Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

Yep, DS, I agree with your findings. Many of those scratches become catch basins for the dirt and crap that cause ticks or pops when the come 'round to meet the stylus. Blast that gunk out with steam and it is surprising how much extraneous noise is gone.

As far as using tougher cleaners, I've not found a need to go beyond an alcohol-based cleaner which I use right after a steaming, while the moisture is still on the LP. I vacuum this up after some light scrubbing and then follow with a good rinse with high purity water. I'm finding that any clicks or pops beyond this are most likely damage.

davidsss I think the tick is sometimes maybe mold. I often wonder if the heat is enough to release the mold? I think dirt as well and one guy menttioned not needing a RCM. I still do not regret buying mine. It just works even better now.

Volleyguy i cant agree more with you on using a RCM. I used a lazy Susan and a shop vac for years. I have acquired most of my favorites and realized that the ease of a RCM is priceless if you are going to be cleaning a lot of LPs. I usually wait till if have 20 or so and then do my steam cleaning method. But i sure can understand others being happy cleaning LPs there way.

Bottom line if you are going to use vinyl playback as your main source the first step is ultra clean LPs.

A RCM in conjunction with steaming is my choice for sure. I would not be able to scrub and steam at the same time the first step in cleaning for me.

Steamers: Keep in mind that using attachments may increase the chance of sputtering. I recommend not using any attachments. A re-read of the thread provides lots of free advice.

OK I FINALLY "get" it: NO attachments at all - not even the short (8" or so) one.

I just did 6 LPs using NO attachments and it was a revelation - NO more spitting, MUCH more precise.
After using the "spout" I thought that the steamer with no attachments was't putting out as much, but that is NOT so. What's going on is that is putting out a very fine STEAM, no condensation, just steam.

Thanks Charles for the pointer/refinement.

I read you letter to Positive Feedback and saw the mention of Murray Zeligman. Several years ago I owned a preamp built by Murray. It was based on a Dynaco PAS and it was killer. Had the pleasure of talking with him a couple of times - quite a guy.