"Cleaning" Vinyl Makes It Worse Not Better!

These comments from vinyl enthusiasts have convinced me that I have achieved an ideal audio system. The total cost of this system was about $1000, maybe less. The listening process is simple. I just lay down horizontally on the couch with my head on a pillow and cover myself with a light blanket. I plug the speakers into my iPad, select something on Amazon Music, and away I go.

My speakers are Monsoon MM-700. They're a plannar magnetic, nearfield design, and sound great! They are arranged in an ideal nearfield setup, as you will see in the photo. This arrangement is so effortless that you might call me lazy. And that's alright with me! 😊

...I tried to post a picture here, but it didn't work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

I’ve been using a Record Doctor with pretty good results. Ideally, I would also have an ultrasonic cleaner. I’ve heard good things about the Humminguru. 

@skiznfliz  - What temperature did you ultimately choose for your US record cleaner? Do you heat the water before you start your first cleaning? I'm currently using 30 degrees C.

I have had excellent results using a "Spin Clean" type cleaner that I bought off Amazon. I have also used a painters brush with the usual DIY cleaning solution (distilled water, alcohol, a drop of Dawn detergent) followed by a distilled water rinse, for times when I have picked up 1 or 2 records at a yard sale, etc. and I don't want the hassle of setting up the record cleaner for just a couple of records.. 

Key for me is the "aftercare" once the record has been cleaned. I use rice paper inner sleeves, a clear vinyl outer sleeve to cover the record jacket, and then I have a carbon fiber brush that I give the lp a light dusting with before playing. I also have a separate carbon fiber brush for the stylus, which gets a light brushing every time I use my turntable (and of course, dust cover down whenever not in use...)

I have found that my lp's stay 'clean' almost indefinitely using these methods. I have played lp's that were cleaned 2 - 3 years ago (and not played since) and they still look and sound as good as when they were first cleaned...

I'm sure an ultrasonic cleaner would be even better - but I balked at spending several hundred dollars for record cleaning.

@reubent 

I wouldn’t go any higher than 80… the issue is you can’t start there.. the water continues to heat up due to the friction of the vibrations… If you set your temp lower you’ll end up at 80 and beyond at some point if you doing several batches. Make sure to keep an eye on it because once the damage is done you’ll be stuck with a warped record.