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Best cleaning fluid procedures with VPI HW16.5??

I need to buy more record cleaning fluid to use with my VPI HW 16.5 that I recently purchased. Obviously I'm thinking of the VPI fluid (& it's the cheapest), but I was wondering what other fluid might be better, like perhaps the Disc Doctor Miracle Record Cleaner? Also, does anyone else believe in the Michael Fremmer theory that one should clean records with an Orbitrac or something BEFORE using the VPI?
It sounds like a great idea, but pretty extreme to me.......most of my records are about 10-20 years old, but were basically well cared for. Years ago I used to use the Discwasher brush & fluid (which probably seems pathetic now), so I don't think most of my records are all that filthy & hopefully will not contaminate the cleaning pads all that quickly on the VPI??

Anyway, I've only had the HW 16.5 for a few months, so I'm looking for any advice on using it to best advantage. I've had a Rega P25 with a Benz Glider for over a year now so am enjoying "getting back into vinyl". Thanks!
steveaudio
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Bluesman-

You're right about 10% alcohol being alot. I just mixed up another batch and it was actually less than 5%. It was just enough to get a faint odor and no more. I don't know of any other solvent that will dissolve readily in water, which is a necessity if one wants to the control volitility for this application.

A note on soaps (surfactants) is that more than a large drop of non-conditioning shampoo or a couple of drops of dish soap per 8 oz of distilled water will cause sudsing while brushing and vacuuming.

Might try first soaking the record with just soap and water for 30 minutes or so (maybe longer), as you suggested. Would you recommend a little bit more soap in the mix for the soaking stage?

JIm
blues_man
133 posts
 
If a record is really dirty, I use a stronger solution of surfactant. Only certain surfactants are good for vinyl. All of those are liquid at room temp. This is where a small amount of solvent helps get more of the surfactant into solution. I use thw white felt brushes that my dealer sells in 10 packs. I don't know who makes them. Because they're whit I can see if there is still dirt coming off the record. If there is I wash it again. I have occasionally had to wash records 3-4 times.
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Bluesman- Thanks for all the information. You mentioned dish soap as a good detergent- any specific brands? Know of any other surfactants that will work? How much soap do you use for a given amount of distilled water?

Steveaudio- You seem a little overwhelmed by the extent of work some do to get a record clean. As you mentioned that your records are fairly clean to start with, one cycle with the 16.5 and the appropriate solution should do the trick.
Jim
blues_man
133 posts
 
The dish detergent is only used as the first pass for really dirty (especially greasy fingerprints) records. Use with tap water. They need to be rinsed off and then cleaned with distilled water or everyday LP cleaner. I find that really old fingerprint stains are virtually impossible to remove. So listen to determine if the dirty fingerprints are affecting the sound first.
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