Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

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.

I do this to assist the average audio-head. Anyone has the right to change/do anything they choose but accept the outcome(s), me included. Have any of you considered the amount of monies I gave away with this audio idea ... 6 figures at least . I publish for reasons other than money and have dozens of unpublished ideas better than whats in the marketplace. More later. I am a anlog/tube person.

I'm happy with my results using the perfection steamer on a 16.5 so far. It will probably be a permanent addition to my cleaning regimen. Two questions though, 1.How would I use the steamer without any attachments on a 16.5 without tipping it too far to be safe? 2.Has anyone ever seen water damage to a label?(so far I have not). Some have mentioned covering labels. What works best for this? I am also anxious to possibly see a video by Crem in the future.

Sonofjim, The Backstory : When I began steam cleaning, I eventually settled on the use of a Hot Shot 350A . The 350A had a revolving ball steaming tip about a 1" long. Devoid of attachments, it was very nifty and agile. Later, problems related to supermarket distilled water caused the Hot Shot 350A to become "spitty" and it was retired from LP cleaning. Note: I also had a few emails noting sputtering problems with the 350A, as well as, others that love the 350A that is no longer manufactured.

Later, came the Perfection Steam Cleaner. As a service to the steaming community (and in response to a email request), I sourced another steamer the Steamfast SF-227. I did so for those that wanted the exact steamer Mapleshade (MS) included in "Deep Cleaning" package ($150) that could be purchased from WalMart ,solo, over the net for about $34 bucks - Less MS's wipes and micro-cloths. MS also has a "rinser" they want you to place directly into the heating tank. According to the manufactures warnings and UL Labs putting anything other than water into a heating tank could be dangerious leading to potental damage/explosion. MS disagrees and mentions that on the MS Web Site. A "Better safe than Sorry" issue only the consumer can resolve.

Experimentation with the SF-227 found that steamer to be powerful; a special steam power I reserve for dirty second-hand finds. I feel the Perfection is "perfect" for almost all record cleaning needs, less the hose and all other attachments.

We must remember, we are using a product created for home-use that we are "adaptng" to our needs.

As for the 6" conical attachment, I suggest that with good pre-cleaning there is less reason for concern over mold release compounds than with the hoses. The 6" conical can be washed in the dishwasher (top tier) or by hand w/detergents , water rinses & a good wiping inside an out.

The hoses are a different matter. I find they "smell" even when repeatly used & cleaned for household chores. My concern revolves around the plastic compounds that give off the odor; we generally understand what they are ,but we do not know the long-term consequences(if any)to steam cleaning vinyl LPs. For that reason , I have reservations about "spraying" a record collection with steam comming out of a hose. "Better Safe than Sorry" kind of deal. No actual scientific fact of a problem just a bunch of ? that have yet to be resolved. Its the "who knows" part of the equation that springs red flags. I can't tell if its right or wrong , I just give you my reasoning and ultimately you the reader decides.

As for my method its detailed a couple of times over on the thread: I use gloved hands to manipulate the Lp in one hand and the steamer in the other. I also use a RCM and for years have recommended cleaning either with or without RCM's.

Soon, I will start experimenting with a "GEM-Type" LP stand. At least one other steamer has already built that stand-Good for you! I also intend to experiment with the 6" attachment(pre-cleaned) as you threaders appear convinced it works.

For label protectors , I recommend those circular jar openers that S&L's and Banks give-away at Community Fair Booths , as a protective label cover . They work for me.

S: Please relax ... Its all about the journey.

Thanks for your input. Posters like you make all the difference.