine is easy, but it does have several quirks. You really have to push the record clamp down hard or the record will slip when the vacuum comes on. I keep the machine on a low table making it much easier to push down. The microfiber brushes are held in by magnets. Do not release the arms until the vacuum stops or the brushes will pop off and wind up on the floor. 

I can only find 75% Ethanol at the liqueur store. I might be able to get it from a lab supply shop sending it to my brother's company.

I doubt I will be able to get Larostat in the US. I put two drops of BAK in my solution. Do you see any problems with that? 

Is methanol doing anything useful to the task? Perhaps EU regulations permit that much methanol in the preparation, but if I were making up a replica of the Clearaudio cleaner, I’d delete the methanol, or wear laboratory gloves whenever handling it.

@mijostyn 

Thank you for the experienced advice about the device in advance.  It is sincerely appreciated.

I received an e-mail today that my machine is to be delivered this 4 October 2023, and, I am looking forward to it.

With regard to the 99.5% ethanol in water, I have purchased some in the state of Missouri, and quite a lot in the state of NewYork.  Also, it can be purchased at any Liquor Control Board retail outlet in Ontario, Canada.  Commonly known as the "LCBO" outlets in Ontario, the pure Ethanol is not a stock item - it must be requested.  Any time I have ordered it in Ontario, it had arrived in less than a week.  Likewise, it is also available in Quebec Liquor outlets, but, again it must be requested.  It cost less in Quebec than in Ontario, and when I had to travel on business to Quebec, I would order some, and I would be able to pick its up within two days at most, and return home with it.

When in Missouri, I also needed to request it first at the local store and it was received within two to three days.  I needed to pay in advance as I did in Ontario and Quebec.  In Buffalo, New York it was much easier because the large outlets such as Premier Liquor actually had the bottles in stock.  It is a matter of declaration when you cross the border.  Legally you need to be in the US for 24 hours to re-enter Canada without any problem.  You can also make advance arrangements to purchase the Ethanol "Duty-Free".  It costs less, and again you always need to pay in advance.  For me, I always found the "Duty - Free" situation a pain, and could not be bothered.

I believe you will encounter MORE difficulties obtaining some from a supply house.  Remember this is a consumable item to make punches and other drinks as well, and as such, you NEED to pay the appropriate Liquor Taxes.  The outlet MUST also be ABLE to COLLECT these taxes, I do not see how you can obtain some from a supply house. 

If your Liquor store is being difficult, call, and find one that will order some for you.  Keep in mind, I was always required to pay in advance when I placed my order.  With the exception of the locations in Western New York State where the item was a stock item.

You can not avoid paying the appropriate taxes, and only certain outlets, such as Liquor Stores are able to collect such taxes.

I thought you lived in New Hampshire.  I recall these huge Liquor Stores located at the State Border because of the lower taxes in New Hampshire.  Sorry, that was just a very frequent reminder and flashback to my many trips through the New England states.  I once knew all the roads of Nashua and Concord, New Hampshire. I forgot Portsmouth!

I know I can get easily get Larostat 264A from BASF, but, I have know idea if it is available to the public.  I will look into that for you because it is far superior to what you are currently using.  BASF only recently developed a better product, but, I do know that it is restricted to certain industries only.  I probably should not have even mentioned that - just ignore this last sentence.

I will be getting back to you soon.  Good luck finding a cooperative Liquor Store!

Regards,

Wizzzard

P.S. For your better understanding, we have a residence in New York State, and in Ontario, Canada.