My Best Method For Cleaning Vinyl Records!

[@705johnnyboy]

i bought the 229 buck job on ebay ,its amazing ,my records sound fantastic ,filtered water is fine all i use is one drop of dish soap and a dash of windex,my old jazz records are like new again ,im a happy man.....

[@boydsargeant7496]

If you think it sounds better then that’s all that matters. I spin clean, not gone to the next level yet, but if my collection got much bigger I might consider it! Thanks for great reviews.

[@joemartin6439]

I have the same ultrasonic record cleaner, same soap, I use a bit of 90 proof alcohol, it help drying with no water drops , I used cheese clothe to wipe and drop. Proof it work great , my record sound as clean as CD’s . Turn table is a Pure Fidelity older Écoreuse with Acoustic Signature TA-1000 carbon Tonearm with a Hana ML Cartridge. Sound just so involving. You are doing right

[@gregoryhausinger9072]

The vevor 6L is now 140.00 bucks delivered. It runs at 40khz as opposed to 35. Degritter is at 120khz which they say makes smaller bubbles which is " safer". seems to work fine as I had some "stuff" in the tank after doing 4 LPs which were previously done with my Vinyl styl record bath and VinylVac method. Vevor is definitely an entry level as it lacks some niceties like the gasket spacers (of the 4 I cleaned there was no water with their spacers) or a degas mode. Spin On You Crazy Diamonds!

[@markkasick]

Based on a review by the Dixie Farm guy, I purchased the Groove Master Label protector and basically just clean them by blasting them under the bathtub spigot, I give the record a final rinse in distilled water and let it air dry in the shower, where there is no dust due to people showering in there constantly. Drying with a microfiber towel works fine too. One or two occasions I had my buddy do a record in his sonicator where I could not get it clean. I use sonicitors at work for cleaning equipment. You have to be careful , I've had them chew anodizing off aluminum. Not sure that I would do a record more than once and maybe not at all on a valuable one.

[@skip1835]

I have no problem at all with what you're doing Dave - a couple of years ago I purchased one of the automatic ultrasonic cleaners, just love the "drop it in" concept and then come back in 5 minutes or so to a clean dry record ready to play or archive - for anyone reading this comment, I'd guess these higher end machines do their job in a comparable way, that is, I doubt one is overly sonically superior to another - as for my own findings, 1st time ever that the "diminishing" return thing is not a factor - anyone with any sort of reasonable system will instantly hear the improvement, these machines are most definitely not voodoo - I'd personally recommend cleaning virgin records too - - I hate over the top adjectives describing this component or that cable etc. but no one can deny that these machines provide an instant sonic improvement to record play back - - and yeah, like many other listeners, of course I've had and still have a Record Doctor, they are not the equal to these machines - although I do occasionally employ my RD on really dirty older records before I run them though the ultrasonic, helps prolong the tank water. Thanks for the vid, very interesting to see the "Isonic" in action.

[@ejcheck]

I too picked up an iSonic about the same time. I got the 10-disc version, but now usually do 5, unless I make a big purchase. I do mine slightly differently, but that is not to criticize your system. 1- I have discovered these devices make a major difference in the sonic quality of a recording. 2- I am a bit more aggressive in wiping down my LPs. I place them on a lint-free towel on a hard surface and use the KIMWipes that came with the iSonic. -I discovered that some microfibre clothes leave a residue in the grooves - I have had blue, red, and black residue come out of the grooves with a good wipe-down I assume that the red & blue are mold, the black is probably the residue from a good bunch of parties. 3- I use either iSonic cleaner or Tergikleen. Both seem to work well. 4- I do use tap water, but because of the more aggressive wipe-down, there appears to be no residue. 5- Because of the amount of crap find in the tank after a session I made a filter to run the water through after each use. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jonHYYytoap_e9E And, I agree this makes the biggest difference I've encountered in reviving records, especially old records

[@MODAC]

The added vacuuming step makes a huge difference to me. Thanks for sharing.

[@BomBoo-rn8gj]

I “wash” first in my SpinClean using a 50/50 mix of distilled water and Simple Green, spray rinse, and wipe with microfiber. Then a deep cycle on the HumminGuru Nova. (works great on the really dirty vintage). A new purchase gets the Nova clean only. 🤩 “It sounds like bacon smells”, Bonnie Raitt described her vintage 1965 Stratocaster.

[@tomelliott6352]

Thank you for the post. I have several ultrasonic cleaners which I use for cleaning clock and wristwatch parts, but never thought of cleaning records in one. 😊

[@nattyco]

Yep, giving a quick rinse and vacuum after using my ultrasonic cleaner is what I do, using a Project cleaner.

[@scottmcclements7566]

That sound it makes sounds like the last sound you'd hear dropping a hair dryer into the bath you were taking.

[@DustyD0]

I just got in to the world of ultrasonic cleaning coming from a spin clean myself and it makes a world of difference for sure. I did it the cheap way though with a budget 6L cleaner from ebay, and a jig made out of clamps, a dowel, and clothes pins, with the spinning powered by a disco ball motor. All in it was under $100, which is just about what they charge for a Spinclean nowadays for way better, and more automated deep cleaning. Thanks for another great video Dave, keep it up!!

[@tomelliott6352]

I'll be going the cheap way too Dusty !!

[@PedroPedro-jm4lk]

I would dearly love to learn how you made the spindle motor? Kind regards.

[@nattyco]

@@PedroPedro-jm4lk You can now purchase one with the motor and all the attachments for records for about $200, (£140 in UK). They work really well.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Ultra-sonic is by far the best cleaning method. No comparison.

[@fortheprofit2186]

Surfactants get rid of most particles that the stylus would pick up, if you still hear pops and clicks might be due to static.

[@stihltoe]

Great video...the only difference I do is put them in the spin clean after the ultrasonic. I find the brushes can adjetate the grooves more as the dirt was loosened in the ultrasonic. I'll add 10 drops of each of the Tergitols to the spin clean... Then I'll do a rinse in a extra spin clean .. Then the vacuum. I'll change the water in the first spincleam after every 15 or do records .

[@007KrausBean]

Great cleaner and the most affordable one I have seen that does ultrasonic cleaning.

[@carlosnovoaleon]

Hi, how are you? I have washed about 3,000 records with my ultrasonic washing machine and you are missing something very important in the washing process, rinsing the records. It's super important because when I bathe I have to take out the shampoo. Another super important thing is to dry them with a cloth immediately after washing, since when the water is drained there are still sediments and these remain in the first grooves... regards

[@MODAC]

I made a follow up video in which I add a vacuum step. Thanks.

[@brunohebert1351]

Interesting that you use the spin-clean as a "pre-wash" rather than a rinse. Lots of people recommend a rinse after the ultrasonic bath. Maybe worth experimenting? I haven't pulled the plug on ultrasonic yet, I'd like to get one but boy.. that noise...If I could put it in a separate closed room, I would probably own one already but unfortunately I can't do that at the moment. I would consider paying a more for a silent version if that ever comes out. Nice video, enjoy the clean records!

[@jamespeters2859]

Methylated spirits does the job for me. As a DJ my vinyl gets finger grease, meths removes that, and vaporises quickly.

[@danielshafransky3379]

Hi Dave, enjoy your channel, keep it up 😊 I also went through the process you did. Disc washer system, spin clean and now ultrasonic. I bought an inexpensive Chinese system called Vevor. I do not use the spin clean or a post clean vacuum as I think you can get small particles being dragged across the vinyl and scratching them even more. Just my opinion. I have done a comparison of listening to an album I just spin cleaned and then ultrasonic cleaned, and the difference is definitely way better with just ultrasonic. Thanks for your insights and keep up the videos

[@bk6678]

A vinyl covered desk file holder works well for drying.

[@briannewell6064]

Dust is a formidable enemy and you simply cant't win. Just do the best you can and that's all you can do.

[@kansasaudiophile3574]

I like your presentation of your new record cleaning machine. Enjoy

[@magneticcinema]

Thar XTC is an AWESOME find!!!

[@nailsbarr7045]

Stay Clean, Enjoy your Vinyl, and Crate Dig

[@blueriverlore]

I use the Spin Clean and then vacuum the water off with an original Nitty Gritty LP cleaner. Good enough for me and my guests who wander in.

[@danender5555]

Well, you show the ultrasonic record cleaning device. What I do not get form this video is a comparison, how the record sounds before cleaning and how it sounds once it is cleaned and dried...

[@johncale814]

Why on earth would you spend nearly 1,000 on this and then cheap out because you dont want to buy distilled water. And dont you dare say "my brita filtered home water with conductivity of 1,000 is comparable to distilled water with conductivity of ZERO." Imagine how infection rates in hospitals would increase from unclean contaminated scalpels and equipment if they were cleaning stuff with "home filtered water". Still a good vid though

[@Error2username]

Its a good thing he washes vinyl and not hospital gear🤣. I do the same tho, perfect everytime.

[@TrueStereo-]

@@Error2username I tried filtered water from my refrigerator. no ticks or pops is no ticks or pops if that is what you want to achieve and that did the job. That being said our water is suppose to be of very good quality. I would not use tap water in all places.

[@iSonicInc]

Tap water or filtered tap water actually have advantages over distilled water. It has less tendency to leave a film of solution on the records. As long as you don't see water marks left on the records, tap water or filtered tap water is fine. Distilled water doesn't disinfect anything, by the way.

[@paulsutherland1475]

That's a disclaimer put out by representatives and salespeople because these things are sold around the world, where in some countries the tap water is horrible. Decent city tap water should be no problems at all

[@iSonicInc]

Nice video. iSonic has a new model which is more specifically designed for vinyl record cleaning. It has a spin drying using a step motor which can run up to 600 RPM. It's the cleanest way of drying records. It also has a 1 micron in-water filter. A kit is also available for the early models like this one to be retrofitted for the same features. BTW, the first step with Spinclean is not needed.

[@MODAC]

Watch my other later video where add the VPI vacuum at the end. The Spin Clean gets the initial dust off so the US doesn’t get so dirty. Thanks.

[@iSonicInc]

@@MODAC See iSonic's new PRO versions from the link below. A 1-micron filter will help to keep water clean. A spin drying up to 600 RPM drying a set of records in 8-10 minutes. It's faster than blow drying, quieter and cleaner than vacuum drying. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6iyaIShpchlnqs.

[@AlessandroPitus]

where to find similar label protectors/savers? The ones on amazon or ebay are too much tick...

[@michaellitscher9456]

I'd love to hear an after-Spinclean, and then an after-Ultrasonic comparison of the same record to hear just how much cleaner the records are getting with the extra step.

[@MODAC]

Maybe a topic for a future video. Thx

[@rscotta831]

Dirty record vs. Ultrasonic cleaned record comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ScmIJjd8yYn68

[@ICU81269]

People waste a ton of Money and there is no use for it. If you watch my video you will actually see a record being cleaned.

[@gregoneil3523]

Great idea, use these ultrasonic cleaners at work, very efficient but expensive. Thanks for the video, my albums were treated with Permostat spray when they first arrived home. Still pretty quiet and dust free. But you can't buy it anymore.

[@nattyco]

You can get much cheaper ones now and they work fine.

[@danender5555]

I got my ultrasonic cleaning device for about $200

[@pedrito77]

I like the new intro! Great video!

[@ganonkenobi]

I use a different ultrasonic setup but I start with the spin clean and end with a record doctor vacuum. Not all vacuum systems are created equally. The vinyl vac (which I know you hate) generates a bunch of static, the record doctor v does not.

[@TorontoJon]

I would have liked to have heard a before-and-after comparison with an average record to hear if there was a significant improvement in sound after the cleaning or to hear a comparison between a Spin-Clean record versus an ultrasonically cleaned record. Thanks for the video though, Dave. :)

[@MODAC]

Maybe in the future. Thanks.

[@rscotta831]

Dirty record vs. Ultrasonic cleaned record comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ScmIJjd8yYn68

[@GustavoTrillo]

I think you're doing a great job great system and efficient , just one thing I saw on another video , it's about the dirt removed from the vinyl which still remains in the water surface ,the guy used some kind of spoon to absorb that dirt thin dirt which kepts in the water surface before remove the vinyls from water....but your cleaning system is awesome man Great video man

[@varsityathlete9927]

what i currently do, is spray the record after ultrasonic cleaning with very pure water and wipe it clean. then leave it to dry. i also anti static brush it. the next stop will be to get a VPI or similar to do the final stage. i agree, im concerned about leaving to much of the dirty water on the record.

[@nicholas6823]

Definitely interested in one of those cleaners. I have a vpi one but want to go to the next level. Thanks for the demo. Where did you get those poly lined inner sleeves? The link shows the rounded poly sleeve without the paper cover.

[@jake105]

How much did that rig cost you? I'll probably invest in the Spin Clean. I only own about 100 records. Maybe half that are used records and my originals from back in the day. People seem to freak out about wet labels. Labels dry very quickly and won't peel, fade and the print (ink) won't run. My guess if you leave labels submerged in liquids for a long period of time it may damage them. But water and/or cleaning fluids running over them will not damage them in the slightest. Rinse, pat dry and move on.

[@stevenwest1968]

Hey. Is the sound quality very different using ultrasonic rather than the Spinclean??

[@MODAC]

Sound quality? No, less surface noise.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Dolemite is my name... Good adaptation

[@VinylPro]

perfect tool for handle the job !

[@JBLClassic]

I’m also interested in a comparison of the results because I have a spin clean and I’m considering an ultrasonic.

[@MODAC]

Maybe in the future. Thx

[@rscotta831]

Dirty record vs. Ultrasonic cleaned record comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ScmIJjd8yYn68

[@AlTheEngineer]

You don't need the spin clean or the vacuum system if you have an ultrasonic cleaner! It's more than great for everything. Also, you only need the vinyl cleaning solution if there is any oily residue on your records, otherwise its mostly not required. One thing you can invest in is a method to dry the records faster, a couple of cheap desk fans and the rack you already have is more than enough in my opinion.

[@stihltoe]

I find the spin clean after the ultrasonic really works the grooves with the tergitols added.

[@AlTheEngineer]

@@stihltoe Doesn't hurt for sure. For me personally, after I bought a professional ultrasonic cleaner from iSonic, I pretty much stopped using anything else for records. My iSonic truly is a 1-stop shop for restoring / cleaning even the dirtiest of records. I'm buying old stuff again now a days because I know I can actually restore them at home with the iSonic!

[@stihltoe]

Thanks for the information

[@stephenstevens6573]

Have uou done an A/B comparison to how a particular disc sounds before and after? How about one that has lots of clicks and pops,? Seems awfully expensive, but if there is a striking difference in sound quality, it may be worth it...thoughts,?

[@MODAC]

Maybe that’s a future topic. Thx

[@rscotta831]

Dirty record vs. Ultrasonic cleaned record comparison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ScmIJjd8yYn68

[@paulomontero12]

The needle cleans the record every it’s played!

[@MODAC]

If you say so...

[@gregorypatton360]

Ive looking to buy a better cleaner.

[@ernesttricarico6402]

You did good

[@oscartellopenalver4864]

Thanks from spain

[@pierremartin9048]

Good on you

[@Blueroomranfurly]

Your doing it right I do the exact same thing / nice guy

[@petenamlook18]

So what is the performance like? I've alway found the Spin Clean to be lacluster in its performance. I will be getting an ultrasonic before the end of the year hopefully (Humminguru).

[@Tunz909]

Did you pre-order? Going to wait for a review from "The Vinyl Attack"

[@petenamlook18]

@@Tunz909 I backed the original Kickstarter.

[@Tunz909]

@@petenamlook18 I sure hope it's living up to the expectations we all have!! Good luck!! thanks for answering

[@Tunz909]

going to live up;-)

[@ricefieldrecords]

10 minutes. That's how long I let a cleaning agent like Groovinator sit on the surface of the record, while I push it around periodically with a paint edger. Whenever I do this and soak up the fluid with microfiber cloth; I get a very clean record with demonstrably reduced surface noise. If there is any soft residue on thew record, my stylus picks it up. I'm describing the cleaning process of a 50 year old record that may or may not ever have been washed. MOD moved a record around a Spin Clean for a minute. You can't compare that to a 15 minute ultrasonic bath. So, the question remains; what type of gunk or debris can affix itself to a vinyl record that only an ultrasonic cleaner can remove that good old elbow grease can not?

[@MODAC]

Like I mentioned in the video, there are so MANY differing opinions on how best to clean a record, that you just have to keep an open mind and find a method that works for you.

[@ivandrimal5783]

I don't understand why you put two wheels between LP records, if one double-sided wheel was enough, you would get many more LPs at once.

[@josephbogatek445]

I have a cheaper record cleaning machine. Same principle, just different costs. ( I have a Vevor record cleaner ) Still Ultrasonic. To those EXPERTS!!! There is NO right way, or wrong way. Its whatever way pleases you.

[@helthuismartin]

The best way to clean a record is to a buy a new one.

[@jonboy9912]

Nice video, but a very expensive way to do it! Here's a shocking way to clean your records that I have used for years and it works well on my 70's and 80's rock collection. Wash them in soapy warm water initially using a soft paper towel and then using a soft paint brush with an elastic band around the bristles to concentrate the process, rise with cold water out of the tap, place on a soft hand towel and dry with a kitchen towel, spray a dot of WD40 on each side and wipe in the grooves both ways with the kitchen towel, wash again and rinse and pat dry, leave to fully dry and polish with a lint fee cloth. Not only does this clean the disc it completely eradicates static! Shocked? Well it works and costs next to nothing!!

[@finmac5548]

Jeez!! Looks like you spend more time cleaning than listening! Just play your damn records man

[@ICU81269]

Don’t waste your money on something like that. What a waste of money!

[@1x3dil]

Seems a good method to me but as you say not a cheap option , as for your chosen way for sex and politics I’d be less interested . 🤣👍👍👍

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Imploasion

[@stateniland]

Degritter = Best