Cleaning vinyl - am I using this thing right???

...you can also use vpi for brushing as well while it rotates the record. it does have a powerful rotating motor that can be somewhat abused with limited stringth of brush or sponge pressure.

I have used Torumat fluid and the VPI brush for years, on thousands of records, with my 16.5 with few problems. Use enough fluid to really get the record covered and scrub with the brush for 4-5 revolutions. Then use the vacuum tube for as many revolutions as it takes to completely dry the record. Two revolutions isn't enough, use a high intensity florescent light and you'll be able to see when the record is dry. If you get gunk on your stylus you didn't dry it enough, if you get a bunch of static you dryed it to much. Use lots of light!

The angle of the suction tube is important, test it on a few disposable records to determine the correct position. Clean the tube often and replace it when it begins to show signs of loss of effectiveness.

I've had very good results using my VPI 16.5 and distilled water. I gave up mixing in a small % of alcohol.

The VPI has a very high torque motor and as previously mentioned you can apply quite a bit of downward pressure.
You can also really scrub the record (you don't just have to go round and round). Be sure to use plenty of fluid, that's the real advantage to a vacuum system.

However, when all is said and done, you aren't going to be able to remove all ticks and pops. These are seldom caused by dirt lodged into the grooves.
Jim

There have been numerous posts on this subject and there seems to be as many methods for cleaning as there are posters! I began without a vacuum cleaner but now find my VPI 16.5 to be indispensable. I tried a host of products and have settled on a combination of stuff that works well for me. I used to go with an all-LAST routine but now use mostly Record Research products because a get a more “silent” result. I agree with Jim that the removal of every pop and click may never be achieved, but one can try!

FWIW, this is my routine for very dirty records from garage sales and Goodwill, not for albums needing a less thorough cleaning. First, I use a Groovemaster, a device that uses O-Rings to seal off the album labels and provide a good handle to keep fingers off the grooves. Then I head for the sink (I hear the screams already) and fill two meat loaf pans with about two inches of distilled water. In one I put just a couple drops of liquid Ivory soap. Then, while holding on with the Groovemaster, I use one of two flat painting pads with an attached handle that I bought at the hardware store (don’t recall the brand name but they are foam covered with very, very soft and fine fibers). If anyone is interested I will find out the name. These pads are almost the exact width of the grooves and I have SCRUBBED a blank side of an LP with one of these and there was not so much as the tiniest of scratches. I use this “just less than sudsy” one in the direction of the grooves with water/soap solution. Then using the other brush, rinse with plain distilled water. A soft lintless towel is used to pat dry. I f doing several, I will place them in a vinyl dish rack as I go. Off to the VPI, at this point. I will generally apply about 4 drops of RR Super Cleaner and apply with a Clearaudio carbon fiber brush (these are cheap and I think the VPI brush is too coarse), followed by a one-revolution vacuum. If I know it is a record I will play often, I will apply a bit of LAST Record Preservative. After about 30 seconds, I follow with a good dousing of RR Standard Cleaner followed by a two-revolution vacuum. I always swish the vacuum wand in distilled water between sides. If the mood hits, I sometimes apply Gruv-Glide at this point. I have been doing about 1 in 4 records with Gruv-Glide lately to test whether I can hear a difference consistently.

I know, long-winded and anal, but this works for me. Oh, and I use RR #9 Stylus cleaner and brush OFTEN, though not after EVERY record.

Blw, you have the right company (Record Research) but the wrong cleaner. To get the dirty ones clean you must begin with Deep Cleaner, then go with Vinyl wash.

I may have a sample of Deep Cleaner left from the last CES. If I spot you a bottle maybe you could test and write your results in a mini review?

I suggest the after cleaning with either of the RR fluids, you allow the LP six or seven revolutions of vacuum to get it completely dry. As Egrady said in his post, two revolutions are absolutely NOT enough.