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.
