Cleaning Records With My DIY Vacuum Machine | Vinyl Vac Mod With Sound Reducing Case

Would you like an easy way to clean your records (vinyl) collection but don't want to spend a lot of money on a professional record cleaning vacuum machine? In this video I demonstrate my DYI Vinyl Vac Mod and how I clean my records. I also talk about the cleaning solutions I use plus how I built a sound reducing box for my wet / dry vac.
👍 FOLLOW US ON 👍
Website: discrewind.com/
Facebook: / discrewindcom-10948185...
Instagram: / discrewind
Twitter: / discrewind
✅ Parts I use for this mod ✅
1. Vinyl Vac
www.vinylvac.net/
2. ComXim Rotating turntable 12.59 inches
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
3. Easy Liner
www.amazon.com/Duck-Select-Dr...
4. Label Saver- Get these 2 things from www.menards.com/
Sioux Chief 4" Polypro Flush Plug - Model Number:878-40PK
Sigma Electric Round Foam Gasket, Black - Model Number:14002
5. Paint Edger and Foam Brush - www.menards.com/
Quick Solutions™ 4" Premium Pad Edger - Model Number:991828410
Jen Poly-Brush 4" Foam Paint Brush - Model Number:082826000082
6. Machine Screw I use on my turntable - Get at a hardware store
Flat Head Phillips - 1/4in - 20 x 1-1/2 in
7. MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, EXTRA LARGE PACK
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
8. Armor All, AA255 , 2.5 Gallon 2 Peak HP Wet/Dry Utility Shop Vacuum
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
9. Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% (IPA) - Laboratory-Grade Superior Solvent + Anhydrous Liquid Cleaner | Industrial Cleaner | All Purpose | Premium Quality | 1 Quart (945 mL)
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
10. Ilford Ilfotol Non Ionic Wetting Agent 1 Litre
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Some people like to use this...
Kodak Photo-Flo 200 Solution, 16oz
www.amazon.com/dp/B00K335F6S/
Rice Paper Sleeves
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Outer Sleeves
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
#recordplayers #turntable #vinyl
© DiscRewind.com - All Rights Reserved
All Music Licenced Through audiio.com/
DISCLAIMER: This video is for grown ups. The description may also contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support.

[@terryhanson1954]

My solution is almost identical.........I add a couple of drops of color free, scent free, biodegradable soap. I use it in my ultrasonic cleaner and the small amount of soap surrounds the dirt and helps it sink to the bottom of the tank without re-attaching to the vinyl without leaving any residue on the record. I've been doing this for about 5 years now and had great results on over 2000 records. No problem with the 99% ........evaporates before any "possible" damage. Great video (Hudson HiFi sleeves are less expensive than Mofi)

[@mplsmark222]

I have been using the same system for a few years with a few differences. I think it works great . The Vinyl Vac folks have a great product and foster the DIY aspect of cleaning. There are a number of ways to spin the record, I use a Gemini direct drive Sl-1200 clone I got for $50. Nice and powerful motor, reversible and I slow it all the way down on the speed slider. The painter pads really do the job, they start to look really filthy after a while so you can see it is removing dirt, films and parting chemicals if any exist I put my chemicals/rinse in spray bottles, I use a piece of thick non slip yoga mat in glacé of the regular platter mat, this has been a problem. I left a record on the mat for a month or so, the plastics had a reaction and it made permanent marks on the record. It really didn’t harm the sound of the record, but it looks bad, so lesson learned. The whole endeavor is kind of fun, putting to system together as well as seeing just how good I can restore the sound of my old records..

[@PilgrimFL]

Very nice. Best thought out process I've seen. And a big thank you for the detailed parts list and sources. Such a time saver.

[@raysennewald9699]

Nice job on this video. I built basically what you showed here with some minor modifications. I didn't end up using the fishing pole holder and just let gravity do the work for the vinyl vac and it seems to work great. I just wedge it against a table next to me to stop it from spinning with the record. Prices have definitely gone up since this video was posted. Results are great! Records that looked clean to the naked eye that I got from 2nd hand stores were full of pops, crackles and noise. After this cleaning it's been reduced substantially and depending on the record extremely clean. My next investment is an anti-static gun as I can feel a lot of static on some records, am still getting pops and I believe it's just residual static electricity that was already there on new records and added from the vacuuming. Thank you for this video!!! I also watched many online and found this to be the easiest to follow along with. My favorite part of this cleaning method is being able to play a record right after it's cleaned as it comes out dry. Amazing!

[@pjpucci]

Outstanding you just saved us all a ton of money. Learned about better use of cleaning agents. Great job!

[@vinylvac]

Great video Joel! Thanks for the shout-out. We love your ingenious approach.

[@discrewind7476]

Thank you for the kind words and thanks for making a great product!

[@melovemusic69]

Thanks brother I just finished putting one of these systems together. Yeah it definitely isn't under 100 bucks anymore but it's almost 2023 and inflation is hurting us all. I appreciate your guide and your explanation as your very good at details which helps some of us greatly. Have a great 2023 and I'm going to be cleaning some records now.

[@DavidBrown-zp5br]

I recently discovered the crossover between film and vinyl with people using film chemicals for their cleaning. I use Kodak Photoflo in my solution, works great!

[@JakeDAmico]

This was excellent! Nice job! :)

[@discrewind7476]

Thank you

[@edyoung6573]

Very nice setup!!!! Well done!!!

[@mostirreverent]

fishing pole holder and rotating display are really clever seems the vacuum pad/ring in the center fights rotation. a nylon ring might help, or attach a spacer to the vacuum tube to remove a step. having a weighted, fixed van tube that pivots would skip the mounting steps, and you could just leave the record as is from the wetting step (i.e. leaving the label saver on). This would also protect the label in all wet steps. Leave the vac outside a window with the hose coming in. this would also keep the vac motor cool. If you make a label saver that has a nut, one could use a drill with a nut socket to spin the record

[@YourBuddyGeo]

WOW what a great set up, I am gonna build one! Thank you for this video, it was awesome!

[@YourBuddyGeo]

Also there are no links to the fishing real item, is that a specific holder?

[@brenthamman]

Super helpful video. Thanks so much!

[@discrewind7476]

Thanks

[@TripleE76]

I’ve built one of these, slightly modified, but really appreciate the idea.

[@carlmiles8948]

Thanks for all that fantastic information, your system works really well. I have a record collection that has to be cleaned, my garage roof had a leak in it and the water got in and destroyed most of my record covers.

[@PoppinWheeliez]

Ultrasonic is best for mold mildew and stuck on paper

[@terryhk99leung36]

great vaccum station that u made and thanks lot for sharing.. So many great tips as well thanks a lot for your effort and sharing. Too bad you seem to have stopped your channel.

[@borealmat1889]

this is gold, thanks

[@victorvella9760]

Have more or less the same type of cleaning machine and brush . have been using this for more than 25 years

[@christopherlee975]

This is such a great set up. I was just talking to my daughter about investing in a vinyl cleaner. I like the ease and cost of your system. I wish that I had this when I started cataloging my collection in Discogs.

[@discrewind7476]

Thanks...it's been fun to put together. :)

[@ArtoriusMaximus]

Great video! Wish you included the fishing pole holder and foot pedal in your links in the description though.

[@lewtoncole]

I have watched every record cleaning video on You Tube and yours sir, is the best one! Lots of knowledge and innovation! Two comments. I use a second paint pad for the rinse instead of the foam brush. Dishwasher Rinse Aid works as well as Ilford as a surfactant and is much cheaper. Was surprised you didn't have much to say about Turgikleen. I have found it works well. Finally, you don't look like a poor man, why not spring $199 and get a Record Doctor V. It's so much easier and faster! Keep up the good work!

[@rosswarren436]

I think getting the functionality of a rotating platter to make it easier might be the reason. Doing it manually with the Record Doctor V or VI would obviously work, but be tiresome if doing more than say 10 records. The nearest vaccum system that has an auto rotating platter is around $600, so there is that. If I can build something for $100 to $200 in materials, that saves me $400 to spend on new vinyl records...which, unfortunately, given the price increases lately might let me buy only about 10 of them.... I'm surprised no one has yet brought one to market with a rotating platter in the $299 range. Seems possible.

[@melovemusic69]

@@rosswarren436 well put as I thought about buying a cheap manual one too that was cheap but this gentleman made my mined up on doing it this way. After watching reviews on the cheap units and how they are made, the mold and how cheap they really are I said this was a no brainer. Just finishing mine up today.

[@rosswarren436]

@@melovemusic69 yeah, the only downside today is that the particular rotation table he recommended in the perfect diameter is no longer available, so a hunt would be necessary to find a similar one just under Ø12". And like you mentioned, with some of the cheaper alternatives like the Record Doctor, I've heard of mold and also that crazily, some of the models are made out of nothing more than cardboard that has a very thin plastic coating. I don't expect they would last very long if used more than just a few times a month. I am very happy with mine. Sorry to see that Joel here stopped making KZbin videos for some reason. This one is one of the best for making a cheap Vinyl Vac into a world class vacuum system. Enjoy yours and good luck with it!

[@patrickouziel]

Thanks for the great video! Wondering how you clean the paint edger and foam brush afterwards. Is it ok to rinse with tap water or should I avoid that? Thanks!

[@Broadmaynewood]

Top video 🙏 thank you

[@TripleE76]

Genius, thank you.

[@TripleE76]

Would a 3 HP shop vac be ok? That turntable is out of stock, looking for an alternative.

[@laurenblodgett7197]

Almost bought into a used NittyGritty, but the seller didn’t know model #, no returns. Sketchy. Seen the Vinyl Vac and started visualizing a setup. Ordered it. Then low&behold you video pops up. You did it all for me! Great presentation, thanks.

[@rogerdjs]

This a nice cost effective method, but if you have 5000 records then a Ultra Sonic cleaner would be more appropriate. Vevor sells a complete unit that cleans 8 LPs at one time for less than 200 bills. And believe me it does a great job especially when it leaves behind all the evidence in the tank.

[@jimmilroy693]

Just saw this a week ago and agree it's one of the best in class. I got a table (could not find the links here so probably not the one you have..it was $29 and with 44lbs). I used an epoxy to afix a cut off 1/4inch bolt. The issue I have is the suction of the 1.5 hp craftsman vac lifts the record off the platter. So it won't spin. I used a screw to tighten the vac too. Tried the insert limiter too. I will try to place the vac as close to the table height to see if thats helps. Any one else have this issue? The fishing rod clamp might not be so good either. Again the product links seem to have vanished. Still looking for a container tall enough for my vac.

[@jeffreylowe6214]

Just come across this video , getting back to vinyl and I found a real nice set but need clean. I have questions on how you setup the foot pedal for the shop vac , not seeing the attachment on this video , hopefully you ll see my text and answer ty , very happy with your presentation.

[@rosswarren436]

Hey, loved this idea. But where did you find the "fancy" knobs (holders you called them) you use to tighten down the Vinyl Vac. They looked safer than trying to use a wing nut....Thanks.

[@victorvella9760]

fantastic

[@TieDyedShawn]

Just ordered the turntable and some other parts. Have to wait for the shop vac though. Money...... Thank you. Copying your idea. Have a good day.

[@TieDyedShawn]

Update. I made a temp setup with the parts you listed. Used a very large old shop vac I have...OVER KILL... I had picked up a Queen the game lp from goodwill just yesterday. One side of is looked like something was sitting on it. checker mark stains all over it. Use a 32 oz bottle with my own mix in it. Scrubbed the Lp with a a paint edger until it foamed up and let it soak and then did the vac clean and rinse. ...... ALBUM LOOKS NEW!! not one click static or pop! Very happy. Now to do my own custom build on the parts. Thank you for sharing you video!

[@chaddresbach4569]

I'm a 'noobie.' Before jumping in, have been doing a LOT of video-viewing of various 'cleaning vinyl' advisers; yours is BY FAR the most focused, easiest to understand, 'simple' (in the good way) of all I've seen (in over 16 hrs. of videos). So: thank you. In general: I like your technique. I'm not 'challenging' but have questions. Please pardon me: 1) at least one 'adviser' out there talks about the need to strong vacuum FIRST to remove loose dust - the theory goes if one throws any liquid into dust you're making mud/concrete and that will settle into the grooves and be harder. Thoughts on this (I guess it couldn't hurt, though, right?); 2) you talk about a 'wetting agent' - the Ilford stuff sounds good and is not expensive, but what is your thoughts on just straight 'wetting agent' that one uses in the dishwasher?; 3) I'm curious - surfactants and isopropyl alcohol (90%) are one thing, but is there any point along the process where you would use some kind of astringent (soapy) substance? Intuitively it seems an astringent would glom onto grease, dirt and dust (oils... I'm thinking Dawn liquid - would remove both fingerprint grease and mold-release polys), followed - of course - by a good rinsing of distilled water, and THEN maybe the high-velocity vacuuming? TROLLS - no need to yell at or ridicule me: I'm trying to learn. Thank you for ANY supportive responses I get....

[@rosswarren436]

Good points. I've seen some say before doing any wet cleaning the best (and easiest) thing to do is use an antistatic record brush (cheap, around $15 or so) to get the loose dust and hairs off the record as much as possible. The thinking is 1. It works well enough, and 2. That using a dry vac might actually impart a good amount of static electricity to the vinyl resulting in it capturing more dust out of the air when you are done. Some years ago there were people using Dawn but the thinking has now come around to using distilled water with a touch of alcohol and a surfactant. Like you mentioned I think the issue with using real "soap" is the residue it leaves and how many washes with distilled water might be needed to get that off completely. Good luck!

[@MrIndianapolisJones]

Nice system! You inspired me to build my own, thanks! Made my own rotating turntable and imitation vinyl vac while I was at it. It definitely doesn't look as clean as yours, but it still does the trick! Just one question: for the rinse, is it just straight distilled water, or do you add a wetting agent to that as well? Yours seems to spread a bit better than mine.

[@ganonkenobi]

He uses wetting agent in the video to rinse.

[@manuelrosales1348]

Great job! But if both side of the record are dirty aren't you putting the new clean side on a dirty cloth when you flip it over?

[@joeyd4593]

Fantastic! For those near harbor freights they have cases for much cheaper. I plan to build one - thanks Joel!

[@koprcord5338]

I dig how people can get over the functional fixed Ness of things. Repurposing things is great. Excellent.

[@edwardyoung8575]

How did you quiet down your vacuum? I love the vinyl vac, works great but the my small Stanley Vac drives my wife crazy! (small apartment)

[@waamamps]

hello, what is the replavement for Ilford Ilfotol Non Ionic Wetting Agent ? thank you Wayne

[@PoppinWheeliez]

I use dawn, iso and h20.

[@tdjonline6926]

I'm kind of late to the game, but that turntable isn't available anymore on Amazon and I couldn't find anything like it on ebay. I like the slow speed aspect of it. Any suggestions?

[@slocumeddie]

This is a great setup(and a great video too)!!! Can you recommend a model number or SKU for the fishing rod holder?? Surface mount units are scarce around here. The one you used seems a perfect fit for the Vinyl Vac wand Thanks in advance for your help!!

[@melovemusic69]

Yes please help with this?

[@v13audio]

What fishing rod holder did you use?

[@slocumeddie]

@@melovemusic69 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFCDHHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@slocumeddie]

@@v13audio www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RFCDHHQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@melovemusic69]

@@slocumeddie thank you very much

[@DrAlanWeinstein]

Does the Sioux Chief 4" Polypro Flush Plug - Model Number:878-40PK come threaded like that?

[@michaellogue3773]

What is the makeup of the rinsing agent? Thanks for the video, very helpful.

[@ganonkenobi]

500ml distilled water, 2.5 ml of ilfotol. It's at 18:45

[@markprentice1961]

Where are the links? Lots of great ideas....but how about some sizes etc.

[@grahamluscombememories9897]

Crazy

[@ethananderson1682]

Hey Do you have a link/name of the manual turntable you showed us

[@przemekmilimetr6444]

Does your vac tube elevated a bit above the record surface or in full contact with record surface?

[@davenelson8187]

Pretty sure that felt washer is a tiny bit thicker than the felt strip on the bottom of the vacuum bar, so just close enough for the bar felt to contact the fluid layer, not so much the actual playing surface. Again, Don’t over tighten the center post hold down nut

[@mortlach186]

How does this compare to an inexpensive machine like the Spin Doctor

[@cindysparks2784]

what is the mod for the vinyl vac attachment to the table?

[@mikewest1542]

A question for everyone/anyone. As already stated I bought the Vinyl Vac cleaner but there seems to be a vacuum coming out of the hole that fits onto the centre spinal , is this normal?

[@hifi.david.]

please can i have a uk link for the rotating table

[@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan]

8:00 If you want the fluid to get into the grooves and work the dirt out, why use alcohol, which will evaporate the contents quickly?

[@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan]

20:14 I'm assuming you are going to do a better clean after showing this one...?

[@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan]

I forgot to mention I would definitely use the vacuum on the brush as well; it's gets dirty, too!

[@LanceLust1980HugeTheWarningFan]

23:00 I most certainly would not put the drying record in the bread slicer; it might scratch it if you aren't careful, and I am clumsy.

[@hifi.david.]

Can we have uk links and the clamp link plz

[@v13audio]

What fishing rod holder did you use???

[@joelpeterson]

This is the one I got. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G3G7KDO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@rosswarren436]

Slowly buying most of the stuff to be able to replicate your setup and methods....Very cool....I've watched a LOT of recording cleaning videos and this one is by far the best. You might want to check out Vinyl Vac's website as they offer cleaning solution and a similar recipe for cleaning....

[@RyanFeeley]

Almost 20 months and most of a pandemic later, it's not surprising that most of the items on this list have gone up massively in price or are no longer available.

[@mikewest1542]

I just bought one , nearly £50 in the UK , this was $30 in UK pre covid obviously so doubled in price !

[@taranagnew436]

Witch cleans better a Spin-Clean or a vinyl vac and what do you use for the microscope?

[@786itube]

Whatever happened to music streaming

[@vinylbeast]

So....my amazon cart is at $229.96 for everything mentioned....plus $10 plus shipping from Menards, which doesnt include the shelving material to build the base... oh yeah and no link for the squirt bottles is given so thats more $. Why the multiple mentions that this can be done under $100?? Great vid and good techniques, its just about $150 off what you are quoting.

[@rosswarren436]

Yeah, but still cheaper than an Okki Nokki at $600 or one of the other ones with an electric rotating platter. Of course if you are only doing say 5 records or so you could get a manual device like the Record Doctor V for around $220. I still think getting an electric rotating platter would make life a lot easier and maybe more consistent on the cleanings and not as tiresome if doing say 10 records at a time.

[@vinylbeast]

@@rosswarren436 Built my own vac wand for a few dollars, bought a wooden lazy susan from Target for $12, Got the $20 shopvac from walmart. Been using it for 8 months or so now. Works great.

[@rosswarren436]

@@vinylbeast DIY is a great thing!

[@marcopoulos3493]

Isopropyl Alcohol I do not recommend at all but everyone will make the test and have their own conclusions. Good luck

[@BicycleJoeTomasello]

this is a wing nut OCD poster boy

[@tylerleeger5034]

I’m sure this is an excellent way of cleaning a record but it’s a little crazy who has the time to clean records this way there is faster ways of cleaning records without all of this extra stuff and this is way too expensive to have a cleaning station…microfiber cloth distilled water alcohol and a wedding agent works perfectly for me.

[@hifi.david.]

Theres the clamp from

[@funky.ass.breakz4473]

That turntable alone is nearly $100 at the moment, kinda kills the budget aspect of it... Great idea though.

[@dobermanguy9437]

Don't get me wrong he did a good job cleaning the record but he needs to quit the Babbling and get to the point

[@djklas]

C'mon, he's a collector. We're gonna babble.