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Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

It has happened again. Major tweak and record provider has available a steam cleaner made especially for records. Anybody try steam for cleaning lp’s? What were your results? Since a unit can be had for about $20 at Target, 15% of what the tweak provider is charging, is it worth a try?.
tiger
Post removed 
zenblaster
504 posts
 
The sputtering may be caused by the tip getting clogged on occasion. To clear I pass a piece of 14g wire through it and back to a nice steady steam stream. BTW this is a great way to clean records, mine have never been cleaner.
My system for cleaning-
I have an old player that I use- put the record on and give a 2-3 second blast from 4-5" with the record turning. Then I apply a few drops of my home brew and cover the surface of record with a 1" Purdy paint brush gently spreading. I then give another 2-3 second blast. Put the brakes on the record and use my modified velvet covered vacuum wand to remove all liquid and matter leaving a gorgeous better than new record.
Thanks to Crem1 and all the others for showing me how to clean records like a pro without buying a $500 plus machine. This is my meditation prior to playing and I take pride in my cleaning that I wouldn't get by throwing them in a machine and waiting.
oilmanmojo
472 posts
 
another reason for sputtering is overfilling the boiling chamber. There is a measuring cup that will help with that. I also use the long spout with the downward pointing tip. also agree you should empty the unused water each time. Even ultra pure will have some solids if you continually add water without occasionally purging
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
My Perfection has only been used twice since I bought it about 10 days ago and I don't fill it more that 3/4 of the full amount in the measuring cup. Hey, for $20 I don't expect the thing to be perfect. ;-) My technique worked out well for me today. I steamed 7 LPs, being sure to keep the pot slightly tilted back. It worked like a champ!
crem1
672 posts
 
I have been steaming for near a "deckade and 1/2" . The advice offered by AG'ers is the best I have viewed. Just keep in mind my Perfection works perfectly. A beautiful head of steam "tear shaped" without any attachments. The fewer the better attachments for reasons that become all too apparent ... splurts and drips. Keep this in mind ... nothing , nothing can clean Lps better than steam for cents on the dollar. All the best.
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