Record Cleaning Machine

For my birthday, I was given a record cleaning machine by my sweetheart. It's from Audio Image. It spins in both directions. It sucks up all the gunk. It's loud. It's powerful. It's made in Malaysia and has that retro-cool appeal to it.

I'm now listening to records I've been too scared to put on the turntable and been to stingy to send out for cleaning. Frank Sinatra rocks man.

Every vinyl enthusiast should have a record cleaning machine. Or you can send them over to me for a clean while you wait and I guarantee to be cheaper than the other purveyors!

But seriously, it's a worthy investment.

Yes, I agree to owning one if can afford. Its a must have if with a large collection of Lp's and they frequently played.

Definitely!

I'm now listening to Harry Belafonte at the Carnegie Hall... it was looking all neglected and dirty but now WOW!!!...

JediSavant,
You're on. I need to clean my vinyls lah.. about a dozen or so..

Bring beer, corn chips, salsa, and your own replacement sleeves! RM3.50 per disc!

Reasonable ah?

A cleaned LP (whatever machine that cleaned it) is XX times better than a rarely cleaned or dirty LP. More distortion than hifi sound.

How muchee from Audio Image? I was looking to purchase the Okki Nokki.

About RM2K, but this unit was a gift and i'm very happy indeed. Good to support local business who produce good quality products.

The best bit I reckon, during the entire record cleaning process, is watching and hearing the power of the vacuum as it sucks up all the cleaning liquid, leaving behind a nicely washed and ready to play record...

Good for you Jedi. And very good for your records and carts too. Apart from saving a ringgit or two in the long run, it's also much more convincing to see and hear the record being cleaned before your own eyes, pretty much like those days when we would sit in front of a washing machine in the local launderette watching our clothes spin and cleaned in its front load window.
I would suggest you keep at least two separate brushes, one for the new LPs and another for the old and dirty ones, cos you don't want to transfer gunk from the old records to the new ones. And it goes without saying that not just the old records require a good clean and suck,the virgin ones would too.

That tip on the brushes makes good sense! Thanks bro!

Which cleaning fluid are you using bro?

How's your little project coming along?

JediSavant wrote:About RM2K, but this unit was a gift and i'm very happy indeed. Good to support local business who produce good quality products.

The best bit I reckon, during the entire record cleaning process, is watching and hearing the power of the vacuum as it sucks up all the cleaning liquid, leaving behind a nicely washed and ready to play record...

Aaahhhh will shortlist thie one from Audio Image as well. Since it will be about the same price as Okki Nokki. Being local will be benefit me more as Okki Nokki, the nearest to get one is from SIngapore.

Better to buy local dude... Product support also easier! Just beware going to Audio Image as it's quite the den of poison...

Am using the ones I acquired from Centre Circle. It's labelled as DIG, from Audio Dynamics from down under. As to my little project, it's all done:)...but still haven't had time to properly furnished it yet. Am taking my time. The rig has been moved there tho, and I think still need to be properly set up. Feel free to come over and any opinion/feedback will be appreciated.
Which cleaning liquid are u using at the moment? Have heard of some DIY concoctions involving alcohol and distilled water, but haven't got the guts to try them myself.

JediSavant wrote:Bring beer, corn chips, salsa, and your own replacement sleeves! RM3.50 per disc!

Reasonable ah?

If bring one merchandise of the "Russian Variety" ... how much then ?

If like that, ahh...

No, a Jedi does not succumb to such temptations, not even BAD MOFO JEDIs...

JediSavant wrote:If like that, ahh...

No, a Jedi does not succumb to such temptations, not even BAD MOFO JEDIs...

Listen to hifi safely Jedi...use rubber heheheheh

...and CLEAN vinyl!!...

JediSavant wrote:...and CLEAN vinyl!!...

Make sure also the TONEARM is the right length and size when listening to a Russian piece. If not, minimal satisfaction.

elhefe wrote:

JediSavant wrote:...and CLEAN vinyl!!...

Make sure also the TONEARM is the right length and size when listening to a Russian piece. If not, minimal satisfaction.

really joker statement

fizi wrote:

elhefe wrote:

JediSavant wrote:...and CLEAN vinyl!!...

Make sure also the TONEARM is the right length and size when listening to a Russian piece. If not, minimal satisfaction.

really joker statement

TGIF mood........

tmahmood wrote:Am using the ones I acquired from Centre Circle. It's labelled as DIG, from Audio Dynamics from down under. As to my little project, it's all done:)...but still haven't had time to properly furnished it yet. Am taking my time. The rig has been moved there tho, and I think still need to be properly set up. Feel free to come over and any opinion/feedback will be appreciated.
Which cleaning liquid are u using at the moment? Have heard of some DIY concoctions involving alcohol and distilled water, but haven't got the guts to try them myself.

I'm using a liquid organic cleaner that was kindly supplied along with the cleaning machine. This product is available from AMWAY and just needs to be diluted with distilled water and is alcohol free.

I've heard that alcohol is a no-no when it comes to cleaning vinyl as it eventually degrades the vinyl.

And yes! let's set up a session for your project!

Jedi,

R u using LOC (AMWAY)...? if yes same as mine method..may i know how much dilution did they advise

thanks

fizi wrote:Jedi,

R u using LOC (AMWAY)...? if yes same as mine method..may i know how much dilution did they advise

thanks

Ohhh... the secret has been EXPOSED !

mugenfoo wrote:

fizi wrote:Jedi,

R u using LOC (AMWAY)...? if yes same as mine method..may i know how much dilution did they advise

thanks

Ohhh... the secret has been EXPOSED !

SECRET??????....my uncle using this LOC since pass 20 years

p/s - only want to know other dilution scale

Waaaahhhh I was at one time an AMWAY dealer.....multipurpose also this LOC yaaa

I used Glass/Window cleaning detergent~~~

I suppose most formulate out of one's own intelligence and imagination what solution is best cleaning stuff for their records. In these few years I seem to hear glass cleaners in use.

I wouldn't use this even if I had bottles of them at home, let it remain strictly used for upkeeping glass, nothing else. Amway LOC? thats something I've used around my home for decades now and always at least 1 bottle of it around for household chores including wiping clean hifi gear. Its really a wonderful and non-damaging cleaner in nearly all cases. I did spoil one CD with it (unexplanable todate) which somehow dissolved the printed surface to a minor degree.

A high quality dish washing liquid (diluted of course, and I use a very specific brand), thats something I'd use 1st round to wash used and filthy records acquired from anywhere.

As for Amway LOC, a couple of drops to a litre of water would be just right for most jobs. Its actually concentrated stuff and a bottle can last a long long time if prudently diluted. Its not cheap nowadays, haven't been intouch of its current price. I cannot do without it at home.

I cannot confirm if this is true or not but apparently one of the things listed on the Amway LOC bottle is that it can be used to clean records. Can someone who has LOC at home confirm this ?

Doesn't mention the word "record" or anything of that sort on the label.

Does mention others commonly found in a home.

Extract from back label.

Effective on all washable surfaces throughout the home, linoleum, tile, sealed wood,tubs, marble, cabinets, washable walls, painted woodwork, and doorknobs. Effective, mild hand cleanser for gentle removal of grease and dirt.

Its merely a general purpose household and SAFE to use cleaner.
Mine's an old bottle, don't know if new and latest bottle says anything else.

WongKN wrote:I cannot confirm if this is true or not but apparently one of the things listed on the Amway LOC bottle is that it can be used to clean records. Can someone who has LOC at home confirm this ?

Im not so sure on that because my sticker details at the bottles already worn off...my uncle use LOC for 20 years all his vinyl still like new condition...only need to know others dilution method...mine 5 drops to normal size hand spray (1 liter or less..)

I better check out if I have some LOC left.. thanks guys!

WongKN wrote:I cannot confirm if this is true or not but apparently one of the things listed on the Amway LOC bottle is that it can be used to clean records. Can someone who has LOC at home confirm this ?

The unker at Audio Image recommends LOC la...

...and I'm gonna spray some LOC juice on some Licorice Pizza now for some Spread n Suck action... Ooohhh Yeah....

hmmmmm......LOC will increase the price soon

There's another product from Amway, unsure if its still available. Dish Drops, should be another good product, but then again there's other local choice, since Amway products isn't exactly cheap.

Man, I just rescued an old Sinatra album... Moldy as all hell... looks and sounds just brilliant now.... so smooth man... Oh Oh Oh....

Ah, I see. Thanks for all the feedback. Yeah its true, we (AI regulars) have been using the LOC solution for years. I myself am quite happy with the solution and don't see any need to change to something else.

About the alcohol, some people will put a few drops of alcohol into a 1 litre dilution of LOC (I don't know the dilution ratio though, maybe the LOC bottle might have it). But it is true that many people don't like or trust the use of alcohol on their records. I myself put around 10 drops or so of pure alcohol into a 1.5litre bottle of diluted LOC from 'that' shop. Has been doing that over the past few years. I guess it is entirely up to the individual what to use.

All this discussion about cleaning records is good....but all of you forgot the most important part of the discussion.

We should emphasise this first before discussing how important cleaning is.......

All of you forgot to...

JediSavant wrote:For my birthday, I was ......

Wish this guy happy birthday hahahahaha...

Jedi...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE....

Muchos Gracias Oh Grande El-Hefe!!!

Si Si Senor Jedi....

Yeah. Happy birthday mate. Btw, how heavy were your hints for your better half To actually know what to get you for your birthday?

Thanks, and I didn't hint, I just told her outright. No point beating around the bushes save to scare out some butterflies!

elhefe wrote:All this discussion about cleaning records is good....but all of you forgot the most important part of the discussion.

We should emphasise this first before discussing how important cleaning is.......

All of you forgot to...

JediSavant wrote:For my birthday, I was ......

Wish this guy happy birthday hahahahaha...

Jedi...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE....

How blind are we

Happy birthday dude!!! im celebrating the next 4 days

I'll be celebrating all week! Each time I clean a record it's like popping champagne!

WongKN wrote:Ah, I see. Thanks for all the feedback. Yeah its true, we (AI regulars) have been using the LOC solution for years. I myself am quite happy with the solution and don't see any need to change to something else.

About the alcohol, some people will put a few drops of alcohol into a 1 litre dilution of LOC (I don't know the dilution ratio though, maybe the LOC bottle might have it). But it is true that many people don't like or trust the use of alcohol on their records. I myself put around 10 drops or so of pure alcohol into a 1.5litre bottle of diluted LOC from 'that' shop. Has been doing that over the past few years. I guess it is entirely up to the individual what to use.

[quote]

Most of the major brands of cleaning fluid such as Nitty Gritty and Keith Monks would have alcohol in the mixture. Probably to help remove residue in the grooves. It's only the older shellac records that cannot take any form of alcohol. Apparently alcohol will make these records drunk and useless
Window cleaners are usually strong alkalies so they are not really gentle on PVC unless it's totally diluted. Then again if it's too diluted, you won't get any foam to dissolve the dirt. To go clean, records like to be sucked so the issue of residue is not critical. But for those who towel or tissue dry after a cleaning job, you may want to check whether your liquid leaves behind any residue. The best way is to let some liquid dry on clear glass. If you see some residue then you know your records are similarly stained!

Once saw a seller spraying glass cleaner and wiping them dry at old Lp's for eventual sale. I reckon sellers like this don't care. Profit is above anything else.

Its perhaps true that there would be some solvent (alcohol or spirits) in any commercial LP cleaner solution. They have to ensure it works despite whatever conflict of opinion that this and that ain't good for Lp's. Products are products and its out to please the majority to get the job done. As with other cleaning products, the risk is entirely yours. For fussy nit picking people, I reckon, you'd just have to formulate your own solution you think best. Commercial products can't possibly please everyone. If it doesn't mostly clean, they're likely gonna have bad ratings and a unsaleable product on their hands.

Non-exhaustive, but a good starting guide:

Bad list:
Window & glass cleaners
Hand soap
Petroleum solvents / distillates
Dishwashing liquid
Laundry detergent
Paint Thinner
Turpentine
isopropyl Alcohol
Ethanol (thats right, don't spill beer, wine, vodka, Brandy, Sherry, whisky, etc... on your beloved vinyls)
Permatex Fast Orange
Motul Parts-Cleaner / Brake-cleaner Spray (and equivalents)
...anything that contains caustic soda.

Safe list:
Distilled or R.O. water (actually filtered tap water is also fine)
Amway L.O.C. (diluted, if in doubt, go with the most watery mixture)
Specialty brands purpose cleaning fluid (ie. Clearaudio) (u pay a premium).
Some specially formulated homebrew diesel+some other mixture used by a certain LP grandmaster to remove stubborn stains, but needs to be rinsed off immediately to avoid any long-term damage.

After each clean I rinse it with distilled battery water. Then wipe dry with super absorbing sponge.. Last time using dish washing detergent, but fill that glass detergent is least likely to leave behind water stain...
IMO, as long as u r not soaking it in alcohol, is should be safe. After all the record isn't really that fragile.

BTW... battery water isn't distilled water. Battery water actually has added zinc ions for conductivity.

Distilled or RO water for drinking is much safer.

Darn it, u sure about that? Gonna redo everything again. Anyway, thanks for the info.