2. analog
  3. 1348524785

is it safe to clean records with isopropanol ?

I've been thinking of making some home-brew record cleaner. Most of the online recipes use 20-25 % (or more) isopropanol.But some think this is not good for modern vinyl because it leaches out plastic stabilizers in the vinyl.Others think the ill-effects are due to contaminants in the isopropanol.I can get access to lab grade ISP so was wondering if you had any advice before I make the plunge. I have about 300 lps that I want to clean.
rrm
ebm
9,311 posts
 
NO DUDE!!
maclogan
49 posts
 
Mechans wonders why isopropanol is regularly used in preference to ethanol. The principal reason is that ethanol has a higher vapour pressure (and lower boiling point) than isopropanol so it will evaporate faster from the record surface, perhaps leaving behind all of the gunk it originally dissolved.
bpoletti
1,552 posts
 
After reading "a very long primer on record..." I still question why isopropyl alcohol is used at all to clean records. Seems like the more effective process is to use a soap and water solution followed by a good rinse with high-purity distilled water. It also appears that the mechanical act of scrubbing takes care of much of the contaminants and dirt, especially on used records.

So a good old scrubbing with soap and water followed by a good rinse seems to be the best solution for cleaning records or your hands. :)

Am I reading this right?
More to discover