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record cleaning findings/puzzle

Hello Gentlemen,

I have been experimenting today with steam cleaning my records. I am looking for support of my findings.

I used 2 identical records ( as well as others ) one I cleaned with the vpi 16.5 and my homebrew 25% isopropyl(99%), 75% distilled water (pharmacy)

Steps

1.Mo-fi brush one 2-3 cycle with cleaner, vacuum 2 cycle
2.audioquest brush, distilled water rinse 2 cycle, vacuum
3.Play

(The brushes were just ones I had around, I did not pick these for any particular reason)

The other record was cleaned with the same brushes, same method, but I also used the hand held steamer during steps 1 and 2. I kept the steam on the record 2-4 inches away, for duration of scrubbing.

I assume there is a sonic print to my solution, is achohol typically bright/harsh sounding?

Between the 2, at first I found the steamed ones to sound more organic, maybe slightly rolled off in the highs, but just warmer and more detailed everywhere else except the highs.

When I play the Alcohol only, cleaned record the highs are more present/forward, and noticeable, but upon further listening I notice a lack of depth because of it. trick details.

Here's the good part:

I then switched the cleaning methods for both records ( and others as well) and the sonic footprints followed each method onto each record. I did this back and forth 3 times with this pair and four times on another single record.

I am assuming I am hearing my solution, but could the steam somehow be reacting with my brushes and maybe melting them, or leaving something I am hearing on the surface which is damping the highs. At first I thought I wrecked the records, then I started to notice the inner details in the rest of the spectrum other then the highs, and when I added my solution again, the highs came back, now sounding to strong and glaring.

Which is the real sound of this record?
Has anyone else found this too?

Thanks,
Mike
hanaleimike
magfan
1,583 posts
 
If you want the cleanest solvents, perhaps 'Semi Grade', those used in the semiconductor industry where any metalic /ionic (mobil ion) or heavy metal contam will destroy the devices.
You can write chemical companies for the MSDS and analysis sheets which should list the analysis of the chemical in question.
doak
199 posts
 
DO NOT use the steamer while the cleaning fluid is still on the record. Use it as a first step and as a rinse.
I've been steaming my LPs for 2 years and the results are truly excellent.
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Well, I show some pics from my cleaning solution after doing the job.
I use a Source Odyssey, it is based on the famous Keith Monks, Point nozzle, ...

Here you see the fluid after 30 records, grading from new to VG+ (used)

Cleaning solution
or
Cleaning solution-1

You can hear the difference :-)
maclogan
49 posts
 
Inpenninovations states that only the alcohol from the alkyl portion of the phthalate ester used as a plasticiser will dissolve it. This is chemical nonsense. Use enough methanol even and you'll dissolve any long-chain alkyl phthalate. In any case, my point was that these alkyl phthalate plasticisers are not present in the vinyl mix used to make LPs. Plasticity is conferred by other molecular means. Look it up.
inpepinnovations
134 posts
 
Maclogan, then people using PVC piping that contains D-octyl-phthalate, better stop pumping methanol through them!

The company that I worked for produced ester plasticizers that went into the vinyl used for records. In fact it the plasticizer was DOP (di-octyl-phthalate), so I needn't look it up, I made the dam stuff, and the vinyl compound which used the DOP.

With respect, Bob P.
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