Cleaning Records Revisited - It's All About the Process

After cleaning thousands of records, I've reached a conclusion...
It’s not about the perfect solution. It’s about the process. Do you need machines? You don’t. I like them for the convenience they provide but it really boils down to two steps. Washing and rinsing. In this video I'll cover what I consider the essentials.
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Written & Produced by Rick Coste
You can learn more about Rick and his work at RickCoste.com

[@blueriverlore]

I use Spin-Clean for the initial cleaning. I then move it over to my Nitty Gritty with Fluid Injection to vacuum up all the cleaning fluid left behind by the Spin-Clean. I then pump distilled water and do a rinse followed by a vacuum... twice. Works for me!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Perfect system!

[@jamescabaniss5857]

I have always hated vinyl records. My first record was Baby Elephant Walk by Henry Mancini (1967?). But to me it was a piece of plastic being scratched (i.e. worn out) in order to play it, what?. I really disliked the method. I then bought "Baby don't Go" by 'Them'. A very big WOW song, but it is still being scratched up in order to play it. Then I discovered tape. OMG, I was hooked. Much smaller format, did not get scratched, you could play it in your car, portable, re-tapeable, etc. Except for a very few exceptions (Johnny Winter's Progressive Blues Project), I never bought another record.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I get it. I know quite a few folks who love tape - even the reel to reel variety. It's all about the enjoyment 😎

[@NoEgg4u]

I use a VPI 16.5 machine, with Musical Surrounding's "record time" fluid. It takes 3 seconds to mount the record to the platter, and 3 seconds to spread the fluid, and 6 seconds to use the brush (two rotations), and 6 seconds to vacuum the record (two rotations -- although the record appears completely dry after one rotation with the vacuum). Then, flip the record and repeat. It does bother me, just a bit, that the just cleaned side of the record will now be flipped and touch the platter on which the dirty side of the record was touching. There are machines that address that. Alas, I am not going down that road, due to the expense, as well as trying to figure out what issues any of those two-sided machines might have. My 16.5 is a pleasure to use, and feels like it will never break down. So the single sided cleaning, I'll just live with. After a cleaning, visually, the record appears to be spotless. To get at what I can't see, I have an AudioDesk ultrasonic machine, to break apart and remove the microscopic debris in the grooves -- and it is a two-sided machine. But I have found that the 16.5 machine appears to get 99.9% of the job done, and so I rarely use the ultrasonic machine. The ultrasonic machine requires distilled water, and expensive chemicals, and it all evaporates. It also takes the longest. And for that time, effort, and expense, I am not sure that I can hear the benefit (and I have a revealing system, and critical listening skills). If I could keep only my 16.5 machine, or my ultrasonic machine, I would keep the former. It is fast and does an outstanding job. Also, my ultrasonic machine (and maybe all ultrasonic machines) are designed to get at the microscopic debris. For visually dirty records, the cavitation performed by the ultrasonic machine will not clear off caked on dirt. There are videos of people showing and stating that they had to run their records through the ultrasonic process 3 or more times, with a dirty record. With my 16.5 machine, it would take a single, fast run. Then into the ultrasonic machine, if that is deemed desirable. I liken my 16.5 machine to running my car through a car wash. I liken my ultrasonic machine to the staff that then wipes down whatever little crevasses might still have a speck of dirt. Rick, I would be more inclined to use my ultrasonic machine, if the darn chemicals were not so expensive. You spoke about surfactants and emulsifiers. Do you need both? Are there products that contain both? Will they work properly if they are both mixed in with my distilled water? Lastly, will they break the bank? I have no objection to using them, if the cost is reasonable. The tiny AudioDesk bottles (the size of your thumb -- and no oz. value printed on the label) I believe cost $25 or $50, each (hard to remember, because I stopped using the machine). You dump the entire bottle into the machine. After a few weeks, it evaporates. So I just stopped using it. But if the bottles you showed are reasonably priced, I would love to use my ultrasonic machine, again.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

The VPI is a great machine from what I've read in the past. I'm very happy as well with my vacuum machine and the spin-clean after. I'll forever be curious about an ultrasonic step and one of these days I will buy one. To answer your question - tergitol is both a surfactant/emulsifier as is Liquinox. I would recommend Tergikleen as its a mix of two types of tergitol and is alcohol free. It's not very expensive, you only mix 10-20 drops with a gallon of distilled water, and it will last a long time. I'm trying out the Pro-Ject Wash It 2 right now since its Pro-Ject's proprietary blend and it seems to be doing a great job. I haven't been able to figure out the surfactant/emulsifier it uses but it definitely uses one and it is also alcohol free. Some folks are ok with products containing isopropyl alcohol and that's ok - just don't use it on a shellac record.

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Another great vinyl vlog ! I love and prefer vinyl records but keeping them clean, dust free, without crackles and pops or worse skips certainly can be frustrating.....but still worth it.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Bobby! I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed the cleaning process but it's a necessary evil. 🤣

[@Dave-if5qj]

I know that the mofi fluid does not Use any suffectent in there formulas They claim that a good brush will bring Dirt up to the surface to be cleaned But I prefer a cleaner with a good Surfacent

[@georgeb1364]

My method is very simple. I have a I have a two-piece suction-cup looking device that clamps together through the spindle hole. This protects the label when I rinse the record off using the sprayer in the kitchen sink. On a used record I may find i might use a little diluted detergent with a record brush and then rinse off again with the kitchen sink sprayer. Shake off the rinse water than final rinse with distilled water and let dry. With the center clamp still in place to keep the record from laying flat, set aside to dry.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Sounds perfect

[@fredjohnson9856]

After many years (40+) of cleaning & playing records, and going through all the methods you talk about and others, I have ended up using ultrasonic. I am old and lazy and ultrasonic is easy. I use a solution of distilled water with a couple drops of surfactant, and some of 99% isopropyl alcohol (to cut fingerprint oil etc, I know OMG alcohol). Mount the records - push the button - bake a cake....have clean wonderful sounding records. I use ultrasonic is because it sounds better then any other method I have ever tried, and it is easy. It's all about the music.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks Fred. Ultrasonic is the one method I haven't tried yet. Do you mind if I ask which one you have?

[@tonyvaldiconza3914]

I started with one Spin Clean unit, then realized it would be much easier to use two. One just for cleaning and the other only for rinsing. I use the Big Fudge cleaning brush and fluid on every record.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Two Spin Cleans definitely get the job done. I considered doing that as well.

[@crsirias08]

Rick if you where to use two spin cleans how would you change your process?

[@retromusings]

Very helpful video. I have the Project compact vacuum machine and it has performed miracles with a number of my used records. I have never rinsed any of the vinyl though. Enjoyed watching. Very informative. Thanks.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I've been very pleased with the Pro-Ject myself 😀

[@gregalee]

I use an Okki Nokki vacuum record cleaner and do a Tergikleen cycle with a goat hair brush followed by a distilled water rinse cycle. After I had to take apart the machine to do some maintenance, I was concerned about one thing that is more or less common to all vacuum machines. It's essentially a miniature wet-shop-vac with a small reservoir that catches the grungy fluid it sucks off the record. You have to dump this reservoir after a few records or else it will become full. I dump mine into a glass water bottle that I dump down the drain. The liquid is a disgusting slurry of gunk. Thus my problem. The vacuum inside has a vent in the bottom where it blows air out. This air has passed through the reservoir on its way to the wet vac. It is essentially aerosolizing some of that mold and other garbage and blowing it out into the room. There's no real way to prevent this. For this reason, I recommend anyone who uses a vacuum machine remove their vacuum arm wand and drop some isopropyl alcohol down into the reservoir before starting a cleaning routine. This will kill off any bacteria and mold that might be hanging out inside your machine waiting to be blown around the room!

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thank you for this! Both of my machines do a similar thing with the air venting and I never considered this. Without knowing the internal workings, or ever having taken it apart, I am going to use your advice about the isopropyl before cleaning.

[@FrightfulMess]

I use the vinyl Dirt Destroyer XPF-67 Mk VI, which utilizes phase distortion technology and hyper synthesized molecular modeling to viciously yet gently shift the phase polarity of the crux field surrounding the grooves, enabling the modeler to identify dirt, crud, oil, grease, and that nasty stuff the manufacturers leave on your record, and remove them from the grooves and surfaces of the record without physically altering their solid state characteristics, leaving your record with a nice, shiny surface you can see yourself in, removing all those irritating clicks and pops, and adding thousands of dollars of perceived value to your collection. And you too can have your very own VDD-XPF-67 Mk VI for a mere deposit of (if you have to ask you can't afford this so just move on if that's the case) and a willingness to endure a minor occupation on our waiting list of mere years.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Oh man - you got me! Before even reading the entire comment I was like, "hmmm...that's a new one to me" and looked it up, only to find zero reference of it - and THEN I read the rest of your comment. If it was April 1st that would have been the perfect April Fool's joke. Great description too by the way!

[@FrightfulMess]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords LOL! I’m glad you finally caught on to my little joke! The only thing exceeding my fictions are some of the more expensive and equally ridiculous electronic wonders of the audiophile age……

[@gopalakrishnasrinivasan1162]

Hi, I watch your channel from time to time and I enjoy it. This one was useful and the one on the holy grail was nice. BTW I did check that song "Do you know what I mean" and its awesome. Gopala from Mumbai

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Gopala! Thank you for comment and kind words. I hope all is well on your end!

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

I had the Discwasher brush to start with in the 70s. I kept my records clean long before the current wet methods. Then I cleaned the collection with the Spin Clean. Eventually I got an Okki Nokki. Fast forward now have the Degritter. I'm impressed with it's technology and the playback is my confirmation. I still use all 3 or a variation depending on whether the vinyl is new or used / dirty. Good topic. Greg

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I'm jealous about the Degritter!

[@TheReal1953]

I have such nostalgia for Discwasher that I collected them in the early 2000's. But I don't use them anymore. As Rick said, the GrooveWasher people are some of the same old Discwasher people....with a twist. They've completely modernized the fluids and process. I've used nearly every stylus cleaning method out there, but find their stylus cleaner and brush give me the best results under a microscope and sonically. As far as their record cleaning, it's a way to get into it with the least amount spent....much better than nothing. At the very least, you should be doing that and saving for a better system.

[@VinylRescue]

I bought a Nitty-Gritty vacuum machine about 9-10 years ago and I've used to clean my entire collection. Now I just do spray and clean with either my Disc Washer or my soft Nagaoka LP cleaner. I make my own cleaning solution recipe that I got from an engineer from NASA. It's sort of on the lines of what you listed in your video and has done me well over the years. And yes, distilled water is a must and I always use it to rinse after a deep clean.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

If you ever care to share that recipe but don't wish to do it here you can contact me at my website (my email is there too): joyofvinyl.com/contact/. 😀

[@VinylRescue]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I've been using Paul's recipe for the past 5 years and it works great for me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITbY5etrqmjZ9U

[@jameshelms9008]

I now use cleanervinyl easy6 for less than $700 you have ultrasonic record cleaner that works great. I can clean 6 records every hour. I use the standard 40 khz cleaner with no problems.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Really dirty ones, Dawn, distilled water and a Baby brush you can buy for 2 bucks. It gets them old records squeaky clean. Oh yeah, and a record label protector

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I used to use Dawn in my solution as well!

[@carriestuart9921]

Hi Rick...I'm sitting up late here out west in the mountain time zone and have been spinning vinyl all night since getting home around 8 pm. 2 nights ago, I was doing much the same thing while cleaning and re-sleeving (new word) a bunch of records from my vintage collection. What's new about that is the new ultrasonic cleaning machine I just received over the past weekend. I took the plunge and splashed out for a Humminguru (because I'm super lazy) and I wanted a deep cleaning device to reach well down into the grooves of my half century old pressings in the hope that I will be able to reduce some of the surface noise my microline stylus can pick up. The nude elliptical cartridge also picks up some noise from certain records but it's not as discerning as the micro line. I had to wait a day or 2 for some surfactant to arrive before I started to experiment with the new machine. I'm not sure if the cleaning process has managed to remove too much in the way of ticks or pops, but it does leave the record less conductive to static and it sure looks black and shiny after a bath. I'll need to do a before and after cleaning experiment with my headphones to listen carefully to the deep surface noise to ascertain the ultrasonic's abilities to reduce that noise floor. So far, I'm enjoying the process but I'm now thinking about buying a spin clean for a rinse cycle, because the Humminguru goes from wash to drain to blow dry. I like the idea of vacuuming away the bath water and then rinsing before drying. I think that's good advice and recommendation on your part to always do a rinse. Thank you for that. As usual, an interesting and thought provoking video. Cheers from out on the cold Canadian prairies. 😁🎧🎶

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Carrie! Things are cooling down here in New England as well. Preparing for the chill of winter and those southward blowing Canadian winds. As you continue to use the Humminguru I would love to hear more about your experience with it. I've cast sideways glances at it for a while now. It's definitely the more affordable of the ultrasonic solutions that are out there. Cheers! 🎶

[@kurjan1]

I only use ultrasonic with pure distilled water. Nothing else. When you see the garbage that comes off the record just using this method it's often frightening. My philosophy is; I don't want anything touching the disc surface. Same as washing a car. If you don't touch the paint you won't get swirl marks right.?! No touchy touchy, no scratchy scratchy.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Lol - exactly. What ultrasonic are you using?

[@kurjan1]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Kirmuss Audio KA-RC-1 240V Ultrasonic Vinyl Restoration System.

[@TheReal1953]

@@kurjan1Kirmuss presents himself with a white lab coat to give the illusion that he is a scientist of some sort. He is not. And if you go to his site, you will see that Fremer indeed, took him to task from the beginning that he was possibly promoting snake oil and to prove the science behind his machine. I remember those exchanges at the audio shows early on, they were highly entertaining. But......if you read a quote from Fremer on his website, he seems to have modified some of his earlier opinions about Kirmuss and his machine. And finally, they got some real experts in to verify Kirmuss' claims, although Krimuss himself has changed his own litany over the yrs. I notice a lot of accessories with his machine.....he'll get you price-wise one way or the other. If you want to 'play' ultrasonics you're going to 'pay' is pretty much my conclusion at present.

[@TBNTX]

Speaking for me, something like a Spin-clean or a Degritter doesn't get the real "gunk" out of the grooves. This is why I use an ultrasonic cleaner (Kirmuss Audio's KA-RC-1). In my experience, after using to clean som new-to-me old vinyl, I can plainly see debris at the bottom of the tank. DISCLAIMER: I do not represent any vendors named. I am speaking only from my own experience.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Some day I am going to bring a Kirmuss home too 😎

[@7JANEWAY]

My current process is: first, I use the carbon fiber brush to get the surface dirt off the record. If it still needs more cleaning, then I use the Groovewasher like you show in the video. Usually these two methods, alone or together, will do the trick. But if they don’t, then I use the SC. I recently had a record that I used all three steps on, and it still had clicks and pops. After all of that, I had to conclude that I was hearing damage to the vinyl. There’s nothing you can do about that. But most records don’t need all three steps. I tried an ultrasonic machine. But it didn’t, as far as I could tell, do substantially better than the above method. Plus, unless you’re cleaning several records at a time, it doesn’t justify (to me at least) the extra expense of the machine. I usually don’t clean records until they need it, so I’m usually only doing one or two at a time. That doesn’t necessitate an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

That makes perfect sense. It’s really the process that gets the best results and it sounds like you’ve nailed it. As you said, if someone encounters damaged vinyl there’s nothing you can do.

[@crsirias08]

Great video. Do you re-clean your records every x months or years or after a deep clean is a matter of just maintenance with a brush?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Carlos! Mainly just maintenance after the initial clean. I somewhat let my ears be the judge. If I hear a pop or two it usually means it needs to be cleaned. If I get clumsy (which I do!) and touch a record's surface with my fingers, I'll also clean it to remove the oils.

[@crsirias08]

Awesome. Thank you. Love your channel and the pace of it As well as the science and research you present.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Nice video. Thanks for that. Depending on the prevailing cleanliness of the record, I use one or both of a vacuum cleaning machine (the Moth is better than the Project, in my experience) and a Humminguru ultrasonic. The latter effectively provides a rinse cycle. I explained it all in a video that's easily found on my own channel, where I explain my method and why the Moth is 'better' than the Project. 👍🏻

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thanks David - I'll check out the video! I like the idea of using the Humminguru as the rinse. Question on that - what does it do with fingerprints - how does it handle them if at all? A vacuum doesn't get at them but the Spin-Clean rinse cycle does. Curious if the Humminguru does? (I'm talking about used records that come into my possession with fingerprints - and even new ones!).

[@carriestuart9921]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I think I can answer that one about finger prints even with my very limited use at this point. (25 records) It sucks! It does nothing to remove anything oily on the surface. At least, not with just surfactant in the water. I've watched videos where people have added 100% alcohol to their distilled water/surfactant solution and they've stated that the alcohol breaks down oily or greasy spots on the record surface. I haven't tried that yet, but I think I'd prefer to adopt a manual brushing of the record with a solution prior to giving it the ultrasonic treatment in the HGuru to try to break down any oily prints.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Thank you for that! I have a feeling I'll end up purchasing one myself sooner or later. :)

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Hi Rick, Despite me owning a Humminguru for several months now, I haven't truly put it through its paces. I rarely buy beat-up records these days, and when I do I always do the vacuum cleaning first, and then if it's looking good, I'll finish it off through the Humminguru. Mostly, though, I've used the latter on new records that, on first play, reveal signs of dirt and static. So, for fingerprints, it's the vacuum for me.

[@adamlemons7909]

Another great video useful for vinyl junkies at every level! My wife and I cleaned our new and growing collection of gently and not so gently used 13 albums on Wednesday using the Spin Clean. With both of us in an assembly-line fashion Henry Ford would have marveled at we had them cleaned, dried, re-dried, in new sleeves and jackets, and back in their alphabetical home in less then an hour. 4 hands with specific tasks definitely made the process smooth and fast. On a completely unrelated topic, we have recently purchased a few different mat options to replace the felt that our turntable came with. Rubber, cork, a cork/rubber hybrid and acrylic. I have a newbie question… all of them have 2 sides that differ. One side is completely flat while The other side has a cut out around the spindle area about the diameter of the label. OK, are you ready for the question? Please feel free to roll around on the floor laughing before answering, lol! Which side goes up??? :-) Blessings

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Adam! I didn't laugh - I smiled - because I am pretty sure I asked the same question once when I first began to experiment with mats. Quick answer - the side with the cut out goes up, the flat side goes down. I've personally tried all but the pure cork mat. I'm currently using a cork/rubber hybrid. I like it as it helps with vibrations (external vibrations, even small ones, are the enemy). The acrylic is also a great option when it comes to reducing static (it has to do with the triboelectric effect). I can't wait to hear what you and your wife's ears settle on after testing them out. (and great assembly line teamwork!!).

[@adamlemons7909]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords thank you so much! I will definitely keep you posted as we listen to the effects the different mats have on the overall sound. One follow-up if I may. I have ordered a record weight/stabilizer from audioTechnica and was wondering if I should or if there was any issue/concern with that much weight being placed on the unsupported area of the record where the mat recess is not supporting the record or am I just being over analytical, lol! It could also be that since I have never used or even seen a record weight that the diameter is slightly larger than that cut out which would make my question all but irrelevant :-) Thanks in advance for any opinions/direction. Blessings

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hey @@adamlemons7909 - no worries at all with that record weight. I purchased the same one a few years ago for my brother for his turntable (his was the same model you have). It will work just fine. I typically don't use them for 180 gram records or above only because of the little extra strain on my belt, but with standard records that concern isn't really there.

[@adamlemons7909]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Perfect! Thank you for always being there to answer my questions :-)

[@neilfisher7999]

Very good information here. Rick, I wish I was as fastidious as you are when cleaning records. But, hey, I do at least clean them before playing so that is something. I like the spin clean and the groove washer systems for their value propositions. The spin clean takes some time and effort but it seems like it does a pretty good job for me. Off the subject, but I just recently discovered the band, "Fanny". An all girl band from the early 70's. Wow! I can't believe I hadn't heard them before. Discovered their live performances on KZbin. I think they made 4 albums and I found one on Tidal. I also found one for sale on on Amazon on vinyl for $800! If you haven't heard them they are worth checking out. Unbelievable they never got more notoriety back in the day. I hope I can find a reasonable price on vinyl somewhere.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

You weren't kidding Neil! I've never heard of them and they are incredible. Check out the slide guitar here... Jimmy Page look out - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n569hqShhdGIl7M

[@neilfisher7999]

​@@TheJoyofVinylRecords yes, I saw that one. What a shame they didn't make it really big! I did find some more reasonably priced vinyl on Discogs. These ladies kick ass. Pardon my French. Well, it's not really French 😂. Pardon my American. 😂

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

@@neilfisher7999 - I just looked them up as well there. Looks like they have some reissues too. One of the later band members was Patti Quatro - Suzi's sister. Unreal.

[@neilfisher7999]

​@@TheJoyofVinylRecords Interesting. I hate to say it but that's why I stream. I find stuff I probably never would have known about. Then I have to decide. Vinyl or CD. sometimes it's CD due to the price or availability. Of course you can't beat the joy of vinyl. 😉

[@rofgabor]

Hey Rick, I am wondering if one can hear permanent hiss and pops, vs the ones that can be cleaned. I am asking because I regularly clean them (once, after I buy them) with a simple VPI vacuum machine at a local audio shop, and 3 out of 2 times it doesn't help much. I would like to know if there is a way to tell if I am doing something wrong, or a need different cleaning methods and if in general hiss and pop can be permanent (when there is no visible scratch).

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

I have a feeling it's not anything you are doing wrong. I've bought some used records that clean up perfectly fine and others which no amount of cleaning will fix so I have to replace them. There's a couple of reasons. More than likely it is damage caused by a previous owner. They may have played it using a damaged stylus or with too much VTF (the average record owner may never have heard of it or know it needs to be checked). It could also be deeply embedded dirt or particles that the vacuum simply couldn't extract. It's frustrating when that happens.

[@rofgabor]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords "deeply embedded dirt or particles that the vacuum simply couldn't extract" does that mean that a deeper bath, manual scrubbing and/or ultrasonic may get that dirt?

[@geordietrout3914]

If a surfactant is required to get the liquid into the grooves, how can distilled water rinse to the same depth?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Geordie! For the cleaning cycle - yes. Something is needed to break the surface tension. Cheers!

[@danielgeiger7739]

Interesting your emphasis on the post rinse. I've never done that with my project machine (v1). The cleaning solution is highly diluted, and the vacuum removes all the liquid with the dissolved cleaning agents and debris. So what is left? I can see the theoretical argument, but for all practical intents and purposes, there is nothing left on the record once it is vacuumed dry. If one would air-dry without vacuum, then yes, all the dirt plus the cleaning surfactants would be back on the record. But that is not what we do. I can also see the post rinse in non-vacuum methods. But with vacuum, I don't see the point. my 2c. Mostly I just use a dry brush before each record spin. Unless there is a problem, I don't wet clean too often. Another issue are flexis. I guess I could use a sacrificial record as a support. Any suggestion for a reasonably priced 7" adapter for the project machine? and what about 10"? Would love to hear in your review. Looking forward to it.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Ahhh - you've hit on my one complaint with the Pro-Ject - 7-10" records. I didn't touch on it in my review (already recorded and plan to publish next week). Wish I had now but I didn't run into it until after. I recently purchased The Pretenders "Break Up The Concrete" and it's a 10" double-record pressing. The Pro-Ject didn't like it at all. As you noted, it's a problem. Because the vacuum slot is longer than the record itself it cause it to be an uneven pull and doesn't vacuum up all the liquid. I had to go back to my Record Doctor VI to finish the job. I hadn't seen this problem called out before I experienced it. From what I can see , there are no adaptors offered (yet).

[@danielgeiger7739]

@@TheJoyofVinylRecords There is/was a 7" alternate arm at least for the V1, but it was insult-level expensive so did not get it. Never saw a 10" option. DIY? It is not a sufficiently great an issue for me to do anything about it. Looking forward to your review!

[@aronsin7777]

Hi, You’ve got me worried… I’ve been cleaning my records with ‘Abbey Road approved’ (what ever that really means), but not rinsing! Are my vinyl silently being eaten away on my shelf?

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi Axel! I've never heard of ‘Abbey Road approved,’ but I'm sure your records are fine. You could clean a few at a time with a rinse afterward every so often, but I wouldn't worry about it. When I was younger I never knew about rinsing afterwards and I used all sorts of different solutions back in the 80s and early 90s that I would never dare use now. They are all in great shape in spite of that.

[@aronsin7777]

😅 I’ll change my ways, going forward… It would be hard to go thru my 1300 records for corrective measures. Thank you.