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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
tshulba OP
41 posts
 
Headsnappin - I called them Mint strips the manufacturer calls them Mint Stripes, they are just replacement strips of a soft fabric used to replace the cleaning fabric on the suction tube on the VPI 16.5 record cleaner. Since you are not using a VPI record cleaner i don't think they will do you much good. I have been using their cleaning fluid too and seems to work very well.I believe the only way you can get the Mint Stripes is to purchase the cleaning fluid. Here is the link www.mintlp.com.
After many many hours of trial and error and 4 different cleaning fluids including steam it seems this is the only way i have been able to remove the white residue from my lp's. I feel that it could be the stronger suction that is removing the residue. Hope this helps.
Todd
headsnappin's avatar
headsnappin
295 posts
 
Hey Todd, I am in fact using a 16.5. Thanks for the info, I may try them out.
restock
831 posts
 
There is another thread on the same subject started a little later. Not sure whether this is the same problem but just in case, here is the info I got on a thread on the phonogram email list a while ago:

There have been some problems at the RTI with a patch of inner sleeves that they received from their long-time supplier. The glue that holds the plastic in the paper sleeves leaked through the plastic and causes the white marks on the vinyl.

It should not affect the sound, however if the other thread is correct about white-stuff accumulating on the stylus, I would think this is a problem. Also, I am worried about long-term effects on the record. Finally, this will seriously lower the resale value of affected records (some original Blue notes with similar stains went for $40 instead of $400.)

There is almost no point contacting the dealer where you bought the records, as most likely all the LPs in stock will have the same problem! I have about 7-8 Music Matters and AP titles that have the problem. At $20/LP I probably wouldn't complain, at $50 I am more than annoyed that RTI doesn't institute a recall of the affected titles.
restock
831 posts
 
Albert, did the Micro cleaner completely remove the white marks on the Music Matters and other RTI pressings?

That would be a perfect solution together with replacing the faulty inner sleeves.
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
Restock, I did not have the problem of white marks on my Music Matters LP's. Perhaps I was lucky or there are only a few with the marks.

I assume by Micro cleaner you mean Micro Care, the cleaner is called Premier and it works wonders on mold release, which is what it was designed for.

I'll look carefully at some of my new LP's and see if any have this white contaminant and then test to see if Premier works for that as well.
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