Readers: I always strip the unit devoid of all attachments. The steam path is shorter, hence "hoter" steam. I manulipate the LP with a gloved hand or steam directly on the VPI.
Devoid of all attachments the steam head is "softer" but nonetheless quite strong. The Steamfast SF-227 is designed for very strong "lazer" blast of steam that I reserve for problem LPs, the dirty dozen kind. No one can predict what chemicals in plastic-sizers will do in the future. Yes, I certianly have used the cone but only following a bath in detergents to remove as much as possible the mold release compounds w/ rinses and a wipe down inside and out. I want to lift the grunge for lite scrubbing and reserve blasting for real problems. Vinyl is elastic and responds to heat/water by "swelling" for moments and returning to its initial shape. Uniformity, may mean less swelling so I attempt to steam the surface evenly.
