THIS is why you MUST clean new records | Testing Vinyl Vac record cleaning fluid

[@vinylvac]

Thanks for the video review Frank! The website is www.vinylvac.net. I suggest including a rinse step before you vacuum with the Vinyl Vac and always use a wet/dry vac when working with liquids. I like to compare it to shampooing your hair or cleaning your carpets, a rinse step is essential to these two as I believe it is with cleaning your records. One additional point I'd like to add is to always use an anti-static brush before each play of a record. It doesn't matter how clean a record is static can always be present and cause pops and crackle sounds. A good anti-static brush will help prevent static just before you play your record.

[@diemuckedeslebens]

I do the vacuum thing too. Made my own Vinyl Vac and I use my own solution. Works perfectly for me.

[@screamingtrees9619]

I not only watch your videos for the info, but for my own entertainment always enjoy your videos Frank, love your energy and knowledge and stories. Cheers man

[@Channel33RPM]

THANKS!

[@christopherbarker181]

I’ve been using the Phoenix Enzyme record cleaning solution that I buy by the gallon from Sleeve City here in the states. I use the Mofi micro fiber brush with the replaceable heads. I always follow up with a spray of distilled water then a follow with Groove Glide....it works for me!

[@davidtillwach5542]

Is Phoenix record cleaning solution good stuff I've seen it on Amazion for 36 dollars for a gallon

[@PapaSancho666]

It never occurred to me to clean brand new vinyl, i figured it was already clean etc.. Good to know and thanks for the steps you take on cleaning.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Paul. I'm glad you found the video useful. Cheers Frank

[@XjunkieNL]

Fun to see you're also still using the little microscope, Frank. Not funny how much dust there can be on new records. Cheers. /Paul

[@MaynardsSpaceship]

I'm brand new to vinyl. Thank you for the information!

[@claypf4795]

I've put together an ultrasonic system, but I'm also going to build up a vinyl vac system, both to try to vacuum out any remaining stubborn dust, and also vacuum out the water so I don't have to leave records sitting out in the drying rack with the opportunity to pick up new dust.

[@BewareofDarkness44]

Thanks for the recommendation of the Vinyl Vac solution. I'm a little leery of making my own fluid, and am tired of paying $10 a bottle. Being able to make a whole gallon for $20 is a great deal!

[@Channel33RPM]

Glad to help

[@davejazzman625]

Hi Frank, I have been using the Spin Clean record cleaning machine and it seems to work very well! After cleaning, I still rinse my records with distilled water. I have never damaged a lable. Have you? Thanks!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Dave. Luckily I have never damaged a label either. I have a Spin Clean as well, which I think is a great product for when I have a bunch of records that need a good cleaning. I appreciate the comment. Cheers man Frank

[@avondalebbq4335]

RCA D4+ with dust brush. Nothing fancy

[@michiel2722]

Frank, just a tip. When you cleaned the first side, put something on the turntable mat to prevent the freshly cleaned side to get a bit dirty again.

[@MattHayesVinyl]

Good video, Frank. Yeah, one should really clean new records and not just used. New records are often not virgin vinyl and are much more prone to static, which in turn picks up dust and debris. I've never used the Vinyl Vac but do use the Spin Clean which I've found to work very well.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Wants in the concentrate? Is it just a surfactant or does it have emulsifiers in it?. Just wondering i got in the Mail should be in today. Kinda excited

[@ClarenceFisher]

I've started using GroovyWasher. It's a complete kit for $30., including the same kind of brush I just saw in your video. You'd put a record on as if you're going to play it, but spray it as it spins so you'd hit all the grooves, then hold the brush over it as it spins. It's a lot more effective than what I was using before, a non-abrasive rag that I'd wipe the record and keep blowing on it so I'd know it was dry.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Me too, but I also treat them with GruvGlide, which removes static, and puts on a super slick coating that minimizes Stylus and record wear. There is no need to put up with snap crackle pop surface noise. It’s frustrating that many people think that’s part of the vinyl experience....

[@Channel33RPM]

I can't agree with you more. I've never understood when people say they like the snap, crackle and pop of vinyl... It's distracting! I've heard a lot about GruvGlide but I have never tried it. I will have to check it out. Thanks for weighing in. Frank

[@artamussumatra6286]

Channel 33 RPM do check it out, I love GruvGlide, it works wonders. Static can cause just as much noise as scratches, and having a super slick buffer between the stylus, and the vinyl really helps reduce noise too. But it’s not a cleaner, it should only be used on records that have already been cleaned. My Soap bath/wood glue/GruvGlide method has worked very well for me. I’ve got a lot of LPs, and 45s from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s that were in questionable condition when I got them, but now sound like brand new. And of course, I also clean my stylus with the Mr Clean Magic Eraser after every play.

[@Gajodareactividade]

I use a Knosti. Works perfectly!

[@drymice500]

The knosti has worked wonders for me on both used and new records which either didn’t sound very well or were just obviously dirty. Since then, every record I buy goes through the knosti before it goes on my turntable.

[@nancy4don]

Also, the masking compound they use at the pressing plant (it keeps the vinyl from sticking to the stamper) is still on most new LPs to some extent. Cleaning that off prevents dust from mixing with it and creating noise.

[@notramesses4790]

I just got a copy of Rebel Yell by Billy Idol, and noticed it was little dirty but cleaned it with my record solution (which I made myself) and it sounds great!

[@KevinKohlhase]

Nice demo Frank. I use a Studebaker and use vinyl clean solution.

[@audioheadcase1938]

Frank! Great video ... for $20 I think I will pick up a bottle and at least try it out. I am running the Nitty Gritty Mini Pro RCM and have been looking for a replacement for their cleaning fluid. This might just do the trick. To be honest I am a bit religious when it comes to cleaning records. Every newly purchased record (brand new or used) goes thought the Spin Clean process and then gets vacuumed via the Nitty Gritty before it hits the turntable. The vinyl record goes right into a MoFi inner sleeve and the album cover gets a new poly outer sleeve. Pretty much each subsequent play gets a run through the Mini Pro and a wipe with a graphite brush. So far - so good ...

[@Channel33RPM]

Excellent routine!! I would like to invest in a Nitty Gritty one of these days, I hear great things. Thanks for watching and commenting. Frank

[@coletrain4121]

Sooooo I’m guessing the red pumper for the distilled water crapped the bed. CUT!!! Haha Thx for the vids Frank

[@donutpowered]

You put the cleaned side down on the dirty mat. Mr Fremer is angry.

[@Palosrob]

donutpowered Yeah I noticed that too. There should be a clean mat that you put the clean side down on.

[@Channel33RPM]

Yeah... I know I'm horrible when it comes to stuff like that... You are both absolutely right, I am exposing the clean side of a record to a dirty surface. Thanks for the comments! Frank

[@mercurialmagictrees]

I have a record that has something stuck in the groove. I've cleaned it multiple times with distilled water and ammonia. it significantly improves the sound but it can not remove a particle stuck in the groove. it causes a few distinct pops at the end of the song and Then it moves past it with ease. it doesn't skip. I'm wondering should I just accept it and not try to remove it with a toothpick over a micro fiber cloth ?

[@kevinpimentel6957]

frank how long should i let the record dry before playing it after vinyl vac use

[@nemru1670]

I use "L'Art du Son" concentrate and Kuzma vacuum machine

[@PrankZabba]

As we got Dollarama here in Canada. I got small drip bottles. Almost like those sewing machine oil bottles. In fact, everything came from there. Other then the distilled water and alcohol. And the "dishwasher" brush.So, you know that cheap spray pump bottle they sell of the 50% alcohol. Well, I poured that out and filled it with 99% instead. A pumped 33 sprays into the discwasher bottle. Topped off with distilled water. Which in turn, made my drip bottles end up with a 45:1 ratio. Which I figured out by hit and miss. And it's been fine for a couple years now.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Right on bud. They graduated cups to assist in mixing. Just fyi

[@christopherbarker181]

After you clean your records keep a “Swiffer” hand held duster handy in a baggy they are great for in between cleanings.

[@patrickmoore3538]

Great video, Frank. Thank you for the info.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thank you Patrick. Have a great week. Frank

[@helgar8456]

Brand new records have what are called mold release compounds. This compound is used in the record pressing plant to separate the metal stampers from the vinyl. They must be removed from the record because they are very bad for your stylus. In fact, most if not all record cleaning fluids leave a film on the record. This film then bakes into the grooves through friction and cannot be removed by vacuum cleaning, and there is no brush in the world smaller than a microscopic record groove. The best way to remove baked in dirt is with an ultrasonic cleaning machine, which are very expensive.

[@1mctous]

Jet-Dry also works quite well as a surfactant, and even Dawn dish soap works well if and only if you rinse thoroughly.

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks for raising this Martin. I have used a drop of Dawn is my homemade "formula" in the past as well. As you note, a proper rinse is key. I have not tried Jet Dry though. Is that dishwasher soap? Cheers Frank

[@1mctous]

It's the rinse agent you put in the separate cup.

[@beetleboyguitars]

Hi Frank, I use Pristine Platter cleaner and Vinyl Styl cleaning brushes It works pretty well. I've seen people actually use wood glue, I'm afraid to attempt that!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Robert. I have tried wood glue, but it wasn't for me. I found you have to get the consistency just right, or the glue won't peel off easily... then you are stuck trying to get little patches of glue off... that said, some folks swear by it, so who knows... Cheers, and thank you for the comment. Frank

[@bradbennati2600]

I’m about to try ultrasonic cleaning with the cleaner vinyl one. Have you ever tried ultrasonic cleaning?

[@Channel33RPM]

I have not, but I'd be curious to try one out, one of these days. Frank

[@johnsweda2999]

why was the colour different in the microscope between before and after? have you tried contact lens cleaner especially the one with the micro pause filler Specsavers sell it.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hmmm... I'm not sure why the color was different.. What I can tell you is that it's a pain trying to take photos through a mini micoscope using an iPhone, haha.... I will give it a good clean though. Cheers!

[@floridafishingcentral6911]

Hi frank, love your channel. I just wanted to let you know I bought an Iron Maiden album and it was quite dirty and your methods work great. Thanks a ton. Also I have a question for your next ama video. How is your Dokken collection? Do you have any of their albums, and do you I like them. Thanks frank!!!

[@Channel33RPM]

Thanks FFC! I'm glad you were able to get the record clean. I'll add you Dokken questoin to the list! Frank

[@johnlovesbridge]

I bought the same Rob Zombie album new, and it was perfect. Quality variation is an annoyance of records.

[@mrjaffa1013]

I have a similar cleaning method. Bought Jack White Lazaretro a couple months back and it just sounds awful even after a few cleans. Do you have a copy? Sound ok?

[@cheapcheerfulrecordcollect8071]

Couple of issues. You’re using the same cleaning pad that you used to spread the cleaning agent to spread the distilled water ? Then you flipped the clean side of the record and placed it on the dirty TT ? Seems like you’re back to where you started.

[@dannyboy42223]

I use the vinyl style cleaner with clear dishsoap(few drops per 16 oz). Cleaned many records with good results. On playback I just give them a quick pass with a anti static brush and I'm good to go

[@manganzon81]

Whats the name of the microscope you use to look at the grooves? Is it specially made for looking at vinyl records?

[@Channel33RPM]

Good question, and I should have mentioned this. It's a jeweler's mini microscope... you can get them on Amazon and EBay for a few bucks... just search mini microscope. Some folks also use them to inspect currency. They come with a built in LED light which is really handy for looking at records... But a warnings.. if you do it too often, you will drive your self nuts, haha. Cheers! Frank

[@mikedrz]

Hey Frank, too bad about the Jets. They had a good playoff run! Cheers from Toronto.

[@Channel33RPM]

It was a good season! And there's always next year. I'm ready to leave hockey behind for the year and get on with summer! Cheers man! Frank

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Great job Frank!

[@Channel33RPM]

Cheers Vets! Frank

[@waynehickman8317]

The one thing that really annoys me with new records is that lovely layer of static they come with.... every single friggin one..

[@Channel33RPM]

Argh... yeah.. I agree. Frank

[@waynehickman8317]

I've even had to rip the inner sleeve open to get some records out, it was like they were glued in there, luckily they've been plain white paper sleeves

[@compuvideos]

Yhea i agreee

[@Livewire91]

Should i rinse with distilled water even after vacuming the record?

[@vinylvac]

Actually I would suggest rinsing before your vacuum. (Only use a wet/dry vac when working with liquids)

[@Livewire91]

Vinyl Vac Yes i have the pro ject vcs record cleaning machine. I have a vinyl vac that i used with my spin cleaner. Did a good job for the price.

[@TheFRiNgEguitars]

I think so, just as it's critical to rinse a soapy solution off a car finish, the record should also be rinsed. I would rinse in a spin clean.. then dry with the vacuum. The vinyl-vac brush would stay clean too.

[@vinylcity1599]

I use distilled water and alcohol, but it didn't occur to me to rinse it with plain distilled water until this video! I will start doing that from now on! I noticed after I cleaned them, they became very noisy until the 3rd Play or so! Maybe the water rinse will fix that problem!

[@johnsweda2999]

Analog Guy have you tried using a static gun after you clean the records, When you got a device like that what suck out the water and it isn't earthed you're causing a static charge? you might like to try using a ioniser while cleaning and drying might help. try rinsing with distilled deionised water and just let it drip dry. the immersion of water will take away the static charge. If possible let us now how you got on or a video leave me a link.

[@aaronz9687]

I don't know if you have ever talked about Spin Clean. It's like a bathtub for your vinyl. It keeps the label completely dry and you clean both sides at the same time. I am betting you have heard of that before it's been around since the 70's.

[@taketimeout2share]

Im guessing your Canadian. Thats cool, not a problem. Hi from the UK . I use an unused Childs toothbrush for my styli ( Im tight , which is almost the same thing as being from the UK) but this is a brilliant upload as I would assume a new record would be clean! I was wondering what product you use to clean your records as I think its safe to assume you know what you are doing. I use a micro fibre cloth with the spray that comes with it for the records which is so effective I clean every record every time I play it. Except for brand new ones. But not anymore, because of you. Thank you.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi - I can't recall what I said in this video as it goes back several years. Nowadays, for light cleans, I use a Groovewasher brush and Groovewasher cleaning fluid. For deeper cleans, I use a Spin Clean or a Humminguru. I hope this helps. Frank

[@Tapping83]

Hi there! I'm kind of new to record collecting a few years ago I bought a jorlai tt202 model. I know it's one of those basic turntables, but I added some nice speakers and it's been working for me. I play records every weekend and recently purchased a carbon fiber brush which i think has been helping my records play better. I've been doing a lot of research into getting an upgrade for my stylus, but I feel the more I research the more confused I get. I just want something that won't destroy my records and will make them sound a little better. I also can't spend 100.00 on a stylus. Any advice to make this process less stressful? Thanks!

[@paulinaz3477]

Hey Frank - Great video (as always). The one question that was on my mind was how did Hellbilly Deluxe sound after the deep cleaning? I use purified water and an anti-static surfactant as a home brew cleaning solution. It costs pennies to make a 16 oz bottle. I do have to invest in a better cleaning system though - for the really grody records I pick up. Cheers!

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Paul. You are right... I should have mentioned that! There is noticeably less surface noise... so mission accomplished. Have a great week buddy. Frank

[@budsmoker4201120]

Cool, I like liquinox on a first clean then a rinse. Super cheap to make as well.

[@scottlowell493]

All this fancy and expensive fluid. You know what worked perfectly in my nitty gritty vac or pro-ject spin clean? A drop of dishwashing detergent in distilled water.

[@dixielandfarm]

I always recommend a second mat to use so you don't put the clean side on a dirty mat and recontaminate it. I do think a paint pad would help in this setup get into the grooves deeper than a discwasher pad... of course, only my observation/opinion.

[@Channel33RPM]

Hi Kris! The vinyl vac guys also recommend a paint pad. I will have to try that out... The dirty mat is definitely an issue... How do you handle it if you have multiple records? Do you clean the spare/extra mat in between cleanings? This part has stumped me. Cheers! Frank

[@Nope2022HugeTheWarningFan]

You clean the record on the turntable, and turn it over to clean the other side. But wouldn't you think if you don't wipe clean your platter before putting the clean side on it, there might be debris from the side you haven't cleaned yet to get onto the cleaned side...?

[@giovannibaietti2384]

Analogis clean (Lenco clean) but with Vetril liquid, from 50 years and for the rest of my life !!!

[@abcdefg2283]

Ahh yes. Use 8 to 9 parts distilled water to 1 part 99 % iso (tough to find) couple drops dish soap. Couple drops photo flow. I don't use a rinse you could but I'm lazy. Dollar store spray bottle. Vpi 16.5 or just the discwasher brush for everything. Many of my vg albums sound near mint and clean on the sl1200 m3d with the grado gold. Maybe into a new table soon gotta line on a clearaudio solution table soon maybe on trade for wax and cash. Super happy about that but the rega rb300 arm will need to go I'm sure since I can't stand rega gear. Keep on spinnin Frank.

[@THEBATMAN28AHH]

What kind of microscope do you use?

[@Channel33RPM]

It was just a $3 cheapo from China that I found on EBay. Frank

[@timusforlife]

What microscope are you using?

[@Channel33RPM]

It's called a jeweler's microscope I believe. They are all over EBay for a few bucks from China.

[@timusforlife]

@@Channel33RPM Thanks!

[@henrys3629]

Clean my records? Nevah!!! I have Sasquatch do it for me. He unfortunately collects 78's.

[@Channel33RPM]

Haha. And how does that work out for you? :) Frank

[@noogie1]

Which vid is the Pantera vid from? 👍

[@noogie1]

Your Cauldron is my Pelican.

[@Channel33RPM]

I had to think for a second about what you were referring to. The intro, right? It was an older video I did about bad heavy metal album covers... here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2iaiqudm8yljtU Thanks for the comment Frank

[@noogie1]

Channel 33 RPM got it! OMG, I love Pantera and that album cover is so bad! 👍

[@utub1473]

Am I the only one who’s never really had problems with new records being dirty? I never hear a single pop or crack.l on new records... ever

[@utub1473]

@Daisy Arnold A MoFi StudioDeck... how would that affect surface noise?

[@utub1473]

@Daisy Arnold Your playback system will reveal what is on the record. If the record is dirty or scratched, you'll hear it, no matter what your system is like.

[@christopherbarker181]

Also...nothing beats clean soft micro fiber cloths that are used just for your records.

[@alcameron6071]

That’s not always true. Microfiber cloths are fine for drying the vinyl record but, at the same time it pushes contaminants back into the groove. Vacuuming just makes more sense.

[@samuellord8576]

Hello Frank, Nice, concise talk about record cleaning. Good microscope before/after shots. But seriously, WHY do all this work, and prepare to buy a vacuum machine, when an ultrasonic cleaner is demonstrably better and cheaper. Slower, yes, but WAYYY better! A 6 liter machine is $170. Add distilled water, a smidgen of Photoflow or Jet-Dry (they have the same wetting function), and a 1/4" metal rod are all you need. Do 1/6-1/4 of a full turn of a record at a time, just rotate with your hand for each section, leaving 1-2 mins to clean each section.. If you like it (you will), then get a $15 1/2 rpm motor to spin the thing, some blocks to mount the rod ideally, and a shaft coupler. The sucker is loud, so cover the whole thing with a box when cleaning. Air dry each record in a metal dish rack (Dissipates any static.). Cheaper than even a Record Doctor vacuum machine! Just watch the youtube videos for homemade adapters for ultrasonic record cleaning. Then forget all the infernal towels and brushes, etc., Just leave that stuff behind. And forget isopropyl alcohol in these solutions: wetting agents alone are far better, isopropyl alcohol in solution actually lessens the wetting effect. Honestly, if you haven't tried the modern methods that are universally advocated by honest brokers like Fremer (who admittedly spent wayyy too much for his machine), how can you say you're giving good advice? Thanks.

[@Channel33RPM]

Good tip! I will look into this. Frank

[@gabrielgarza3707]

I'm feel sad at my school kids are making spin art by putting paint on records, and kids give me the middle finger because records are crap

[@frederickfranchi6408]

80%!!!!????😎

[@ICU81269]

This video does not show a record actually being cleaned. The vinyl vac is a joke bought one and was laughable. No one shows records actually being cleaned with dirt being removed. My video shows a record actually being cleaned.

[@NEON80]

That turntable has more dust than any of your records.

[@Channel33RPM]

:)

[@johntknight]

What a ball ache! 😖 CD’s 💿 rule 🙄

[@alcameron6071]

What fun is putting a sterile, ice cold CD in a CD player? Warmth, have you ever heard that word? I won’t waste my time trying to explain it to you if you don’t know what vinyl brings to the ears.