How not to clean records. [Archive]

JBStephens

10-03-2007, 06:25 AM

Over the years, in the quest for ever-cleaner grooves, I've tried many, many things as a record cleaner. So that you can save yourself some time and bother and experimentation, here are a few things that do NOT work as a record cleaning fluid.

Windex
Formula 409
Fantastic
Ammonia
Hydrogen Peroxide
Rain-X
Coke
WD-40
Vinegar
Armor All
Oxy Clean

Windex, however, is great for Edison Diamond Discs, and Rain-X is perfect for cleaning tape heads. Anybody got anything else to add to the list, things that work, or don't?

motorcitydave

10-03-2007, 07:36 AM

This record store I used to go to in Detroit cleaned their used records with windex and paper towels! ugh.

Walt

10-03-2007, 07:39 AM

I'm willing to bet saliva is a no-no.

vinylman

10-03-2007, 07:52 AM

I'm willing to bet saliva is a no-no.

We've all done it when blowing a speck of fluff off a record, though, haven't we?.

Cymbaline

10-03-2007, 08:09 AM

Coke
WD-40

:biglaugh:

Also, NEVER use WD-40 on the gear cluster on your mountain bike.

Curiosity

10-03-2007, 08:49 AM

Lighter fuel. Grrr!

shane

10-03-2007, 08:57 AM

:biglaugh:

Also, NEVER use WD-40 on the gear cluster on your mountain bike.

As a former bike shop mechanic I can't tell you how many times I heard this. Try explaining how chain lube is better to a person that bought their bike at WalMart. "$8........I only $70 for the whole bike!!"

Derek Gee

10-03-2007, 09:17 AM

This record store I used to go to in Detroit cleaned their used records with windex and paper towels! ugh.

That store isn't still in business, is it??!! If so, please PM me the name so I can avoid it! (I live in the Detroit area.)

Derek

JBStephens

10-03-2007, 10:37 AM

I'm willing to bet saliva is a no-no.

Maybe, but sativa makes any record sound better. :righton:

chosenhandle

10-03-2007, 10:49 AM

Over the years, in the quest for ever-cleaner grooves, I've tried many, many things as a record cleaner. So that you can save yourself some time and bother and experimentation, here are a few things that do NOT work as a record cleaning fluid.

Windex
Formula 409
Fantastic
Ammonia
Hydrogen Peroxide
Rain-X
Coke
WD-40
Vinegar
Armor All
Oxy Clean

Windex, however, is great for Edison Diamond Discs, and Rain-X is perfect for cleaning tape heads. Anybody got anything else to add to the list, things that work, or don't?

Rain-X is good for heads? I didn't know that. Doesnt it leave a residue?

LeeS

10-03-2007, 10:49 AM

Windex, however, is great for Edison Diamond Discs, and Rain-X is perfect for cleaning tape heads. Anybody got anything else to add to the list, things that work, or don't?

Windex doesn't even work well on windows as I have discovered in my car detailing hobby.

sushimaster

10-03-2007, 11:06 AM

Quick question, since we're on the topic of cleaning records,

Does anyone here own this carbon fiber dry brush (http://www.sleevetown.com/vinyl-cleaning.shtml)from Sleeve city? Is it any good?

Or should I get the one made by Audioquest (http://www.needledoctor.com/Audioquest-Carbon-Fiber-Brush)?

I have one of those D4 Discwashers/RCA and I feel like I'm just moving the dirt from one spot to another. Thanks.

- Sushimaster

Lord Hawthorne

10-03-2007, 11:07 AM

Some of those cleaners are good if you do a full rinsing afterward.

LeeS

10-03-2007, 11:18 AM

Quick question, since we're on the topic of cleaning records,

Does anyone here own this carbon fiber dry brush (http://www.sleevetown.com/vinyl-cleaning.shtml)from Sleeve city? Is it any good?

Or should I get the one made by Audioquest (http://www.needledoctor.com/Audioquest-Carbon-Fiber-Brush)?

I have one of those D4 Discwashers/RCA and I feel like I'm just moving the dirt from one spot to another. Thanks.

- Sushimaster

I think the Hunt EDA brush is even better.

Bill S

10-03-2007, 11:28 AM

Coke

Yeah, the powder is a b**** to get out of the grooves. :angel:

sushimaster

10-03-2007, 11:33 AM

Thanks LeeS. :righton:
Now back to the daily grime.

- Sushimaster

I think the Hunt EDA brush is even better.

JBStephens

10-03-2007, 11:40 AM

Rain-X is good for heads? I didn't know that. Doesnt it leave a residue?

Yes, it does, and that's what it's supposed to do. It leaves a nice slippery sheen. If water won't stick to your windshield, tape won't stick to your heads. Been using it for years on heads and stationary guides, never a problem, and since it reduces tape-to-head friction, heads should last longer, theoretically. It's rather like Last tape head treatment, which doesn't last any longer than one tape either. Maybe Last tape head treatment IS Rain-X!

bru87tr

10-03-2007, 04:10 PM

interesting. makes sense.

rain-x is good stuff. :)

japes

10-03-2007, 04:17 PM

I'm willing to bet saliva is a no-no.

If not saliva, what about....uh, nevermind.

Ski Bum

10-03-2007, 04:38 PM

I find that sandpaper cleans well but has an adverse effect on tracking. ;)

In a somewhat more serious vein, I have successfully used clear Glass Plus on some particularly difficult stuff stuck in the grooves.

JBStephens

10-03-2007, 05:29 PM

I find that sandpaper cleans well but has an adverse effect on tracking. ;)

No, no, no, sandpaper is only for cleaning CD's.

namahealani

10-03-2007, 05:44 PM

I think the Hunt EDA brush is even better.

Yep, I love that brush (Hunt EDA Mark 6)

pbthal

10-03-2007, 05:59 PM

I actually have a concoction of butane lighter fluid and goo gone with alcohol in a spray bottle for emergency purposes

quicksilverbudie

10-04-2007, 06:26 AM

My bro in-law uses Vinegar and I advised him against it...even though its the clear kind. Works well on sunburns mind you.

sean

LousyTourist

10-04-2007, 01:08 PM

smearing the LP with banana is probably not a good idea.

Nor is dunking it in lighter fluid and giving it a quick light.

In fact, now that I think of it, the list of ways to NOT do things may be so large it would be impossible to house on the planet Earth.

Just a thought.