Record-playing Rituals?

Does anyone find that record cleaning solution beads up on the record instead of forming a sheet across the record surface? Seems to happen more on new records, and varies between records – some I get a nice sheet of fluid on the entire record surface, while on others it breaks up half way round, while in the worst case it beads up immediately behind the brush. The VPI solution that came with the machine sheeted nicely. The next batch was VPI concentrate with instructions to mix in a gallon of distilled water. It beaded so I added a small amount of alcohol per direct instructions from VPI after inquiring to them. The alcohol helped a fair amount. I’ve now switched to Record Research lab Super Vinyl Wash and it really beads up. Does anyone recommend adding a small amount of alcohol to it? Of course its possible beading up is of no concern, since maybe the only area where even coverage across the record surface matters is under the brush. I use the VPI brush. Tried a Nitty Gritty brush but didn’t like it as well because it soaks up too much fluid and becomes saturated. However I didn’t give it much of a try and may use it again. So, does anyone have any thoughts on sheeting vs. beading?

I had noticed what you said. The VPI fluid that came with the machine covered the LP and also developed some suds. While the RR just sort of seems to clean and not cover the LP. Now what I do is sort of scrub the LP while it is spinning. I softly Scrub the grooves firmly but gently. This makes me feel better that I am cleaning better and gets full coverage of the LP. I have been doing this for a couple of months now with no damage to the LP that I can notice.
Now I am wondering about writting a post for a recipe of homemade solution. Any ideas?

I've had the same experience! Everyone says the RR stuff is better but i feel the vpi did a better job. Even while using the deep cleaner first the wash just seems to float atop the vinyl. I need to clean some sides too, since moving, and wonder if i should go back to the oem stuff. I would think with such a product modifying it would seem to be a step backward when maybe we were happy with the VPI fluid?

Hello Fellow A'goners,

I was notified from a friend that there were a few guys concerned about the beading effect of our record cleaning solutions. I understand your concerns,however, allow me to explain:

First of all, RRL Super Vinyl Wash and Super Deep Cleaner are suppose to bead up. The water beads up and holds the debris in suspension, away from the record where it can be safely removed with a RCM. The surface tension of the solution also helps penetrate and lift the debris from deep within the record groove.

Adding products to lower the surface tension of the solution will not improve the effectiveness of the fluid, it's a step in the wrong direction.

I hope that this answers this question. I'd would also like to thank all of you for your continued support of our cleaning fluids.

Kind regards,
Brian Weitzel
RRL

IME when RRL Deep Cleaner sheets instead of beading up it's usually a sign that:

- I applied too much solution or,

- the record is incredibly, deep-down filthy or,

- the record is groove-damaged.

The less "wet" the RRL solutions act on a record, the cleaner and less damaged it's likely to be.