Results from Beta Testers of New Formulas

A suggestion on soak time for the Step 1 Enzyme formula.

Several people have been asking "How long should I let the enzyme solution soak the record before removing and proceeding to the next step?" I feel that you should let the enzyme solution soak for at least 5 minutes if possible. There is nothing wrong with occasional brushing during this 5 minute interval.

Enzymes require time to do their work. They are catalytic cleaning agents, i.e., they participate in the chemical reaction of chopping-up proteinaceous soils but they do not get consumed in the process. Without the enzymes, it is nearly impossible to chop-up protein soils without introducing chemical agents that are corrosive to people and probably damaging to the record itself. Enzymes take time to get the job done because of the temperature limitations (it takes energy to drive the reaction) and the dilute nature of the cleaner and low quantities of soil present (it takes time for the enzymes to find the dirt in order to do the work).

It is possible to enhance enzyme activity by warming the enzyme solution. A general rule of thumb for chemical reactions is "For every 18°F temperature increase, the rate of a chemical reaction doubles". First, you would need to be careful on heating so that the solution doesn't get too hot. Excessively hot solution has the potential of warping a record. On the other hand, placing a few milliters of warm enzyme solution on the cooler LP may cool down the enzyme solution fairly quickly (evaporation also cools the solution) such that the heating effort may be a waste of time. If you choose to try heating your enzyme solution, you will need a thermometer and I suggest that you do not exceed 100°F; I personally will never heat my cleaning solutions unless they are really cold (below 70°F). Finally, if your enzyme cleaner consumption rate is very slow, repeated heating may shorten shelf life enough to cause a degradation in performance. Degradation in enzyme performance may take several months to show-up after several heating cycles. Enzymes do not have indefinite shelf-lives so try to make sure you use-up your enzyme solutions within 1-year to be safe.

So, the general recommendation is "Soak at least 5-minutes if you can" in my book. Paul has already proven to himself and me that daily soaking for 30-minutes over a 6-week period showed no detrimental effects on vinyl. Clearly, using 30-minute soak times is excessive because we would be spending more time doing the cleaning process than listening to the records.

Mr. Kidknow

I noted that with my home made and Paul’s cleaners that some surface noises still present after cleaning; but few days later when I listen the same LPs again the surface noises were significantly lesser than before. I assumed that over time the remaining dirt got loose and got cleaned off the record with the needle without causing a noise. When I used the enzyme #1 solution alone, the sound seemed smoother and laid back. I guessed that some of the enzyme still coated the groove and acting as a lubricant. The #2 alcohol solution is to further remove the enzyme. I normally dip the whole record into distilled water to rinse the cleaning solutions before vacuuming. I definitely have Paul’s cleaning solutions around for dirty records.

Mrkidknow,
Some interesting ideas you have there. It makes sense that the longer the enzymatic sits on the surface, the better the chances are for loosening up the proteins and other assorted nasties that get into the grooves.

Never thought about about the gentle heating idea. What method(s) would you suggest to use? Further, should there be a concern about the breakdown in the efficacy of the enzymatic due to repeated heating and cooling of the solution?

Paul, given that, as several have suggested, the first solution may be left on for several minutes, I find that I tend to use more of it on the record to make up for evaporation. Would it make sense for you to sell the first solution in twice the quantity as the second to account for this?

Slipknot ... yes, Mrkidnow remarks on that issue. Repeated heating will break down the enzymes, rendering them less effective. Rather than heating your whole supply, just heat the portion you're going to use.

Placing the enzymatic formula in a container, and then heating it gently with hot water, would work well. Don't get the formula hot: you don't want to melt any modulations. Warm to the touch will work well.

Jyprez, the formulas will be sold under the "Audio Intelligent" brand name. They will be available as concentrates in both 4 oz. glass bottles and 8 oz. Nalgene bottles. Their concentration level is set to be diluted 7:1 with distilled water. So the 4 oz. bottle will make 32 oz. of formulas (1 quart), and the 8 oz. bottle with make 64 oz. of formulas (1/2 gallon).

I will also make the cleaner available in a ready-to-use formula made with ultra-pure water ... sold in 32 oz. HDPE squirt bottles. I hope to set up my ultra-pure rig in the next couple of days.

But specific to your question ... don't be stingy with the cleaner formula: it's what makes sure you get all of the enzymatic, plus oils and grease, off your LP.

Best regards to everyone,
Paul