Cleaning your Vinyl Records: ProJect VC-E vs SpinClean - Is It Worth It?

In this real-world review we're discussing cleaning your vinyl records. We'll give you a quick look at two different products on the market today. The ProJect VC-E Record Washing Machine and the Spin-Clean MKII manual cleaner.
Products in this video:
Spin-Clean: amzn.to/3BW2nO8
ProJect VC-E: amzn.to/3PaOfDE
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp on Amazon: amzn.to/3QpXz7x
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable: amzn.to/3wEvkdZ
Pro-Ject Acrylic Platter Upgrade: amzn.to/3RgGJsf
Hana EL Moving Coil Cartridge: amzn.to/3e80YKn
00:00 Intro
01:32 Using the Spin-Clean
02:57 Using the ProJect VC-E
05:50 Final Thoughts
#vinyl #vinylcommunity #vinylcollection

[@thrillcat]

Heads up on the ProJect (this is Travis from the review)- today, at 2yrs, 2mos the VC-E died. I’ll be replacing it and will post an official update soon!!!

[@beetleything1864]

new one with magnetic clamp !! it's not like it's super expensive -

[@AverageNerdGuy]

Currently I use a Spin Clean but only until I save up for a better method. I have found a system that work INCREDIBLY well tho. First I use tergikleen instead of the Spin Clean solution. 20 drops/gallon of water. I do 4 spins one way, 4 spins the opposite way, then 1 Spin back the original direction. I then stand the records in a holder in the sink and use a squirter bottle to rinse the tergikleen off. Once i have about 15 done, I empty the Spin Clean, rinse the brushes, re-fill with just distilled water and repeat without a post Spin rinse. I then leave the records to air dry. This has taken used, filthy, noisy records and made them almost dead silent and I rarely have to clean my stylus. It is VERY labor intensive BUT it's therapeutic to me and a good stop-gap until I'm able to upgrade. Great video

[@av_nirvana]

Thanks! The Spin Clean is a great system, does a fantastic job, but I wanted something that was easier to just clean a single record without mixing up a whole batch of the solution.

[@snakez1747]

Hi, thank you for this information. I will try this method to clean my records. May I please ask how to clean your turntable stylus?

[@stijnzimny5097]

I owned two Pro-ject VC-E record cleaners. Both defect within 1.5 years each !

[@av_nirvana]

Mine died a few weeks outside of the warranty. Replaced with a HumminGuru.

[@danielbal5272]

I have a spin clean and I use it for one record at a time very often. I leave the spin clean filled with cleaning solution at all times. If you always put the cover on the solution evaporates very liitle.

[@JamesMurphyYT]

I've got a Project and love it!

[@kc4cvh]

It's easy to clean a record such that even the tiniest loose particles are removed and leaving no residues. The problem is that the record has already been played while dirty in almost every case. As the stylus runs over particles in the grooves, they are rammed into the vinyl, such that some become permanently embedded and those that remain loose leave pockmarks, scars and craters in the vinyl. This damage creates the pops and ticks that can be remediated only by replacing the disc, along with a market for a variety of dubious "cures", both cheap and expensive.

[@yorkemar]

The vcs2 is an effective machine I have used. It audibly improves. It has made troublesome records much better. If there is some not easy to remove patches, I use a microfibre cloth first w distilled water to buff them off, then do a vcs2 cycle or 2. Hasten to add..i got it for not much, but it was blink and youd miss it price. Cheers

[@rogerdjs]

I started out with the Spin Clean but cleaning one record at a time was at the very least time consuming, especially when you have very large collection (5000). Purchased a Vevor digital Ultrasonic cleaner and haven't looked back. Cleaning 8 Albums every 15 minutes is great and it leaves all the evidence residual in the tank! Have used it for 8 months without issue and all for a little less than 200 dollars. It came with a drying rack, Label protectors and Motorized Rotator.

[@av_nirvana]

Is that one of the brands off Ali Express? I’ve looked at most all of those but never know which ones to trust. Ended up with a HumminGuru when the ProJect died.

[@peterlundskow4061]

Not a lot of good reviews of this cleaner, thanks! It is currently on sale at a few places on line for $399. I would love to hear a review on some of the ultrasonic cleaners if you get your hands on one>

[@micheltremblay4774]

I prefer the "Vinyl Styl" to the SpinClean for the superior brushes. I fill the rack with 8 washed discs then I change the cleaning solution for pure distilled water.

[@micahpowers2614]

Im new to the vinyl collecting. Literally, 1 month maybe lol. Ive just been using the big fudge brush/cleaner when i go to play them. Ive been lucky in the fact that the records ive gotten so far havent been super dirty, minus one or 2. Ive been looking at buying both the spin clean and the project vce. It just makes sense to buy 2 for 2 different purposes. The issue im having whats a good cleaning solution in your opinion? Thanks for the video, it was really insightful!

[@av_nirvana]

I've yet to use up the solution that was included with the SpinClean or the Project, so I haven't experimented with different solutions yet.

[@packgrog]

OK, this is a BIG topic, but I'll try to give some simple answers: For record cleaning devices, items like the Spin Clean are OK for light scrubbing, but really aren't great for proper cleaning. If your budget can't extend to a fully motorized RCM (Record Cleaning Machine) like the Pro-Ject VCE, Okki Nokki, VPI 16.5, or similar, then you could get a non-motorized item like the Squeaky Clean or Vinyl Bug (semi-DIY setups that require external vacuum), or spend a little more for a Record Doctor (manual rotation, built-in vacuum). Just be aware that units like the Record Doctor, Nitty Gritty, or KAB EV-1 rest on felt lips when rotating, and should be kept wet while rotating, and records should be dusted or rinsed in distilled water so that grit doesn't get stuck between the felt and record and cause a deep gouge in the record (happened to me once and it SUCKED). As far as cleaning solutions, the most effective and simple solution has been a dilution of Ilfotol. If you can get 10ml of Ilfotol into 1 liter of distilled water, you have an excellent cleaning solution. Apply to the record, agitate gently for about a minute (causing the solution to foam slightly is good, but no need to apply pressure with the brush, as the solution itself flowing into the grooves is what's doing the trick), vacuum off, then rinse and vacuum once or twice with distilled or deionized water, and you're good to go! Extra nasty, mold covered records, or records that got rinsed in tap water and left to air dry (which leaves mineral deposits that are extremely difficult to remove, so don't do that) might require pre-cleaning with different solutions like Liquinox dilution, but that's more rare. The Ilfotol dilution proved to be a major time saver, with better results than I got with ANY other cleaning solution, and certainly more effective than ultrasonic proved to be for me. So start with that, and enjoy!

[@homerjones3291]

Mine after 3 years now sounds like a jet engine spinning up. It still works fine but I opened it up and two of the three plastic motor mounts were broken.

[@av_nirvana]

Mine suffered a similar fate a few weeks out of warranty. Smelled like burning plastic, however, so I replaced with a HumminGuru.

[@SKOTxFREE]

Just another heads up. I know this vid is a year old but Music Direct now has the Pro-Ject VC-S2 alu for $400. I couldn’t pass that deal up and as someone who has used Vinyl Style before I just can’t go back to that.

[@av_nirvana]

I’ve since moved on to the HumminGuru ultrasonic cleaner, after the ProJect died a few weeks out of warranty.

[@mikewest1542]

This is a similar comparison to my options , I have a Disco Antistat and the Pro-Ject VCE , I still haven’t made my mind up yet as I only bought my VCE last week, I have had the Antistat for 5 plus years, and it only cost me £250.00 !

[@av_nirvana]

Let us know what you decide!

[@mikewest1542]

Update ! I got rid of the VCE for a much much better VCS as this doesn’t have the ridiculous air vent which would leave a water residue !

[@mikewest1542]

Still got the brilliant VCS , btw the Disco Antistat was £25 not £250😂 use this for singles only as the upgrade to clean singles for the VCS is about £150 !

[@DaveD2000]

@@mikewest1542 I think you mean you use it for LPs only.....! So, after a year do you find the Project system much better than the Antistat? I ordered a VCE2 last week. It was at a big discount in price - 340 Euros. It has a vent cover now. I also have an ultrasonic cleaner and a Spinclean.

[@LloydGutteridge]

I use both - First with Spin Clean and then using the VCE vacuum to remove excess water. IMHO

[@ShakazuluJones]

I have seen this employed by a number of folks and is my plan as well moving forward.

[@sandyfader4649]

I do the same but use the Record Doctor at the end, sometimes with their solution applied to the record in the same manner as this video, sometimes just the vacuum. Works great for me, and really only takes a few minutes per album. Thanks for the video.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Great video I wonder about the Project vs. Vinyl vac. Do you have any experience?

[@av_nirvana]

The ProJect died about a month out of warranty. I’ve been using a HumminGuru, video coming.

[@budsmoker4201120]

@@av_nirvana right on, bud. Thanks

[@mortlach186]

I grew up with vacuum machines since the seventies(high school). My audio dealer had a Keith Monks in the front of the store and it was free to use. I think just about every lp I owned at the time was cleaned on it. Early on I purchased the first generation or close to it VPI 16.5. While I liked it, I also hated how loud and ugly it was plus servicing it. I purchased a Spin Clean about ten years back, and liked it enough particularly how quiet lp's got. Simple and cheap to use. Later bought a Spin Doctor with the platter bearing upgrade(a must have), after using a neighbor's SR plus a few hundred dollars worth of cleaning solutions, and tried almost all of them. Basically, I thought the vacuum systems cleaned the same just different in the amount of automation involved. After maybe a year with the Spin Doctor, while yes, it could clean better then a Spin Clean, not always removed static as well and that also includes just about any vacuum machine I have tried. Plus the length of time cleaning when using enzymatic formulas, the only way to really clean many or all second hand and even brand new records properly take forever. I know that are people who seem to love their record cleaning processes, setting up on a dining room table, and spending the next hours cleaning. I'm not one of them. What to do? Buy a Degritter. And not one of those cheap, kind of like, knock offs based on jewelry cleaning machines, pedaled here on the internet by doofuses who don't know what they're talking about. What a vacuum machine might do better than a Spin Clean , the Degritter will noticeably do better, period. It takes it to a whole other level of clean. The Degritter is cheap to use and care for. It tells you when it needs something. It's the size of a toaster. I put it on a small table in my dining room. Slide an lp in, choose low medium, or high cleaning and press start. That's it! Now go do something else. When you come back the record is clean and dry. And it's not very noisy and you're not standing over it. The moral of the story is I don't use vacuum machines anymore and if I didn't have the Degritter, I would stay with the Spin Clean There are many ways to use it that will get you close to the V C's.

[@skellexis404]

If I can’t afford anything more than a spinclean, is it better than a hand cleaning kit with solution, carbon brush, and velvet brush? Started out with suitcase turntable as a teen, now have a Fluance turntable, and refurbished vintage receiver and speakers. That on top of all my vinyl and ikea kallax shelf is already more money than I have into my collection over time. Feel horrible I never realized I should be rinsing with water. A lot of the audiophiles out there make me feel like I’m doing everything wrong. I’ve just been following the directions on my $30 cleaningl kit.

[@skellexis404]

I don’t have amazing hearing either, so I’m not too worried about it sounding as good as possible, and more worried about not worsening the sound of them. I don’t want to damage my records, especially now that i’m acquiring more valuable records, and I do like to my favorite ones more than others. They are the last ones I want to harm.

[@av_nirvana]

You’re researching and learning, so you’re doing everything RIGHT. Don’t let anyone make you feel different. I would save your money unless you find yourself cleaning 10+ records at once. If you’re only cleaning 1 or 2 when you bring them home, what you’re doing sounds like the best bet, provided it’s a high quality cleaning solution.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

I have tried the wood glue method. It works well, but I only recommend it for very heavily soiled vinyl records. The wood glue will remove the really set in and stubborn pieces of dust and dirt. The down side is peeling off the glue can cause a static build up. So a static removal tool or a secondary cleaning method is needed. I do use a Spin Clean. It does a very good job, if you don't rush it. Going slower and allowing the fluid to soak into the grooves is the trick.

[@av_nirvana]

I tried the wood glue method on a the copy of Purple Rain I wore out in middle school and I don’t think I did it correctly because it didn’t work, and neither does that album now. 😂 The Pro-Ject died yesterday, vacuum seems to have burned out. I’ll be taking it apart for a follow-up and just ordered a HumminGuru ultrasonic cleaner today so I’ll have a review of that coming soon as well. Same price point as the ProJect, half the warranty. The SpinClean works, but it’s a pain that I didn’t want to deal with.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

@@av_nirvana some woodglues will stick to PVC. For instance, Tight Bond III will adhere to and bond with PVC. Tight Bond II does not. I have noticed the Spin Clean fluid does soften excess woodglue, that otherwise can be difficult to remove from the LP. I wish you well with the HumminGuru, and hope you achieve your desired results with it.

[@georgearnold8573]

Do you have replace any parts over time with the project cleaning machine Thanks

[@av_nirvana]

Just the little adhesive brush strips that are on the underside of the vacuum arm. There are an extra pair included. I haven’t had to switch yet after two years.

[@georgearnold8573]

Thank you 😊

[@UnclePhillyMyAss]

The liquid is NEVER off completely even if I use 10 turns each side on the Project. No idea why. Always drips on the end and like smudged wet in the centre

[@av_nirvana]

The brushes hold some water. I’ve found the sweet spot while the vacuum is winding down to quickly pull the arm off the record so suction has decreased enough that it pulls off quickly and cleanly, without getting to the point where some moisture can drip back out. Also, avoid using too much liquid too close to the run in and run out. The edge will drip around and under, and then spread across the underside of the album. The center play out will not get hit by the vacuum.

[@danielstevenson-francis974]

I started with the spin clean, while it did a good job you were stuck in the room while you cleaned. I got an ultrasonic cleaner and it was much better. You could leave the room while it cycled. I just saw a prime day deal on the pro-ject and couldn’t resist. I like the idea of sucking the the smutz off the record which neither the spinclean or the humminguru does. The pro-ject is more hands on than the humminguru but less so than the spinclean. We’ll see.

[@av_nirvana]

The ProJect died about 5 weeks out of warranty. I am working on a video about its replacement, the HumminGuru. 🤣

[@timwildes8082]

Don't understand why people would use the drying rack. Depending how long the album rests there it's able to collect and be exposed to dust, dirt and all the things you see flying around the air. You know the stuff you can see in the right light or when the sun shines through a window, like dander and what not. I perfer to dry immediately and place in a Mofi sleeve. To each their own.

[@av_nirvana]

I basically run a dozen or so at a time. They don’t sit in the rack very long. I clean them, pat dry with a cloth, and place them in the rack. When the rack fills I go back to that first one and put it in a MoFi sleeve and put it away, and empty the rack. Then start over. I don’t like wiping with the cloth, so I get as dry as possible with the cloth and then let it sit for a few minutes to prevent that moisture from being in the sleeve on the shelf.

[@williamr3840]

For that very reason, I put mine in the dish rack in my Zanusi Silent Spin washing machine. I can close the door and feel reassured that my freshly cleaned vinyl will dry safe from airbourne hitchhikers! :0)

[@jerseytiger1980]

I use the drying rack because even after vacuuming and patting dry there always seems to be some residual moisture, so if I sleeved it immediately it would be trapped in the MoFi sleeve. Any tiny amount of dust that may get on the record while drying (really small amount since it dries vertically) can easily be taken off with a carbon fiber brush.

[@jeffreyboisvert1130]

Unless you live in a laboratory, dust and dirt are everywhere and you cannot possibly avoid it. Are you really going to make yourself crazy trying to keep your precious vinyl spotless, or are you going to accept the fact that when you remove it from the sleeve (which is impossible to keep spotless), place it on your dusty turntable (whether you can see it or not) and play a side for 20 minutes as airbourn dust settles on your newly cleaned record? Just clean them, play them and enjoy them and stop making yourself crazy. IT'S ABOUT THE MUSIC!

[@williamr3840]

I only buy original pressings that were pressed during snow storms. :0)

[@mrg8433]

I laughed my ass off at this.

[@mrg8433]

I laughed my ass off at this.

[@mrg8433]

I laughed my ass off at this.

[@mrg8433]

I laughed my ass off at this.

[@mrg8433]

I laughed my ass off at this.

[@mariocassar3117]

Wow, if you need an SPL of 103 dBa at two meters, and wake up all of the neighbourhood use the Project!

[@primeanalogrecords]

I went the Ultra-Sonic way and am so glad I did! The greatest and deepest cleaning available! Without Question! Neither the Pro-jec or spin clean are even close! I'll be putting ups a video about my experience!

[@av_nirvana]

They're definitely garnering a great reputation as more of them hit the market. I'll be interested to see your video when you post. Thanks for watching!

[@mikewest1542]

Blimey , how much are these machines ?

[@primeanalogrecords]

@@mikewest1542 under $200 and well worth it!

[@mikewest1542]

@@primeanalogrecords , I am now having problems with the Pro-ject VCE , it now doesn’t dry the beginning of the record or the end of the record ( gap between grooves and label ) . I also noticed condensation from the air vent hole so had to use the transparent “12” adaptor , this is a real pain , I have a few days still to return this , I heard that you can use better felt by the section hole, is this right , thanks !

[@primeanalogrecords]

@@mikewest1542 I would certainly return it and try my message with my ultrasonic cleaner! It’s only 200 bucks and you can’t just can’t go wrong! I’ve cleaned hundreds and hundreds of albums with no problems whatsoever! Yes there’s no real automation to it outside of the record spinning and the ultrasonic motor but I let them dry in a rack and it works perfect! And yes Mind cleans all the way up to the edge of the label including the Deadwax

[@michnygaard]

Use the money to buy records, and purchase a 6 L Vevor ultrasonic. Its cheap and are not a hidden vacuum cleaner.

[@nomorebushz]

Maybe I should comment. I have a collection of almost 10,000 records. I have used the spin clean on about 6 or 700 records. I think the spin clean solution works very well because even on records that look clean can have a layer of smoke and grime on the surface that can't be seen. Once washed in the spin clean you will notice that all the dirt and grime sinks to the bottom of the spin clean reservoir which becomes obvious that there was grime and dirt and tar from smoking things like cigars cigarettes and pot. Figure many of these records came from the 60s and seventies when everybody was smoking their asses off and it was sticking to everywhere including records that were not put back into their sleeves. On washing very dirty records the brushes should be rinsed clean before cleaning the next record. In my humble opinion.

[@av_nirvana]

Absolutely. The Spin Clean works great, and when you're in the mood to do a ton of records at once, it's a great solution. The advantage of the ProJect cleaner is being able to do one at a time quickly and without feeling like you're wasting solution. Just a really quick solution for cleaning right before playing.

[@cynthiaquilici6793]

Isn't there a way to dump the solution out (possibly filtering it as an intermediate process) and then store it in a mason jar or something for subsequent use? @@av_nirvana

[@andrewlankes]

Distilled Water

[@VinylPro]

tried all possible, and it is an option, i have not.