How to clean records with an ultrasonic parts cleaner

How to clean records with an ultrasonic parts cleaner.
Links to everything used in video below.
Please donate if this has made your analog life better; you know it has, send it!
www.buymeacoffee.com/Rawb888
The part where I show how awesome this works has been deleted because of copyright claims unfortunately. complain to Motown. Trust me, this works.
Ultrasonic cleaner with record spinner, and drying rack:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Tergikleen:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Meat thermometer:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...
Record cleaning brush:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
record marking stickers:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09...
suction cups:
www.amazon.com/APPO-Puller-Re...
Anti-static record sleeves:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

[@jsg1469]

Came for the shirt. Stayed for the cleaning

[@robertspear888]

HAHAHhahaha!! Thanks.

[@caseys3730]

Thank you for keeping it clear and concise. Very helpful.

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Perfect video for starters. I just purchased this record cleaner and I'm excited to use it. Thanx to you , you explained everything I need to know.😎🤟

[@alexfalcao]

Thank you Rob, I just ordered the same machine you have and I had some doubts, your video was a huge help.

[@gojohnnygojohnny]

"Rodney on the ROQ Volume 2" compilation LP was a nice touch.

[@kevinmonceaux2101]

Thank you for sharing your method. I just ordered one of those cleaners last night. To start out, I'm going to try to make the process a little more kitchen sink friendly and see if something like a wash bottle will provide a thorough enough rinse. I also purchased a record label saver instead of the suction cups. It might slow down the process just a bit, but there's no chance of it coming loose, and it was only a few dollars more than the suction cups.

[@sidvicious3129]

I like your process and think it is quite sound. I love that particular machine because it is digital, the motor housing, the heavy-duty nature of the motor with the on/off switch, and the housing that allows you to slide the records both up and down with the clamp on the tank to hold it secure. I love the orange window clamps and I think I will be purchasing them and I even love the unintended mistake of dropping the Motown record, it makes this more organic. I use Triton X100 surfactant, which is diluted in an enzyme fruit-based, alcohol cleaning solution, which I learned from another KZbinr named KoolKatJazz. I won't be using a sprayer as you have and I don't use microfiber cloths of any type. I have found that even microfiber cloths leave residue behind especially on wet records because I play test everything that I clean and I have seen lint residue from even the most expensive microfiber clothes on my expensive stylus. I love the fact that you monitor the temperature all through the process and put it in the included drying rack. I will be buying a thermometer for that exact purpose. Your video shows that even though each one of us might have our own process, you can always learn something if you keep your mind open, and for that, I thank you, Rob, for sharing and I love that shirt by the way. I will be using a Project VCS to clean both sides of a wet record and I will then put them on the drying rack. I believe in pre-cleaning wet first to get the most amount of grime first, then using the Ultrasonic to go the rest of the way. I don't like the machine I just got and will return it and get the machine that you have because with mine the motor turns on upon plug-in and has no on/off switch the motor on my current one isn't secure enough to the tank as I would like and the one, I have is analog and not digital. This is a great video that shows a great way to clean multiple records efficiently and cleanly. This is one of the best so far and you can tell that Rob really honed in his process.

[@robertspear888]

Thanks bro!

[@kettefelsen8233]

Verry interresting Video, i am fascinated watching till the end...keep going on👍 Nice Shirt 😂

[@robertspear888]

HAHA, thank you.

[@StructurreFishing]

Care to share where you get your micro-fiber cloth, I also had issues with fibers building up in record grooves.

[@ssssperry]

This is how we do it!

[@CraigLafferty]

Great idea with the suction "cups".

[@robertspear888]

Was not mine. I watched a ton of other peoples videos about cleaning records, and compiled them all, while adding my own twist.

[@gjg8766]

Suction cups didn't work for me.

[@carstenhundt4515]

I use my ultrasonic for pre cleaning. For the finish I use my Loricraft. Best results !!

[@electroempire]

Does this also clean up mold? (the hard crusty mold spots that some badly stored records can grow) Thanks for the video!

[@robertspear888]

yes. may take more time in ultrasonic machine.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Where did you suction cups

[@avery7001]

I use a commercial/restaurant multi surface cleaner cap full same machine 4 per wash 30 minutes @30 Celsius I like drying rack first thank you I Don't spray rinse only dry with cloth and air I get rid of plain paper sleeve and use anti static inner sleeve Some get outer sleeve too Good therapy😂😢❤😅😢😊😮😅

[@elieharriett9078]

I use almost an identical process. Exact same ultrasonic cleaner, but use a Spin Clean as a rinse. Little less messy. Only other difference is I follow Turgikleen’s temp instructions which say 90-95 degrees or 30-35 Celsius. I have not had the warping experience you had, but that’s the only difference. Glad to see others using the same stuff!

[@robertspear888]

I thought about using a second ultrasonic, or a spin clean, but i was worried about the Tergikleen in rinse bath increasing in concentration and leaving residue on the record. That's why I use the spray method, always fresh water rinse. I am still trying to think of a way to make the rinse job easier but with always fresh water. I cant believe you have not had warp at the higher temps, especially with older thin/light vinyl's.

[@elieharriett9078]

So far completely fine and I’ve done a fair number. I am still working on the right way to do 78’s though. Can’t use terg. and I’m keeping temp down for those. But yeah, official terg. Instructions has higher temp recommendation. Maybe I got lucky or you just didn’t. Weird world sometimes. I was considering using a sprayer, but I don’t have that much room, so the spin clean allows me to use a smaller space with no mess. However, you are correct that I need to change out the water more frequently. Not a big deal, really, but definitely a factor to consider. Not to mention it probably takes longer per record than your method.

[@randyoleson]

I get better results when I increased the temp to 31 C.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Use liquinox not tergikleen

[@tubaface1]

Nice video. Real simple process. Have you find that doing fewer records in a batch improves cleaning, with maybe better reach of the cavitation between records?

[@robertspear888]

Thank you! I have not tried it with fewer records as of yet; but that should not make a difference. There is plenty of space for the sound waves to create cavitation.

[@Mark-ix8rz]

Yes it works better with less records

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

Cheers, I just purchased the Vevor ultrasonic cleaner for My Vinyl. Your demonstration will pay off thank you. My Question , being Vevor does not include thorough instructions, my concern is temp settings for records. You said 28°and no higher than 29, is that accurate setting for records? Thanx for your help

[@robertspear888]

I recommend no higher than 28c. If the bath gets hotter then that, don't put the vinyl in. In comparison to other videos you might see that I use a lower temperature, but i run the machine longer. Hot and fast is good, but low and slow is better.

[@psychedelicpunkster6840]

@@robertspear888 thank you, cheers!

[@itskbtv]

Yo what are those yellow handle things for the labels?

[@itskbtv]

Nevermind i got it 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣🤣🤣💪💯🏁

[@MidFiMan]

I’ve got a serious question and a fairly serious problem. I’ve followed you on this down to everything, but my microfiber dishcloths have left super tiny “lint balls” in the grooves. They are absolutely invisible to the naked eye. But after a song or two, the stylus has collected a fuzz ball you can easily see and it obviously causes a lot of audio issues. Do you have any suggestions?

[@robertspear888]

get a different kind that is "lint free". There was a comment from someone else below that mentioned the same thing. There are different qualities of microfiber, just like any thing else. going to have to re-run the records. bummer.

[@Mark-ix8rz]

Get the cheese cloth used for straining when canning. It's absorbent and won't drop lint just the occasional thread. I've bought a couple of record cleaners that came with it and it's superior to microfiber

[@jameshelms9008]

same thing happened to me also that's when I went with CleanerVinyl easy 6 system works great use wetting agent with spin clean washing fluid no rinsing needed and fan works great to dry records

[@gjg8766]

I use Kimwipes

[@nattyco]

What speed are the records rotating at? Does it matter? My carbon fiber brush goes all stiff if I wet it.

[@robertspear888]

8-9 times a minute. as long as the water is not too hot, it doesn't matter. could go super duper slow if you make a motor control. I wouldnt go too fast though.

[@manuelrosales1348]

I just bought one. I have some filthy records. I plan on rinsing them off in the sink using a record-specific cleaner and spray bottle. Then rinse them with a spray bottle full of distilled water. Then using a spin clean with just filled water. Then ultrasonic. Do I need to rinse the records after the ultrasonic cleaning? I have seen some videos where they do. But then you have to use distilled water. Is this overkill? Any suggestions? I have a lot of records to clean. About 1,000.

[@robertspear888]

yes, you need to rinse off the Tegikleen with low pressure sprayer. I use distilled water. I think you are going too much. just do what is happening in the video, and you will be all set.

[@Brian-qg8dg]

Some of your practices make sense, some could be simplified. The main thing I do not get with everyone using this machine, is that they raise and lower the arm.. Just leave it down, be careful when putting records on the spindle. Some have mentioned, that when in the up position, it has fallen, and their records broke. Sure, it was probably their fought, but why deal with that bad locking design?? I have plenty of other things to make all this simpler... Maybe I should make a video hahah

[@paulc5358]

Nice video But I only clean 4 Lp's at a time you get better agitation and all the records get wet and cleaned!

[@germanfacio5890]

Hello, what kind of walter do you use for the spry rinse?

[@robertspear888]

distilled water. this way it wont leave any mineral deposits behind when it air drys.

[@germanfacio5890]

@@robertspear888 Thank you Bob!

[@germanfacio5890]

@@robertspear888 Rob!

[@manuelrosales1348]

What water is used to rinse?

[@robertspear888]

Distilled water.

[@georgeprice4212]

I’ve had no issues with water damage on labels. And what damage did occur, mostly was already happening. (I don’t buy as a collector - thinking of how much $$$$ I could get from reselling, I buy to play and listen to and enjoy. Whatever happened to that part of being a collector?)

[@Akondom]

I think it's just good sense to keep value in mind. You never know when you may want to move to something else or just plain get tired of it. Value should come secondary to just purely liking something and wanting it but certainly shouldn't be dismissed. To me value conscious collectors also help preserve these artifacts. I personally have many singular items in my collection that are very rare and very few left in the world. The only way they continue to exist is preservation, any way that happens Is just fine by me.

[@martinauger3293]

Where did you get the magnet holders ?

[@robertspear888]

those are window suction cups from harbor freight.

[@martinauger3293]

@@robertspear888 Thanks dude. I’m totally copying your method

[@jerseytiger1980]

Where did you find that records would warp at 30C and should be cleaned at 25C? 30C is only 86F which is barely warm to the touch. 25C is only 77F and essentially room temperature, so why does the water need to be heated at all?

[@robertspear888]

heat helps brake down the dirt. doesn't have to be too hot. I had a batch of thin record warp in higher temperatures.

[@nunyasmith3281]

Guessing your Canadian by referring to the spacers as 'pucks' :)

[@robertspear888]

I am not Canadien eh. LOL..

[@abecchio]

I found that microfiber cloth loose dozens of fibers and lints... And i'll stop at the rinse step, no vinyl brush. Just wait that water evaporate. The less i touch, better it is...

[@avery7001]

I too have sworn off the brush..low impact imploded air bubbles should do it. 😢😂😅😮😮😢😂❤

[@genod4457]

where is the new video on flattening records? :)

[@robertspear888]

i have not been able to make it yet. I had to move my shop and my house unexpectedly and it took my free time. i will try in a month after Burning Man. Please subscribe for updates.

[@bakiibak]

You know what I have 4000 records and when dirty sound terrible bacteria etc my old school clean with soap and water rinsing with de- ionized water band polish with micro fiber cloth for me works a treat

[@avery7001]

Some of the debris is as big as fish scales 50 years of grody goo😊😮😅😢😮😂😢❤

[@robertspear888]

Change the tank solution when it get super dirty. Very glad this is working for you.

[@avery7001]

@@robertspear888 of course and I clean 24 + LPS with a gallon of distilled with a tablsp of multi surface clnr and dump it after 30 minutes 4 records @30 Celsius. I do all in 3 hrs Now I'm considering adding a rinse after. I like the spray rinse. Analyze Sterilize I am Nomad

[@TheAcenightcreeper]

This is why cd’s, tapes and mp3’s exist… When the cost of ownership (my time) exceeds the value of the item or the value it brings me…thats when im out… I have hundreds of records, mark levinson amps, pre amp, $50k speakers, a vintage denon dp-72… But nothing sounds better than my mark levinson cd player and a cd… Even me paying people to clean my records is a hassle…thought this might be an option but it isnt worth my time.

[@pjcdrummer]

I use reverse osmosis water $.0.39 a gallon at Whole foods

[@robertspear888]

RO water still has "stuff" in it. use distilled because the distillation process is evaporative and there is no "stuff" in it.

[@howieone62]

Yeah RO just means it was pushed through a filter under HIGH pressure sounds great tho just water filtration process use distilled water instead

[@budsmoker4201120]

Liquinox over tergikleeen

[@robertspear888]

I have used that for glass cleaning. It does a good job. Didnt think about records.

[@Daiei808]

Curious what everyone paid for their Happybuy Ultrasonic Cleaner? Got mine on Amazon Prime Day for $189.99. Never been so excited to clean something in my life 😂

[@vinylvisiondnb]

XD

[@avery7001]

I bought 200 Lps and a stalk of weed fall out of one . Cool records 40 years of poo😮😢😅😂😢😂❤

[@fredjohnson9856]

ultrasonic cleaning can damage your records - use the shortest cleaning time you can.

[@robertspear888]

Please explain

[@fredjohnson9856]

@@robertspear888 I have the same cleaner you use in your video, it works great. I recommend anyone that collects records get an ultrasonic cleaner. There have been studies on U.S. cleaners damaging soft materials as discussed by X junkie NL in KZbin “Ultrasonic Record Cleaning - THE 5 BIGGEST MYTHS - Vinyl Community”. Also Spatula City Records discusses record damage from U.S. cleaners in “Things you should know about ultrasonic record cleaners before buying one!” I have had one record that got (more) damaged by repeated cleanings. I currently do a 5 minute clean, it works excellent for most records I get from the bin.

[@vinylbugg3513]

No S at end of VINYL.