Record Cleaning part 2 - Record Cleaning Machines - are they any good?

A look at one of our favourite cleaning machines - and a noisy demonstration

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Thanks Phil, I can't understand the point of the seating plate coming into contact with the dirty side of the record. When you flip it, the clean side is then in contact with the dirty side of the plate. The Project fixing plates only touch the label part of the record. Great video

[@antonyharding5360]

Take no notice Phil, there is always someone who thinks they know better, what you shown us and demonstrated to us all made good sense to me... Much appreciated Phil, And your genuine approach. . Regards Antony Warrington Cheshire..

[@eazydraw4681]

The Pro-Ject has backwards and forwards I believe and the idea is to be able to “work” for want of a better word the cleaning fluid into the grooves more effectively… anyway enough of that detail thanks for taking the time to make this video

[@COLDMKULTRA]

I have the Pro-Ject VC-S2 ALU ... it is excellent, and when it has cleaned the records, I never have to worry about static issues with the records. Only problem is, as you mention Phil, the NOISE! ... it puts me off using it sometimes ... other than that, an excellent machine. (if I had stupid money to spend, I would probably get a degritter)

[@pauldouglas4971]

Thank you Phil, really informative, much appreciated.

[@saudade369]

It may be sacrilege but I just cleaned some old vinyl by running it under the tap ( after putting purifying filters on all the mains water pipes from the reservoir supply to south wales of course) and giving 8t a good wipe with a soft cloth for cleaning my glasses and a soft cloth tissue . It worked wonderfully ! And cost me next to nothing .

[@markcarrington8565]

I confess to spending much more time using the brush on the wet record before drying it and then longer drying it too. On my Project machine the arm lifts off and I use a Project carbon filament stylus brush to clean the pads on the underside after EVERY side. The rubbish that comes off second hand records would be ground into the second side otherwise. Finally, I never put the records back into paper or cardboard sleeves, only Mo-Fi archive sleeves. This is more time consuming but since I only clean each record once it’s no big deal.

[@gotham61]

I find that the best way to clean the velvet lips on the vacuum tube is with a toothbrush. I brush them off after every side, it only takes a few seconds. The problem I see with that machine is the platter. You put a dusty record on it, and dust from the bottom of the record transfers to the platter, then after cleaning one side you flip the record over and put the just cleaned side on the dusty platter. A machine like the Pro-Ject VCS only touches the record in the label area. Keith Monks also makes a neat platter mat that supports the record surface on small bumps minimizing the contact area, which could work on your machine.

[@larryayres4592]

I'm in the US where we had a cleaner called a Vac-o-Rec that has mohair bristles and rotates the record and gently cleans the grooves. I had one years ago and got another when I got back into records on eBay, as they don't make them anymore. Great Product. Obviously I only use it when it needs it, but I've used them for probably 20 years with no issues. Recommend them if you can find one at a reasonable price. No liquids involved.

[@ganonkenobi]

I've had a few vacuum units. The Pro-ject vc-s2 alu Is whisper quiet compared to the Record Doctor V.

[@buzzb5510]

Hi, I really like the look of the Watson cleaner in this video. I see it has an optional arm for 7" Is this essential or can 7" vinyl be cleaned with the standard arm?

[@chrisguygeezer]

Enjoyed you video but, I'd recommend putting the clean record back into a new antistatic inner sleeve. 😉

[@mikerussell3298]

The original "dust Bug" tracked and cleaned the grooves ahead of the stylus. Best simple cleaning system ever.

[@saudade369]

I had heard of sonic cleaning of records .so I tried it . Unfortunately it didn’t seem to work at all no matter how hard I shouted at the vinyl it still looked dusty , although my wife’s high pitched shrieking did seem to move it a bit but I don’t think she appreciated my holding my vinyl up to her face when she was telling me if forgotten take the bins out . I suspect it’s one of those things that need development before working well .

[@benpatana7664]

Good stuf Phil. Actually I thought the first video was very well balanced in its messaging.

[@Andy-rc9db]

Thank you for this. You made a comment that IPA probably isn’t a good idea. What is your thinking around that? Is that due to health/safety concerns - or because it might damage the record? I’ve been using distilled water + IPA, but only on records that need it (second hand records or very noisy records)…

[@matereo]

the nittygritty is quieter, and the mini pro does both sides in one sweep

[@ronlysons6750]

Fair play to you Phil, no one can accuse you of being and influencer and using the channel to make loads of money.

[@1RungAtATime]

I really like that it's a convenient compact unit. What I don't like is the price for these cleaners; this Watson is almost $600. That's a lot for the convenience to me. My diy version with a wet dry vac and turntable has to be set up, and is more involved manually, but it was all under $100.

[@dannycoggan1400]

I have the Watson machine and can't fault it apart from the clamp. The threads seem to have have gone and I can't source a replacement. Have ended up buying a heavy record clamp and hold it down whilst vacuum process is on.

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

I'm using that machine under a different name. I had a Nitty Gritty 1.5FI back in the 90's and this is better. Ohh, I also use ear plugs.

[@slowpawstevet3676]

nice demo though i will stay with my Disco AntiStat and Vinyl Shelter system of cleaning which after ten years or so i know is the best, no noise, no electricity, the drying time is a little longer but i have the time. (-:

[@Casualfulltime]

I can't see how that brush gives the record a deep clean?

[@hoobsgroove]

There's no issue with label getting wet I've never come across the problem! maybe it does exist but very rarely and you're not soaking it for ages. Both deionised and ionised water pure. I would make the Mat wet before putting the record on and cleaning each time after use otherwise you are you gonna get dirt back onto the record prevent static, What do you mean by touch the vinyl?? you did touch the vinyl. The only way you're not going to touch your vinyl is with ultrasonic

[@revelry1969]

I dont think you can have this conversation without serious look at ultrasonics

[@ottschi63]

14:17 By now at the latest, you should use a new inner cover!

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

These machines are actually just record drying machines as all the work is done manually and the machine just vacuums the liquid and dirt away. I had a Project model, but it was too labour intensive, and too loud. I ended up getting a good deal on a Nessie Vinylmaster which cleans and vacuums automatically and is very quiet. It's so quick and easy I often clean a side, play it, clean the other side and then play it, so don't have to have distinct record cleaning sessions anymore. Well worth the extra.

[@eazydraw4681]

I hope it is good at currently 4 times the price of the Watson’s

[@MaterLacrymarum]

The trouble with this is, the tests need to be comparative to really be meaningful. On top of that, most people seem to be moving in an ultrasonic direction these days, and I know from the previous video that Phil hasn't used one of those. You can buy a cheap 40Hz Ultrasonic for under £200 on Ebay. As for the records themselves, a lot depends on whether you're buying new or used records. Even new records benefit from a clean these days, but with secondhand you never really know what you're getting. I buy mostly secondhand, so having a cleaning machine is really useful. Finally, as someone else has mentioned, once you've wet cleaned a record, there is virtually NO static, a benefit within itself.

[@paulbristow320]

The cheap ultrasonic machines aren't worth the trouble. I sold mine within a month. If you do want a ultrasonic cleaner it must have a variable temp heater, a filter a drain and most important of all a variable frequency range to be effective. Any less is a bit of a fudge. You then have to find a way to slowly rotate your LPs, protect the labels and find a way to remove the fluid from the LP when you remove it. It's a right faff and I know from doing all of the above.

[@antonyharding5360]

Thanks for the advice, Much appreciated.. Regards Antony Warrington Cheshire.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

@@paulbristow320 Hello Paul did the records sound better tan vacuum method. Assuming u have tried this way

[@paulbristow320]

Hi Matt I haven't had the opportunity to try a vacuum LP based cleaner although I do plan to. The multi frequency ultrasonic cleaner's do help but they are not the panacea I hoped they might be.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

@@paulbristow320 I also use a very cheap surfactant called Tween 80(sounds like a teen fashion product) online 10 ml bottle 3.09 GBP . Will make a lot when diluted. It is 50%cheaper tha triton x 100 that Paul Rigby recommends. The surface noise is reduced and it is clear etc

[@goonluv]

i use washing up liquid and a brush works a treat

[@hoobsgroove]

I wouldn't use washing up liquid it has salt use a car wash shampoo a few drops

[@goonluv]

@@hoobsgroove cheers

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Use Tween 80 surfactant available in10 ml glass test size bottles. 3.10 gbp and will make loads...

[@matthewtaylor7355]

Car wash shampoos full ov s###t. Tween no foam booster or deturgent stink

[@goonluv]

@@matthewtaylor7355 cheers

[@false_binary]

Great vid...but OUCH! All this attention to detail cleaning your record and it goes back in a stock paper inner! UHG! You might need to clean less with a simple anti-static inner. 😱

[@davidhalliday7776]

Distilled Water is probably what you mean.

[@petercreed2539]

Keith monks makes a cheaper version for £800

[@ohyesitsme]

Having cleaned the record why put it back in a paper sleeve where it will gather dust from the paper. I would have thought an anti-static sleeve would be more preferable. Also I wouldn't have the opening at the same point as the opening of the outer cover due to ingress of more dust, but that's just me.

[@chrisguygeezer]

No not just you, there were simple care issues forgotten

[@rabarebra]

When you clean the other side, you put the clean side onto a dirty surface. Not very well thought out these machines. Better go for a Ultrasonic one.

[@saudade369]

PS, I can hire her out for sonic record cleaning if anyone is interested ?

[@mariocassar3117]

Buy anything…BUT the project.

[@piotrbiedowicz1602]

This machine does what I do manually and for free🤷

[@blackdawg7778]

50% IPA: H2O

[@petejay7851]

Blimey, you barely let that record do a full rotation with the vacuum on. Not long enough! Then, why, having cleaned the record, do you put it back in a dirty sleeve? At least blow the dust out before replacing the record or what's the point. Incidentally RCM,'S aren't cheap items so why would you only use it sparingly? That is a mad comment and makes no sense at all.

[@antonyharding5360]

Good point, on the other hand, one has to draw the line somewhere, Regards Antony. Warrington Cheshire..

[@kevinbrock7223]

Not just a dirty sleeve but a paper sleeve. Decent inners aren’t exactly expensive. Hey, they’re your records Phil and you can do as you please but I somehow doubt that using a carbon fibre brush is going to do any harm while it’s clear paper sleeves actually do scuff LPs. I use a Disco Antistat (not the fluid) and SpinCare machines and they do a pretty good job for not very much money. And static goes away. I love Rega but their idea that playing records is the best way to clean them…if you can find some proof of this I’d be utterly amazed.

[@petejay7851]

@@kevinbrock7223 I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for that proof to come Kev. You are absolutely right about those sleeves marking the vinyl too. The times I've sent back new vinyl due to rub marks from poor sleeves. And don't get me started on the poor quality pressing, especially on coloured vinyl. They may look nice but quality is crap. As for our Phil, he owns a hifi shop and many of his videos are to promote sales. Strangely I have spoken with him on the phone wanting advice before making a cartridge purchase and he didn't want to know or engage in conversation at all. If Rega suggested that vinyl was best heard with pops and crackles to add to authenticity then our Phil would agree with it I'm sure. Pj.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

@@petejay7851 Doug Brady Hi fi also in cheshire Warrington r not 2 faced Pete. And won't sell u a 2 grand cartridge. I needed my cadenza bronze retipping. Brady fecommened 450 quid audio technical and said its better. And yes it is. Ortofons hav ahuge markup....

[@petejay7851]

@@matthewtaylor7355 thanks for that Matt. Doug Brady has been around many years and there's obviously a reason for that. I'm running the audio Technica Vm 95 ml and I'm more than happy.