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White residue on stylus

I have found that when i look at my lp under a 30x microscope i can see what looks like a clear liquid or maybe a crystal like substance in the grooves . This is in a very small area but there are a number of these throughout the album. The album has been cleaned 6 times using the following process with AIVS cleaning system.
Enzyeme formula ,light scrub and soak for 30 min. then steam and vacuum.
Super clean formula , light scrub soak for 30 min. and steam and vacuum.
I have repeated this 5 times, with an inspection with the 30x microscope each time. After each cleaning the lp is getting cleaner but the clear substance in the groove has only reduced by about 50% . On the last clean i lightly scrubbed for about 5 min which did reduce it a little more. I have noted the location of these deposits in relation to the label and i am able to view it after each cleaning to monitor the progress so far. I am sure the pops i here are these deposits.
I notice when i play the album i have a buildup of white powdery residue on the stylus that is easily brushed off or removed with a Magic eraser lollipop.

Does anyone know what these deposits are or what is the best way to remove them?

The albums are New old stock direct to disc that have been stored sealed for about 27 years.
tshulba
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I would guess it is the silicone based mold release agent.

Many of those products made by the 2 domestic suppliers at that time, Dow Corning and General Electric, turn white in aqueous solutions.

Silicone is very difficult to remove in one cleaning anyway and, depending on the amount used, it could be the culprit here.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Agree with AudioFeil, I had the same problem and I believe that's what it is too.

I found the perfect cure, an LP cleaner called Premier'. It's formulated to do the same job as the old Freon based formula but safe for the Ozone layer (and EPA approved for use around humans).

Below is a link to it at Music Direct. I'm sure there are other vendors with it as well. I just bought several cases of it (48 cans) from the local Dupont distributor, I was so impressed with it.

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73874
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I've not used the product Albert mentions but it makes sense.

Most products from major chemical groupings, i.e. aromatic, aliphatic, ester, ketone, and alcohols will either leave a residue, be too aggressive for the vinyl, or not be aggressive enough to remove the silicone.

That leaves halogenated solvents which are derivatives of bromine, chlorine, flourine, etc. These are non-residue, quick evaporating, aggressive solvents that for the most part will not attack vinyl. Freon is not a chemical simply Dupont's trade name for a line of halogenated chemicals. They are useful as cleaning solutions in their two forms which are liquids at room temperature/pressure and refrigerants as gases under high pressure.

The original formulas have been modified with hydrocarbons so as to be more environmentally friendly.

I'd take a serious look at Albert's recommendation as the typical surfactant/enzyme cleaning solution will not remove all silicone in 2, 3, or even more applications.
tshulba OP
41 posts
 
Thanks guys for the info ,will check to see if i can find Premier locally. I think if i scrub the lp anymore i could start doing damage.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I don't know if you could do any damage as the silicone on your record is actually a lubricant. All you seem to be doing, and no offense intended, is wasting time with your present cleaner as the silicone is resisting heartily.

Albert's recommendation makes sense and I'm ordering some as well.

I've never had the problem but forewarned is forearmed.
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