I was brought up in the understanding that the least human contact a record has the better it would perform and the longer it would last, Therefore I have always had a healthy respect for this media and never touched the surface of a record unless absolutely necessary and as technology developed over the decades I adopted the same policy with CDs, Mini Disks and where possible magnetic tape. I still think it is a good policy but in the real world records do get marked, they do get dusty and they do need cleaning just like everything else in life. So today I want to look at two ends of the spectrum in record cleaning. That means the expensive way and the economic way.
For professionals and record enthusiasts we have a selection of efficient machines available, two made by VPI, the HW165 and the HW15 and by Moth the RCM MkII. These machines operate with two phases, firstly by working a degreasing agent deep into the groove of a record, breaking down oil and grease which would attract a build up of dust and detritus giving rise to surface noise, swishes, clicks and ticks. The second phase is a drying process. The units operate at slow speed with a bi-directional motion allowing the degreasing agent to be pumped into the groove attacking the dirt from both directions and then vacuumed away.
VPIHW16
Record with finger prints and debris
The picture here shows a vinyl record where an attempt had been made to clean it with a detergent and tap water. As you can see this approach leaves its own film which creates even more surface noise. Click on the photos for a more detailed view
A cheaper solution involves shopping not in your local Hi Fi store but at your nearby garage and purchasing a container of concentrated car screen wash and a container of distilled water. Mix one part screen wash with three parts distilled water and with a soft cloth, which will not shed particles, apply the mixed solution to the groove of the record following the line of the groove. Do this in both directions using plenty of the solution. Then rinse the record at a sink with the distilled water removing all the solution and debris. With another soft dry cloth wipe off the residue from the vinyl and let the record stand to air dry perhaps for 10 – 12 hours (do not play the record while it is wet) an empty dishwasher or plate stand is ideal for this. Never use tap water or washing up detergents as these will leave a film and cause surface noise.
Distilled Water and Screen Wash
Applying the Solution to the record with a soft cloth
Rinse off the solution with distilled water
This latter cleaning method is ideal if you are a club dj where the nature of the job involves handling the surface of the record, a trip to your nearby garage will breathe new life into the vinyl and save you over £500 by not having to buy the VPI or the Moth machines!
Use another clothe to dry the record
Leave the record to air dry for about 12 hours
Tags: Audio Restoration, Damaged Materials, Vinyl