RECORD CLEANING: VACUUM v HUMMINGURU v BOTH?

[@blueriverlore]

My initial cleaning begins with the Spin-Clean using their cleaner. I then transfer it over to my Nitty Gritty wet/dry vacuum cleaner. I then pump-up distilled water and give it a good soak/rinse before I turn on the vacuum. I'm not sure how much more I can get out of an LP by adding an ultrasonic cleaning. Thanks for the video.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

It's a compromise, isn't it. I never would have tried the ultrasonic unless its price wasn't so reasonable. I find it helps, but there's a limit to what we should reasonably expect from vinyl. My combo of vacuum and ultrasonic has been pretty good. However, like many with a music obsession, I'm always on the look-out for wasting a bit more money in the pursuit of perfection!

[@blueriverlore]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Thanks for the reply David. I took the plunge and ordered the Humminguru and it will be here tomorrow. A lot of my vinyl was purchased back in the 60s and 70s. I was listening to a couple of my Beatles LPs last night and noticed that it's not as 'vibrant' as I remember. I'm going to see if this machine will help with sonics, stage, noise etc. Best regards.

[@bshah4831]

I have a similar system. Project wet cleaner for step 1 and then the Humminguru for step 2. For me the key is using a surfactant with the Humminguru

[@darkfrost1901]

I have my own method of cleaning just like everyone else. I have a little workstation set up. Step 1- I'll soak the record with some solution and use a brush to carefully remove any excess dirt or debris. Step 2- I use a Spin Clean to further clean it. Step 3- I drop it into the Humminguru ultrasonic cleaner. Step 4- I dry it using a Record Doctor Vacuum. This setup works for me. I can move through records pretty quickly this way and it's a very relaxing process. Now I'm a child of the 60s so I'm very used to the snap, crackle, and pop of records and don't expect them to be perfect. I just like knowing that I made a decent attempt to care for my records. As vinyl lovers, we all know the joy that comes from listening to our records. Especially on an audiophile system. It's just magic. The records give me so much that It's only right that I do my best to keep them clean in return. It's not obsession. It's just a mutual respect. Life is short everyone. Enjoy your music the way you want.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Nothing wrong with a ritualised approach to cleaning records. There's a certain satisfaction associated with knowing you've been methodical.

[@gregoryhausinger1114]

Brilliant job, thank you for the video! I use the vinyl styl bath with the vinyl vac attachment and a battery powered Milwaukee vacuum. The total cost of approximately 200 Usd. Is it pretty?, no, but I can do a dirty (or more often static plagued album) in about 2 minutes. The looks aren't to much an issue as my music system is in an adjacent room and only the speakers are seen. I am holding off on the humming guru as I'm hoping they either improve or other companies introduce an affordable, higher quality product to add to my current record cleaning regiment. Spin on you crazy diamonds!

[@SublimMedia]

I have the Okki Nokki since 10 years and has worked fine but I’m interested in getting the Humminguru. Your video answered all the questions I had but that no one answered. Thanks!! //Jonas

[@mike_burke]

Excellent video Dave, very informative, many thanks. I agree and would definitely think a video on the history of your various record players would be a big hit with your viewers and the VC, one for the future if you ever find some time. All the best.

[@arthur-bm9im]

there is a switch to extend drying time next to power button.flick it to the right

[@PatrickRyder-k1n]

Been listening to records for 40 years and i do simple clean with cloth,brush.etc,the basic quick clean then play them...living with some static is all part of it to me..

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

One of the most thoughtful, informative videos on KZbin on the subject of record cleaning. I use twin SpinCleans for records I sell in my store, rising the really grubby ones off in the sink first, then the first SpinClean with the cleaning solution, the second with just distilled water, dry with the supplied cloth, then in a rack to dry. For my own collection and higher priced records, I use a contraption I built myself that works pretty much like an OkiNoki, using a motorized platter, Turgiclean solution, vacuum wand, and a repeat rinse and vacuum. It works a treat, but I'm now considering ordering a Humminguru as a final step. Good tip on returning it to the vacuum system for drying instead of the lengthy and apparently, somewhat ineffective drying cycle.

[@eur1gys]

Totally agree with you about noise and crackles at classical music, and also about vacuum cleaner and HumminGuru results.

[@johnparks6172]

Great video! Like you I kept my vinyl when CDs attempted to replace LPS. I bought CDs, but continued to by vinyl especially from thrift stores, etc. So I have about 2000 LPS since buying from the 1970s compared to about 600-800 CDs. I didn't get into wet record cleaning until the 2000s, and only then by devising various DIY methods to save money. After further research I eventually came up with a basic 2 step process using the Vinyl Styl record cleaner in combination with the Record Doctor record cleaning machine. This is a wet to vacuum process. The Vinyl Styl is very similar to the Spin Clean most people are familiar with. Instead of filling the tank with cleaning fluid (I use Audio Intelligent products) I spray my fluid on both sides of the record, spin the record several times, apply more fluid to saturate the record, let it sit a few minutes, give one final spin then put the record on the Record Doctor to such off the muck. The advantage of using the Vinyl Styl is that it has a set of goat hair brushes that get the fluid into the grooves to loosen the dirt. After I sucked off the initial cleaning fluid I use a rinse with a dedicated goat hair brush as a follow-up final stage, then I suck that off with the Record Doctor. This gives amazing results. It remves dirt, dust and contamination from the grooves. A distinction should be made between surface noise and noise from dirt, dust, static, and other contaminants in the record grooves. Surface noise comes from the physical contact between the stylus and the record grooves. This noise will always be there. The only thing that can reduce it is proper cartridge alignment and a cartridge that has an excellent ability at reducing these types of resonances. Noise from dirt, dust, static, and other contaminants is what the wet record cleaning process will get rid of.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

I watched this with interest David. I didn’t know you could buy an ultrasonic cleaner that cheap. Being on a tight budget I have a couple of manual machines and after using a carbon brush put my old records through the Knosti disco Antistat machine with the fluid diluted 50/50 with distilled water as it contains alcohol. This uses goats hair brushes that get to the bottom of the groove. Then into the Spincare machine with its dedicated fluid. This uses cleaning pads so removing any fingerprints. When I have cleaned a few I then empty the Knosti and re fill with distilled water for a good rinse then air dry. This works very well and doesn’t cost the earth. Did you know that de ionised water can contain bacteria and distilled water doesn’t. The steam manufacturing process kills bacteria.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Hi Tony, Glad you found it interesting. I passed over the Knosti option some years ago when I bought the vacuum. I know a lot of people who think it does a decent enough job, and I suspect it does, particularly if you're focusing on cleaning several records to play later. But, like I said in the video, I tend to clean immediately before playing so something that gets the record clean and dry quickly is a must for me. This Humminguru is worth a look if you've got a bit spare cash. As for the water, the instruction manual says you can use di-ionised or distilled. You've just confirmed that I should get on with grabbing some distilled as soon as possible!

[@elCaxi1971]

@tonyjedioftheforest1364 is destilled water easily available at most local shops in your area ? Here in Denmark i can only order it from farmaceutical companies :(

[@bobdtoastie]

I’ve got the moth, had it a few years now, what I like about it is that you can apply fluid while it vacs the other side, thinking of getting a HumminGuru too.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Very true. Really speeds things up.

[@matsrecordcollection]

New subscriber here! Great video, I recently got the Humminguru. I use distilled water and the Humminguru record cleaning solution (2 drops per 400ml of water) 50 records through with great results so far, by the way, I change out the water and clean the filter after every 10 records. It is leaps and bounds above my old spin clean.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Excellent. Good to know it's working for you. I'm still pleased with it.

[@tshingtenglim965]

Informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@astolatpere11]

I ordered a Vevor ultrasonic vinyl cleaner ($161 delivered) a day ago, should be here in a few days. Your video was one of many I looked at to help make up my mind. My plan is to preclean 2 lps with brush and tergitol solution, then while still wet, place in ultrasonic cleaner using only distilled water for about 5 minutes, then finsh on my Nitty Gritty vacuum machine. Based this on what I've learned via the interweb.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Sounds like your process is similar to mine. Good luck.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Good video. Subscribed! I have a Humminguru as well and the phrase "icing on the cake" hits the nail on the head to combine cliché phrases. I have seen other reviews of folks who have contacted Humminguru with mechanical problems, and the company has good communication for DIY repairs as well as other options. Personally, as I am treating the machine with care, it is giving me fine service and has saved some records that had a lot of surface noise. It isn;t a miracle worker, but usually I am surprised with the results. Cheers!

[@solarfox024]

Read my comment above 😢

[@salters]

Hi David ..Thanks for this video because it has helped to convince me that buying the Guru has been the best investment I have made in listening to and looking after my vinyl..I think its more of a Squeakingguru than a Humming to be fair..I am curious now to get the Moth to replace my Project vaccum ..I like the idea of having all that extra drying power..Again thanks for a very down to earth honest review..

[@shaunblackman5299]

Loving my Humminguru. Had a homemade set up, but somewhat of a faff, so this is so more convenient with as good results. Had the same issue with my Floyd Animals too (haven't most people!?). Another issue I had with the guru though, is my Animals wouldn't rotate. However a look at their website explained to take out the holder and put a temporary, homemade spacer in and this worked a treat. Apparently this is due to the vinyl being slightly less diameter than normal.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

I noticed the same thing with my copy of Animals too. I fiddled around with the Guru and it did eventually spin.

[@MrSlaphead61]

All of my new Pink Floyd albums are slightly small. I have an acrylic platter and really struggle to get them off because you can’t hold them by the edge. I have a Pro-ject cleaner, and waiting for my Humminguru to be delivered. Looking forward to hearing the difference it makes. Great video btw

[@67Pepper]

Manual disc doctor cleaning using their pads, followed by vacuum is plenty good for me. I've been using it for over 20 years.

[@eur1gys]

My HG actually never left any water drops on the record, and i use short cycle drying. Distilled water with no additives. But with dusty/dirty records it doesn’t remove all dust specs - this is where pre-cleaning in VPI helps.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

I'm finding the room humidity really matters. When it's low, there's no liquid residue on the record, but a little bit (in places) when it's relatively damp. I'm using distilled too. Working pretty well.

[@Matasky2010]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 This comment re humidity is very helpful (and frustrating) because I live in a very humid climate and about to buy the HG. Also helpful because being aware I will test it in a smaller room where I can run a dehumidifier, see how much difference it will make in drying efficiency. Quite a bit I would guess.

[@briankellogg2751]

Nice video, David. I have an Okki Nokki vacuum system and I'm very pleased with the results but have been intrigued by the ultrasonic too. I'd be interested in a follow up after you've cleaned 100 or so pieces to get your take on the durability. You're right about the noise the vacuum system makes; I put on a movie that I know and just watch the parts when the machine is not vacuuming. Cheers from Central California!

[@leonardosullivan963]

Good video David. I purchased the Loricraft PRC6i last year, and l am really impressed by the results. It is a total game changer for me. Now l don’t play a record unless cleaned first.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Wow, that's an expensive purchase! I've seen one in operation and I'm told it's superb. Having said that, after a few weeks, I'm pretty pleased with the Humminguru. And like you, Leonardo, I never play a dirty record anymore.

[@leonardosullivan963]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I was thinking of the Degritter as the other option. However when l contacted Loricraft to make enquiries. The company said that if l bought the RCM they would as a special offer add all the accessories. With the Degritter l would have to buy the adapters etc. Plus l wanted to have no doubts that l had made the right decision.

[@matthewtaylor7355]

@@leonardosullivan963 +, the loricraft sounds better and will last for 40yrs

[@leonardosullivan963]

@@matthewtaylor7355 l hope so, that will be value for money.

[@TheJoyofVinylRecords]

Hi David! I enjoyed this! Thanks for mentioning it on my channel. Whereas this video is a few months old and you'd only had the Humminguru for a few days at the time - what are your thoughts on it now?

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Hi again Rick. I'm quite satisfied with it. As I mentioned on your channel I don't brutalise it with filthy records, but instead use it for the 'final clean' or for new records only. And for that it's pretty good. Apart from that, I echo your comments suggesting each of us find a method that works for us. Some are labour-intensive, others expensive, and not everyone demands a the lowest possible sound floor from their records. I am pleased, though, that there are options aplenty, and a new gadget every few years is always welcome. 🙂

[@elCaxi1971]

Good evening David. This might well be the Best video regarding record cleaning i´ve seen all year and then some.. :) I think you cleared up a question i´ve had for quite some time, but i´ll get to that. Firstly, my first record was The Police Outlandos d´amour bought in 1979 at age 8, in Flensburg, Germany when visiting my grandparents - I´m from Denmark btw - ,but when we came back from shopping i saw that the record had Side 2 labels on both sides :D The record still plays without a skip, so i´m thoroughly looking foreward to giving it a proper ultrasonic clean when i get to buy a Vevor machine.. So back to the question i´ve been having. In Every single video regarding record cleaning, people talk about how they buy destilled water at their local shop for near pennies, whereas here in Denmark i can get demineralised water - might be what you showed being de-ionised water - at almost any shop for £1 pr. liter, but actual destilled water i can only order from farmaceutical companies for £3 pr. liter. Sorry about this lengthy rant, but i´ve been rather confused about this issue.. Maybe you have a word to add to this. Thanks and best regards, Carsten.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Hi Carsten, I've been to Flensburg! And I've visited Denmark many times, for work and pleasure. Thanks for your kind words about the video. I'm glad it's helped. Your question, however, is one that I've had for some time. I'm going to have to check locally to see what my options are. The deionised water is supposedly okay, and given that it will be used 3 or 4 times before being discarded, it might do the job long-term. All I can is that, so far, things are looking good. JUST CHECKED: It seems I can get supplies via Amazon. Worth trying, I guess.

[@mike_burke]

Hi Carsten, it is a similar situation in the Netherlands. However, I have been told by more than one expert that actually demineralised water is what you should use, as the harsh chemicals and mineral deposits found in tap water (that can possibly cause micro damage to record grooves) are not present. If you use a cleaning solution provided by the company, diluted with demineralised water, then you are good, because the solution will contain anti-bacterial properties. I use the solution from Pro-ject and find it to be very good. I dilute it 15:1 (you can go to 20:1) and it lasts almost forever 😊 It also contains no alcohol. Some (not all) people say never allow alcohol near your records, so I don’t. I have a vacuum type cleaner since my birthday last month, so I have no need for using alcohol. But for those who manually clean (including the Knosti type machines) then I can understand using some alcohol (but not too much) in your cleaning fluid to help speed up the drying process. Hope this helps! Edit: Demineralised water here costs €0.59 per litre. I purchased 1 litre of Pro-ject cleaning fluid for €34. Diluted @ 15:1 this makes 16 litres of cleaning fluid for a total cost of just over €40. It only needs 6 - 8ml cleaning fluid for each side of a record, so as you can tell, this amount will clean about 1,000 records (both sides).

[@craigsandry6737]

Thanks David . I found this very informative . Cheers mate ….. Craig

[@TheReal1953]

In theory, you try to avoid anything that creates mechanical friction on your record surface for maintenance. This includes carbon brushes, cleaning clothes, RCM 'wand' material, etc, etc. Using the Merrill G.E.M. (no affiliation) is just water and cleaning fluid. I would stack its results against any mechanical RCM. That said, the use of a USC AFTER the G.E.M. would be the way to go for the money. If the HumminGuru has any faults, it's that it's not aggressive enough to tackle really dirty records. So it only makes sense to clean it beforehand with something else.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Thanks Kevin. I've not tried the G.E.M. (there's only so many options I can try), but I do agree with your assessment of the Humminguru. It's why I use it in combination with the vacuum RCM when old records I pick up are particularly dirty. It's fine though with new (and new-ish) records.

[@TheReal1953]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Kinda burdensome to have the two machines but beats the $6,000 documented/working USCs and their brethren. The only thing that's kept the G.E.M from being more popular is the water mess it makes. Pretty messy to do it correctly. I've added an inline water filter to the first rinse and a separate deionizing filter to the second rinse.

[@nigelcampag1290]

Good vid and answered my main question, the import duty cost. I've had a Pro-ject cleaner for the last 5 years or so (bought in Lintone Audio btw so I'm in the same part of the world as you). It obviously cleans a dirty record but I've never really liked the fact that a felt pad is pushed hard onto a vinyl surface and worry if it somehow picked up a little fleck of grit that it would score itself onto the record. I could swear I've cleaned some records that looked NM but thought it best to give them a clean and afterwards seen light marks on it. That's my main reason for considering a sonic cleaner and I'm considering the HummingGuru but overseas costs/service issues are my main reason for not purchasing so far. PS I did visit Handyside Arcade in the mid 80s to look in Kard Bar but that was to buy Viz rather than records! My copy of Julian's Treatment LP came from there via a work colleague who purchased it from Kard Bar in the 70s. Regards Nigel

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

It's a small world Nigel. I didn't much fancy The Kard Bar, and used to buy and sell at the other shop across the from it. And as for Viz, I sold a few early(ish) ones on eBay several years ago, and still have a bunch from the 80s. I think their value has gone down though! Regarding the vacuum cleaner, I've had the same concerns, and frequently run a stiff brush over the felt pads (with the vacuum running) to keep the pads clean. It works pretty well, I reckon. I'm about 100 records into the Humminguru and I'm pleased with the results, with new records in particular (they play perfectly now, in most cases). That servicing and shipping issue is a big one though.

[@nigelcampag1290]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 Thanks for the reply David. My early Viz mags are long gone. Good idea on the stiff brush, must try that. I'll hopefully get the HummingGuru at some point. Ideal if someone picked up UK distribution for it but I'll not hold out any hopes. Cheers Nigel

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

@@nigelcampag1290 I think we'd all be happier if there was a UK distributor. Good luck.

[@shaunblackman5299]

@@davidatkinson-lifematters4826 I got my Humminguru from Juno records in the UK. Don't know if they are an official distributor, but they do stock them.

[@jeffjeezy7170]

Thank you for this review. Since you have both drying methods, I've read and seen reviews saying the vacuuming process, while great at drying, turns your record into a static, dust magnet. Thereby making the ultrasonic "blow dryer" if you will, process the better drying method. Have you experienced any noticeable increase in static when drying with the vacuum vs running it through the Humminguru dryer until completion?

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Hi Jeff, To be frank, I've never experienced static following vacuum cleaning. I reckon it's because I don't over-dry the records. Sure, they're dry when they come off the machine, but I appreciate that some people like to add a few rotations and it's maybe these that cause the static. As for a comparison between VCM and Humminguru, the only time the latter made a noticeable impact on static was when I put Pink Floyd's 'Animals' through it.

[@RICKSTANGER]

Nice one Dave ,what cleaning fluid do you use in the Moth is it home brew if so whats your recipe and do you distilled water rinse when vacuuming (it helps with static) thanks Rick

[@richardherbert3519]

Very interesting video

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Glad you liked it

[@Stuck_in_the_70s]

Nice video David this is exactly what I was looking for. I have a Pro-ject VC-S2 ALU and I’ve cleaned my whole collection over the last 3 years and have found it to be a great machine. I’d been wondering whether an ultrasonic would be an improvement on it and also had been wondering whether a cycle in the ultrasonic flowed by a vacuum clean/dry would be the absolute best solution, so many thanks!

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Thanks Johnny. After about 100 records, I've settled on a method that focuses mainly on the Humminguru and it's working well. Properly dirty records definitely go on the vacuum first though.

[@kceateva]

Has anybody try making oldschool soulotions and use it on the Humminguru

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Thank you for this one. Is there a solution for stylus cleaner ?

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

I'm not sure (at least from Hummguru). I have heard about stylus cleaners that use ultrasound but, to be frank, if you clean your records before playing them, then your stylus should remain clean for longer!

[@davidbryanbartlett4071]

That's why Japanese C.D.s are the best choice

[@solarfox024]

Put some oil on that orange screw.. and also Hummingguru destroy records, try cleaning one record 15 times, sound is destroyed. That machine using 40 kHz ultrasonic ment for carburators, jewelry, watches, or hard metal. Not vinyls.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Thanks for that. I do suspect that it doesn't do the job it's marketed for. I do use it sparingly, and your warning not to overdo it is much appreciated. I hope others also take much care and notice of your knowledge in these matters. Cheers.

[@mikesgotthespins5894]

I just discovered your channel and subbed you up! I talk vinyl on my channel as well, thanks for sharing the great info, Peace!

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Thanks Mike. Subscribed to yours too! I love that Dire Straits box set as well. Telegraph Road....the best I've ever heard it.

[@msmmagnum]

Hey David I’m with you regarding using the Humminguru in unison with another cleaner for best results, I use a larger 5 record ultrasonic cleaner and then I use my Humminguru as a final rinse and dry as you also mentioned the ambient temperature plays a large factor with drying. kzbin.info5erZtvAJEoo?feature=share

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Nice. And thanks. That's a great set-up. I think I've been buying and cleaning records so long using the vac, that I can't justify a better, bigger capacity ultrasonic. I just don't have the number of unclean records to go at. But I'd have gone in that direction had I understood the benefits of ultrasound a few years earlier.

[@kodithebear]

Nearly $1000 post to NZ. I'm out 😂

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Ouch!

[@arthurchim3471]

Was that through Groove Audio in Australia? They are the authorised dealer for Australia and NZ. I purchased mine from them but I’m local so the postage was included in the price. I’ve used it on close to 250 LPs and very happy with it.

[@billymuellerTikTok]

if you use the vacuum and the humminguru at the SAME TIME while listening to records - you won't hear ANY noise LOL

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

Too true!

[@Wizzard777]

Like my 84yr old dad says: "if you need a machine to clean your vinyl records, you shouldn't be in the vinyl record hobby in the first place". My dad hand cleans (if needed) his records using his own homemade cleaning solution. His 1950's/60's/70's records, sound way better than any of my vinyl records that I've cleaned using a $3200 degritter. Save your $$, handle and take care of your vinyl records properly.

[@frankgarcia9834]

I would do the Humminguru first, then the vacuum cleaning machine.

[@davidatkinson-lifematters4826]

I can't remember Frank if I explained my reason for vacuuming first, but I'll say now that I'd definitely do that if the record was particularly soiled. The VCM is just more robust, and can take filth the way the Humminguru wouldn't.