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Record Cleaning Backlash

I bought myself a Nitty Gritty RCM about a year and a half ago. I started out using NG Pure2, applying it to the velvet lips and cleaning as per NG's instructions. It seemed ok, but as all things in this hobby, we wonder about the next step. So I bought some Disc Doctor and some AI pure water and started a multi-step process. Applying the DD with the DD brushes, taking it off with tissue, using pure water, off with tissue, another pure water rinse and vacuum it all off. I also tried L'Art Du Son and kept the mixed portion in my fridge. Also, the same multi-step procedure as Disc Doctor. I never went as far as Walker.

Well, I think I just got sick of spending so much time cleaning and went back to a very simple procedure. Nitty Gritty Pure 2 one-step fluid, applied with a DD brush, and then vacuum off with the NG. I will tell you - it works great and it's fast, easy and clean. I play the record after cleaning and there's nothing on the stylus tip.

Caveat - I'm talking about new or almost new vinyl here. I'm not trying to get 20 year old Pepsi out of the grooves. For that, the procedure would be more involved. So I ask you to free yourself of the tyranny of record cleaning and get sensible again. Or not! Whatever makes you happy. I'm just reminding myself and you that you can effectively clean both sides of a record in three minutes with great results and not having to clean 6 brushes when you're done. Enjoy.
chayro
residualdissonance
19 posts
 
I buy a gallon of LAST fluid. Dilute it with highest grade alcohol I can find around here approx 70%LAST/30%alcohol, add a few drops of dish soap detergent (mix all this in a smaller container about 8 OZ before you add a few drops of soap),and voila. I have made my own brush/pad using closed cell foam surrounded by short hair velour from fabric store. The closed cell foam allow you to push with more pressure and squeeze the velour into the grooves. The pad is approx 4 inches long, 1 inch high, and 1.5 inches deep. I spin the record using my Loricraft RCM as I hold the wet pad on the record. After, I rinse with the cleanest water I can get. Skip the hassle of using enzyme cleaners...unless you buy your records used, from a moldy basement. This method cleans anything that can be removed from the surface exluding ground in dirt. After this, no more cleaning is necessary. Period.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Here's trick that will keep "lip replacement" on a manual Nitty Gritty or Record Doctor RCM to an absolute minimum. When you turn the record to remove whatever cleaning product you use, simply alternate clockwise and counter-clockwise movement of the record. I used to replace the lips frequently, but after trying this, I'm still using the same ones a year later. No I don't use my machine daily, but it has cleaned a heck of a lot of LPs. Dave
theo's avatar
theo
2,675 posts
 
I agree that the Walker Prelude is a great cleaning system but as mentioned it is a time consuming pain in the ying yang. I have decided to use it only on used. And now I use the MoFi Enzyme cleaner and Prelude 3 rinse on new lps.
I did see the Record Spin bath system at RMAF it seems to have been around awhile. Any one have experience with that system?
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Steam, steam and more steam. It works wonders and a unit at Walmart will set you back $25. If your not impressed with the results, back it goes. But then again, the unit is great for doing other types of cleaning and pressing.
chayro OP
2,982 posts
 
Based on the number of apparently satisfied customers, I don't doubt that steam does a very good job. But I've watched that You Tube video and it looks like a huge PITA and a mess. Apply and brush cleaning fluid, steam, steam again, add water and rinse, rinse again. That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid here. Power to those who want to deal with it, but I've just had enough. That's why this is a "backlash" thread.
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