album cleaning solution

Westend - no need to be defensive . . . what Tom is saying is there is a wealth of discussion on this subject already in the archives and it will be very beneficial (and very easy) for you to search there. On this thread you may receive a few responses, maybe more, but in the archives there are probably hundreds on this subject.

What you may find there in the archives is a post or 2 from me saying I have used Nitty Gritty, and prefer to make my own solution. It's easy and really cheap. You will also find many others who really prefer other solutions.

by the way, indeed there may not ever be a new cleaning solution. Maybe one that's simply re-branded, but different . . .?

There are tons of discussions on record cleaning, but if you are just starting out, I would recommend you purchase a 16 oz. bottle of Nitty Gritty Pure2 fluid and use according to the directions NG provides. If they look especially grungy, I would pre-wash them in the sink with a new, soft sponge and some Dawn dishwashing detergent, but that's only for the hard cases. For anything that looks decent, one or two cleanings with the NG will get you started. Again, this is for starters. As you will find out, there are one-step, two-step, three-step and four-step cleaning products, not to mention steaming. So get started with the Pure2 and listen to some music. It may be all you ever require, depending on how demanding you are of your vinyl. Sort of like with cars - some find a one-step wax product to be fine, while others demand a multi-step machine-polished finish. Just depends on how critical you are. Have fun.

Buconero117
can you share what steam unit you refer too? I have a garment steamer but have never thought of using it to clean LP's. I would like to try it on some of my stubborn
LP's but have always been afraid of over heating the vinyl.
Can you post a brand/model for us?

This is my current process. I have a VPI 16.5
1. Mofi Enzyme Plus, coat record with VPI brush(or hunt carbon brush). Spin record with vertical VPI brush (or hunt carbon brush) for 1 minute.
2. Let sit for 3-5 minutes
3. Steam with steamer 1.5 to 2 inches from record, total about 10 seconds from the inside to the outside of the record with VPI brush (or hunt carbon brush).
4. vacuum
5. repeat 3 and 4.
6. Steam with steamer 1.5 to 2 inches from record, total about 10 seconds from the inside to the outside of the record. (no brush this time).
7. Vacuum
8. Coat with Mofi Super Record Wash, Spin record with VPI brush (dedicated one, not the same brush from Enzyme) for about 5 - 10 seconds
9.Vacuum

I should have added
10. Put record in Mofi Original Master Sleeve. I keep the original sleeve as well, but the cleaned record goes in a new Mofi Sleeve.
I find the records stay very clean this way, since you are not putting your record back in a dirty paper sleeve.
11. I used a Mofi felt brush on the record player to get the dust off, if any, from the transfer to the turntable.

It Mofi Original Master Sleeves are not cheap, but I think it is worth it, if you are going to play that record more than once. Since it keeps the records pristine between plays and doesn't require additional cleanings between plays.