Analog maintenance

I follow a similar path as you, though for my final step I do use a static eliminator device, the Walker Audio Talisman. I also will second Elinor's advise of switching to the rice paper sleeves.

Cheers,
John

John, I forgot to mention that I use the Walker Talisman as well. I think the perceived effectiveness of it will depend upon the resolution of the sytem in which it is used.

Good suggestion to go right from your record cleaning machine into a new rice paper sleeve.

I think you should seriously consider using Magic Eraser to clean your stylus instead of the gel goop. There are many reasons why.
1)dirt gets transferred to the gel, so over time you are dipping into a dirtier "cleaner".
2)Depending on shape of your cantilever, gel can get deposited there and buildup.
3)Magic Eraser safely cleans your stylus much more effectively, and you can see & hear the difference(plus it is so cheap, it's almost free).
I switched from the gel goop to Magic Eraser a few years ago, and couldn't be happier w/it. Same results for many hear. Search the archives for details.

One other thing I use that's kinda neat is the AcousTech giant-sized carbon fibre brush(w/grounding wire). It quickly allows me to remove the stray dog hair, etc. from LP with one swipe. I do this last after using a Walker Talisman. Cheers,
Spencer

I second the Magic Eraser. Much better results than I used to get with the Last liquid-type cleaners. I follow it with the Onzo gel to remove any lost fibers from the ME as Doug Deacon recommends. I usually check the cleanliness with a 10X loupe and the stylus and cantilever look like the day I bought the cartridge. I follow that with a zap from the Milty3 anti-static gun in the dry NE winters. I now only use my VPI 16.5 once and store the clean LP in a rice-paper sleeve.

Thanks. I do place all LPs after they are cleaned on the VPI 16.5 in a brand new rice paper sleeve - I bought a bunch. If the stock sleeve is just a sleeve of paper, I disgard it.

The dust appears on hte LP surface (and therefore the stylus) after I play the LP - it must be from the area of the basement in which I listen. If I merely place the LP in a rice sleeve after cleaning with the VPI 16.5, it never energes dusty.

Plenty to think about re: the gel cleaner I am using. I plan to explore this and the Walker Talisman (if only I could swing the Walker Procesnium :-)

Thanks.