I did record cleaning mthod survey on FB.
Posted to the Analog Player Club on 2021/12/22 at 9:45 AM
Survey Results Report, Part 3: Record Cleaning
Thank you very much to those who responded to the survey. We received responses from 26 people, so I would like to share the results. Multiple answers were allowed, so I believe some people may use a combination of methods. It may also be that the respondents are particularly interested in this subject, but more than half of them used a mechanical record cleaner. This shows that everyone is employing various creative methods. Even though records are becoming popular again, the variety of records being reissued cannot match those released in the past, and re-releases of the same records are rare. Considering records as a cultural heritage, the importance of these types of record cleaners is significant. I personally use VPI's HW-16.5 and a tonearm-style cleaner, and by cleaning a record twice, I have managed to eliminate scratch noise completely from some records.
Question 1
I use a fully automatic (ultrasonic cleaning → automatic drying) record cleaner (e.g., KLAUDiO's CLN-LP200). ⇒ 3 respondents
Question 2
I use a cleaner that applies a cleaning solution, manually washes the record, and then vacuums the liquid off (e.g., VPI's HW-16.5). ⇒ 9 respondents
Question 3
I use an ultrasonic cleaner (e.g., CGOLDENWALL's LST-275-1).
For those who answered that they use an ultrasonic cleaner: How do you dry the record after washing? (e.g., wipe with a cloth, natural drying; please provide comments.) ⇒ 2 respondents
- Vacuum with VPI HW16.5, then natural drying
Question 4
I use a tonearm-style cleaner while playing records (e.g., Audio-Technica's AT-6001). ⇒ 1 respondent
Question 5
I manually clean records using a velvet or similar cleaner (e.g., Audio-Technica AT6012a). ⇒ 13 respondents
Question 6
For those who answered they use a velvet or similar cleaner: Do you use a cleaning solution? ⇒ 7 respondents
Question 7
I use a brush-style cleaner (e.g., Mugast's LP Cleaning Brush). ⇒ 7 respondents
Question 8
I use a roller-style cleaner (e.g., Yixintech's Vinyl Record Cleaner). ⇒ 3 respondents
Are there any other tips or methods you've come up with for using record cleaners? (e.g., I always wash the record twice for the initial cleaning; please provide comments.)
- I listen to the records after fully wrapping them in record packs. If noise remains, I repeat the process.
- I wipe by hand several times using water-diluted ethanol with a small amount of neutral detergent and cotton pads. After trying various methods, this worked best for me.
- I wash records with dish detergent, rinse with water, and let them air dry. Each time, I use a Braun anti-static brush to remove dust before playing.
- My main cleaner is a Klaudio, but I also occasionally use a smartphone silicone roller as a secondary tool.
- It's strange that this option wasn't listed, but many people apply various cleaning solutions to the record, spread the liquid across the surface with cotton, and then wipe it off in a circular motion. I believe most people use this method. Those who use machines for cleaning are likely a minority.
- I use a PRO TEC Washing Brush with neutral detergent and water in the sink.
- OYAG is effective at cleaning records thoroughly.
- I use a mixture of distilled water, anhydrous ethanol, and Dr. Well.
- I only use a self-made record pack for cleaning and no other cleaners.
- I wash records with toothpaste and detergent, rinsing them with water.
- I use synthetic chamois for car cleaning as a final wipe after vacuuming.
).
