How often, and how, do you clean your stylus?


I used to brush the stylus before each side played but now I think that is excessive, so I check it with a jewelers loupe.  I also rotate between the brush and sometimes use Blue Tack instead of the brush.  

mojo771

I clean before and after a listening session---I use the Mofi cleaning fluid and a little brush. Works well---no problems.

This is yet one of the reasons that streaming is popular.  Just use a swiffer duster on the top of the streamer and you are good for a month [or so].

I tend to clean my stylus when I start hearing sibilance or distortion. It usually means the stylus picked up a wad of crud. I use an old Discwasher stylus brush with a drop of Record Doctor LP cleaner. I don’t do detailed inspections as my LP listening is sporadic and my styli last for several years plus I rotate among a few cartridges.

FWIW:  I've lately been using an Onzow before every side and an Audioquest anti-static record brush.  When I'm finished playing albums for the day/night/etc., I'll do the Onzow again and then use MoFi LP#9 before I put the TT to bed.  Also, no album goes on my new TT before first having been run through my lash-up record cleaning system which incorporates an ultrasonic cleaning machine.  With regard to stylus wear, I've found the Stylus Timer to be a useful tool, once you get into the habit of not forgetting to set it.  Mark my words!  If, unbeknownst to me, this hasn't already happened, it's just a question of time before manufacturers begin building new TTs with built-in stylus timers, hype the hell out of this and charge a couple of hundred bucks (or more) for this extra option or feature that really should cost only a couple extra bucks.  Is this a great country or what?

I use a brush once a day. I have the Humminguru S-DUO, and a Hudson vibrating stylus cleaner (NOT ultrasonic even if sold as such). The S-DUO does work, but it is fiddly to use as you want to be sure not to get moisture inside a cartridge. Consequently I used it once and haven't used it again.

I used to use Stylast, but no more: it rusted out the armature from a Decca.