how to clean records?

[kugino]

so i have a brand new TT coming my way...

but i also have a bunch of vinyl from the 60s onward that are in need of cleaning. what is the best way to clean my records? i don't want to buy a cleaning machine...can you recommend solutions and brushes that will manually do the job? thanks!

 

[bigshot]

If the records are just dusty, distilled water will work fine. For thrift store beaters, you might want to wash them with white vinegar, then rinse in distilled water.

Use brand new sponges and soft towels.

See ya
Steve

 

[kugino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigshot /img/forum/go_quote.gif If the records are just dusty, distilled water will work fine. For thrift store beaters, you might want to wash them with white vinegar, then rinse in distilled water. Use brand new sponges and soft towels. See ya Steve

sounds easy enough. do i want one of those carbon fiber brushes for the grooves?

 

[bigshot]

Once you wash the records, you can maintain them with a record brush. You will also probably want to get clean new paper sleeves. If you put the old one back on the record, it will just get dusty again.

See ya
Steve

P.S. Keep the label dry!

 

[infinitesymphony]

Here are some recipes for creating your own DIY record-cleaning formula:

TNT Audio - How-to: record cleaning devices and fluids

There are some more expensive solutions like the Disc Doctor products that are designed to dry quickly and not leave behind residue on the vinyl. I bought a used set of the fluid and felt brushes from a fellow Head-Fier and they work very well. But when the fluid runs out, I'll definitely give the DIY method a try; paying full price for this cleaning solution (ex. $33/pint) is not in my budget.

Definitely buy a carbon fiber brush. It will get the dust out of the grooves and discharge some of the static electricity that can accumulate on the record.

 

[lini]

If the number of records to be cleaned isn't that high, i.e. for occasional use, the good old Knosti DiscoAntistat is quite a nice manual record cleaning system - over here it's around 40 Euro for the complete kit. The fluid alone is ~ 15 Euro/l, but quite a few people also successfully use their Knostis with some cheap glass cleaner from Schlecker (a market chain over here - comparable to Walgreen's in the US...). Pic and munfaturer info over there: https://ssl.kundenserver.de/knosti.d...d=7&artID=4844

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

 

[kugino]

thanks for the sites...i think i'm gonna try the cheapo 50/50 water-alcohol recipe first. a carbon fiber brush is on the way...

i'm so excited to get my TT soon!! woohoo!