Stylus cleaner

My thoughts are rather along the lines of Bpoletti's regarding the effectiveness of relying entirely on Magic Eraser with a dip 'n dunk technique. I use Magic Eraser after every play, but have always used it with a "sideswipe" and a dunk. I cut the stuff into little 3/16" blocks and glue those to 2" x 1/4" pieces of popsicle sticks. You can use the top 90 degree edge of the little block of ME wipe the side of the stylus and cantilever without dragging the stylus through the fibers. You do need a very steady hand and really good eyesight to do it safely, so be forewarned. I've been "upper case shouted at" on certain other audio websites for even suggesting this. Like I said, I've got a steady hand and I'm really nearsighted. LOL. To tell the truth, I use Stylast because of its purported positive effects on stylus longevity. It would be interesting if there were ever any third party validation of Stylast's claims. I also understand why a cartridge manufacturer is going to recommend against wet cleaning. They have no way of knowing what solvents are going to be used in the myriad variations on the market or if a ham handed individual is going to over apply the liquid.

Photon46. Are you using Lasts stylus cleaner or their Stylast which I think is a fluid to reduce friction. They are different. I've used their stylus cleaner for years now and never had any problems with it. Of course I don't use it every time I play a record but use it once every couple of weeks to remove any baked on gunk that may adhere to the diamond or the cantilever. All of the other times I just use a soft stylus brush to get the loose fluff off each time I play a side of a record. Once again, I never had any problems with this cleaner in terms of loosening up a diamond or any migration problems from the fluid going up the cantilever tube into the cartridge's suspension.

While I have read of others also using Stylast as an effective cleaner, it is clearly not marketed as such. It is sold as a lubricant that is to be applied immediately before playing which reduces friction, improving tracking ability and prolonging the life of the stylus. The LAST company which manufactures Stylast has another liquid product that is intended for stylus cleaning.

Mr_M, the Stylast friction reducing fluid is the product I've used for many years. I once bought their stylus cleaner and it seemed to work just fine, but the results didn't seem to be any better than using Magic Eraser.

Hi Bill_k, ok I see your point. I'll make a note of it.