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Record Cleaners / RCMs

I've been reading with interest in previous posts about how important it is to have a record cleaning machine. I can understand the great importance of cleaning records using the scrub/vaccuum mechanisms of these RCMs if the records are filled with finger prints, or were purchased second hand (and require a deep cleaning) but what about newly purchased vinyl? If one has purchased vinyl new, and has taken extreme care of his records in the past(ie..not touching the playing surface with dirty fingers, lightly cleaning the playing surface with an old discwasher pad, etc) would it be benficial to use an RCM. I've not seen these RCMs up close, but it would appear that the scrubbing and vaccumming of these machines might possibly do more damage than good.

When I purchased my Linn Axis many years ago, I was told by the Linn dealer that one did not need to clean the records (if you didn't smugdge them up with finger prints,etc). He had said the time that cleaning pads such as the discwasher did more damage than good. Armed with that advice, I stopped using the discwashwer as well.

I'm about to bring out my record collection again after storing them the past 15 years. Should I clean them using the discwasher?....or perhaps get an entry level RCM? Or should I continue to do what my Linn dealer told me before and not clean them at all?

I would appreciate your comments.

calgarian
calgarian5355
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
With several records I have purchased used and that, after an inital wet vac cleaning with a VPI 16.5 and Record Research solutions, still have a bit of surface noise, I have found that going back with the Deep Cleaner and the Musical Fidelity sponge, just scrub with fairly hard pressure for about 20 revolutions and then a brief "rinse" with Super Wash, helps greatly in reducing surface noise and results in bringing out all the dynamic detail of the recording. There is no way I am damaging the recording, just getting the deeply seated gunk in the groove out. And the point of cleaning is to do this until the improvement reaches a plateau. Sometimes the gunk in the groove needs time and patience to solubilize so that it can be removed by the vaccum. The combination of fluid, time and pressure with the right sponge brush is the answer.

And I always clean new ones too with RR Super Wash.
pawlowski6132
592 posts
 
Off a slight tangent to this thread; I also recommend cleaning records. However, I personally would advise anyone to save their money on a RCM and clean their records by hand. I don't believe a RCM can do as good a job as one could cleaning their records by hand.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Another vote for cleaning all records, including new ones. I've ruined new records by playing them without cleaning, so I learned the hard way. The reasons (mold release chemistry) were well explained by others, above.

Also as said above, RCM's are about vacuuming, not about scrubbing. Scrubbing too hard is more dangerous than scrubbing not at all. High quality cleaning solutions like RRL are designed to work with little or no scrubbing. The designer of RRL actually recommends using only carbon fiber brushes like the Audioquest. It's impossible to scrub with that, the bristles are too soft.

I sort of agree with the advice Linn gave you way back when, ASSUMING the only choices were DiscWasher or nothing. The problem with the DiscWasher method is what happens after the solution emulsifies or dissolves the grunge. If this sludge isn't promptly vacuumed away, the liquid evaporates but the grunge is still there, broken down into much finer particles that will cling to groove walls and floor even more stubbornly. You would indeed have been better off doing nothing.

With the advent of vacuum RCM's that scenario need no longer exist. After the solution emulsifies/dissolves the grunge you immediately vacuum it away. Nothing is left behind but cleaner vinyl. This is better than not cleaning and MUCH better than letting grungy solution re-dry on your record.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Doug is correct about scrubbing. Not only with RRL but any of the good cleaning solutions. All of these products contain a small amount of surfactant which stands for SURFace ACTing AgENT. I have no idea why "they" used an A instead of an E; chemists are strange folks.

Surfactants have many applications, industrial and otherwise. They are used in shampoos, cosmetics, hand cleaners, etc. Their purpose is to reduce surface tension of the solution in which they are contained.

For grins and giggles, put a few drops of water on a non-permeable surface such as your kitchen countertop. Now take your favorite record cleaning fluid and add a single drop. Watch how the water spreads. The surfactant has lowered the surface tension or friction of the water in regards to the countertop.

In a record cleaning liquid the surfactant lowers the friction of the solution in regards to the record groove and enables it to penetrate quite easily making the amount of scrubbing minimal and in many cases unnecessary.

Thanks for listening.
jyprez's avatar
jyprez
241 posts
 
The cost of a highly effective DIY RCM is so little today that it is hard to imagine why someone wouldn't at least have this solution. Yes, you can drop a few thousand on a Loricraft and achieve superior results but for a few hundred you can have a shop vac and a modified crevice tool for cleaning that will not only do an excellent job on your records but a dozen other chores around the house. Heck, your wife might even buy this for you!
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