Removing Record shumz

[TommyTunes]

Does anyone know of a solution that would remove the superficial marks that are left on vinyl when they are stored in the old plastic type bags the leach into the vinyl leaving surface marks. I've tried Disk Doctor, Tourmat, VPI fluids nothing seems to work. I vaguely remember a record solution that used enzymes that was supposed to remove marks. Anyone have any recommendations

[proufo]

They are likely to be etched in the flat surfaces between the grooves so no cleaner will remove them. I don't believe they are audible.

Local pressing were fitted here with a crappy plastic bag, one that would ooze a plasticizer with time, and create a stain such as the one you mention.

[Ronflugelguy]

That is one of the biggest bummers you can have!!!!!!! I've only had two lps ruined that way. watch those inner sleeves!!!!:realmad:

[ArneW]

Enzymes? That's a good idea. Why not experiment with a Dishwasher tablet (no kidding) dissolved in hot water? I remember they use enzymes which allow for a thorough cleaning at much lower temperatures than some years ago.

I mean, I wouldn't try it on a valuable first pressing of some rare Beatles LP, but who knows, it may work.

Arne

[proufo]

Maybe there's a way to polish the surface without affecting the grooves. Gently rubbing it with a cloth pad may do the trick. Might take a long while, though.

[Sckott]

I'm afraid once this happens, the best thing to do is leave it be unless it's affecting the playback. It's also true the marks left on the record are permanent.

[sgraham]

I've seen a number of old UK-pressed but U.S. packaged classical London LPs afflicted with this, unfortunately, and it's all too audible. Also some of the Italian-pressed Beethoven box sets from DGG. I haven't found a cure.

[metalbob]

Is that what those dull spots are on used vinyl that I buy? In many cases, they are in their original sleeves.

Does this mean that the plastic-lined paper sleeves that I have will ruin my records?

[proufo]

Originally posted by metalbob
Is that what those dull spots are on used vinyl that I buy? In many cases, they are in their original sleeves.

Does this mean that the plastic-lined paper sleeves that I have will ruin my records?
Many of mine are in inexpensive platic-lined sleeves. No oozing from them.

It depends on the particular plastic used. If the sleeves haven't oozed in years, I'd guess you and your records are safe.

[metalbob]

Originally posted by proufo

Many of mine are in inexpensive platic-lined sleeves. No oozing from them.

It depends on the particular plastic used. If the sleeves haven't oozed in years, I'd guess you and your records are safe.

I just bought them over the last 8 months or so, so I won't know for some time.

[-=Rudy=-]

SHOOT!!! I bought some LPs that had these crappy plastic-lined sleeves, and while some were OK, others had the plastic liner stuck to the LP. And they played terribly...very noisy, all from the creeping plastic ooze.

What I'm saying "SHOOT!!!" about is that I used to have a cleaner that would get rid of that, and after I ran out, I misplaced the bottle and can't remember the name of it! What I DO know was that I am sure it was made by one of the record vacuum companies (I'm going to say Nitty Gritty), and I'd swear it was something like "#2 Power Cleaner". It was very strong smelling, evaporated quickly, but was said not to damage the vinyl.

So be it. The problem LPs, though, came out like new after being cleaned and vacuumed with that solution, followed by more standard cleaning. LPs I thought I'd have to get rid of are now keepers.

I haven't seen a similarly named product on the market. I really want to get more of this miracle stuff, whatever it was!

[metalbob]

So, are the dull spots I see on some used vinyl from this? They aren't even in plastic sleeves. Does anyone know what that is from?

[sgraham]

The rice-paper and/or glassine-lined (slightly opaque) sleeves seem to be safe. I've avoided the plastic lined replacement sleeve for years after having some of them meld with records.

[-=Rudy=-]

I bought 100 of the "rice paper" sleeves in bulk a few years back...price is much better. I don't know the technical name for the type of plastic, but I believe it is the same type used in the plastic gallon jugs that milk comes in. Mine were an off-brand, but looked and felt exactly the same as the MoFi sleeves I'd bought in the 80's. Think I got mine from the Audio Advisor.