Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner. How to make. Part2 Results

This is Part2 of "How to make an Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner"
Part1 will show how to put it together very cheaply.
• How to make an Ultraso...
The results are excellent, and records that have resisted cleaning by all other methods, are now crackle free.

[@jeremyclayton-travis1991]

Thank Nick a very informative video. I don't know that I agree with the people who claim ultrasonic cleaning damages record as it is clearly not the case on the examples you demonstrated. I was curios about the comment you made about Micro cracks as i have never heard about this problem. I know from being in the Hi fi trade for a lot of my life that record companies did resorted to recycling some vinyl records during the oil shortages. This led the way to some companies like Sheffield Labs producing and specialising in direct cut disks on virgin vinyl and selling them as a premium product at one point. Thanks for an informative video.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Jeremy I agree I have cleaned many records in the Ultrasonic bath, with no discernible degrading of the music. These baths are used in many applications from jewelry to industries, and there is no problems with them.

[@thebrillianceof4pastmidnight]

Could you use a hair dryer to dry the record ??

[@dembydish]

Excellent video. I really enjoy your scientific approach to your videos. Taking the time extra time to offer proof of success instead of just opinion and personal preference. Top notch.

[@Chunksville]

Excellent video looking forward to how you make your own....I have never been 100% happy with pure wet / rubbing cleaners. I saw this type of method on Analogue Planets website a few weeks ago, now very interested after your detailed video thanks :-)

[@ElectoneGuy]

Interesting. I've been using Dawn dish soap detergent, a soft paint brush and tap water for years. I just make sure to dry thoroughly and records turn out clean and quiet.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Thanks for your feedback. I found that anything that leaves a residue after evaporating will leave a residue in the grooves. This will accumulate on the stylus. However whatever works for you is all that matters. All the best nick

[@VintageTexas59]

I do the same but after drying I use a dust-buster for each side without tone arm on the record to get any residue off before playing, works great but takes some extra time of course.

[@synapticflow]

Rinse with distilled water!

[@jacobnielsen1224]

No no no no! It’s not “the longer the better”! You need to stop telling people that! It has been proved, that a long exposure to ultrasonics damages the vinyl! An absolut maximum of 10 minutes - never ever any more than that!

[@goat1981]

Maybe I missed it in the video, but what is the formula for the liquid in the bath? Water with a bit of alcohol and photo-flo? Thanks! I am going to try this method myself. :)

[@nickadams5411]

Hi I added a capfull of the L'Art du Son liquid. But it does evaporate out of the tank, especially if heated, but was very effective at wetting the surface of the record. I now use the much cheaper Kodak Photoflow. Also, if you preclean and wet your record and put in still wet, then you will not need any extra cleaner fluid in the tank. I didn't try any alcohol , and would expect it to evaporate out quite quickly. Don't use any liquids such as washing up liquid, as they will dry out to a residue on your record. Let me know what you find to be the best. Nick

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Your temp is _way_ too high.. Never go over 35 C, if you don't want to end up with warps! Ask me how I know. 😉 Generally, I keep mine around 30 C or under, just to be safe. The Degritter and other high end USRCM's will tell you the same thing. Otherwise, I'm running a DIY setup too, but a little more refined. Same USC though. Recently added a recirculating pump & water filter to it, since I got tired of draining, manually filtering and refilling the tank every 2 cleaning cycles, which doesn't cost much more if you shop around. 👍

[@jeremyclayton-travis1991]

Excellent video Nick. I should have watched both of your videos on record cleaning before asking questions about the number of records in the tank. One last question is regarding cleaning fluid and dare I ask about washing up liquid and how it differs from the cleaning solution you used. I was thinking if you used an eye dropper and a couple of drops of washing up liquid would it have the same effect. I do realise that washing up liquid might have a long term effect on the plastic but have you ever tried to make your own cleaning fluid and what would you use in the "formula" i.e. would it contain a small amount of isopropyl alcohol ? or do you suggest leaving it to the experts and just pay the price for proper cleaning fluid ?

[@nickadams5411]

Hi I have tried everything Washing up liquid can leave a residue, but can be useful to remove grease stains and fingerprints, which do not come off in the tank. The tank just contains de-ionised water, which is very cheap. I then use Kodak "Wetting Agent" and a cheap liquid such as "Into the groove". I have tried expensive liquids, but did not clean any better than the others. The tank gets rid of static electricity very well.

[@leonardorohr9261]

Excelent video and grat design, may I ask you what fluid do you use in the tank other than DI water, I cannot get Kodak Photoflow, and Lárt du son is so expensive and I think it´s made for vacuum cleaner, what are you using now that ypu think is safe. Thanks in advandce!!

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Leonardo I have tried many cleaners. I make sure the record is cleaned with the fluid and a brush or pad, as best as possible before putting in the tank, with the wet cleaner still on the record. I don't add any cleaner fluid to the tank, just water. Cleaners that I use include, "Into the Groove", "Disc Doctor, Miracle Cleaner2 and " HG UPVC Powerful Cleaner" which seems as good as anything.

[@leonardorohr9261]

Thanks for the reply Nick, have a nice weekend. Cheers!

[@carlosjones6126]

What are you using for the motor on your cleaning table?

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Carlos. Do you mean the table, where I air dry the record? I use a 12volt car windscreen wiper motor, and a 12volt battery charger to power it. I fitted a reversing switch on the motor, and a on/off switch.

[@dsonyay]

I don't bother pre cleaning. Totally unnecessary.. 30 to 45 minutes with a good surfactant added will remove everything. Good video

[@duboracle]

I also bought a ultrasonic cleaner to restore some records to mint condition again, to remove just some crackling due to some dust i mean. I whas experimenting today with a good brusch and tonar vinyl cleaning fluid but after 40 minutes in totall in the bath the crackling became worse inplace of less, also i heard extra clicks and ticks that apeared in a silent groove. Whats going on ? Is the myth busted for me ?

[@duboracle]

Could it be that surface scratches are better heard when a records is very clean ? I see also that this record is a bit gray, i must see in sunlight if it has indeed lots of surface scratches. I wached with a loop but the grooves seems to be clear, maybe i hear indeed surface scratches.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi I have not had an increase in noise. Some damage to the record appears to get louder, but probably because listening closer or volume turned up. For very stubborn dirt I have used Fairy Platinum washing liquid worked into the grooves with the 0.1mm toothbrush. Also on very noisy records I have repeated the cleaning cycle 3 times. Each time the noise is reduced, but some noise seems impossible to remove. Make sure you use the 0.1mm brush and spin the record so that the brush gets into the grooves. Keep spinning nick

[@nickadams5411]

Hi If the record is gray, then your brush is much too hard. The record must be black and shining like a mirror. Are you using the 0.1mm toothbrush? See my other answer and try some "Fairy Platinum" washing up liquid. nick

[@duboracle]

I used a velvet and a Tonar ""Dust away " carbon fiber brush. I am also testing if the record changes because of the ultrasonic cleaning by just cleang one half, without spinning. I expect that this record is played gray instead, the record has also a low sound volume so background noices are louder then normal. If i am right the record is clean, i am hearing only scratches and damage. I wonder how new cracks and clicks came on the record. The second record i will clean has visable (seen with a loop) dust particles in the groove and is shiney. I hope this one will clean mutch better.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi I have heard of microfractures on records, but I have not seen them on any of my records. I have not had new noises generated, but permanent noises become more annoying every time a record is played. Let me know how your tests progress Nick

[@lolwutjoe]

6 liter tank?

[@nickadams5411]

Yes 6.0 litre tank. part PS-30A Inner tank width 300mm. Not sure if you can get this tank any more, but a similar size with inner 300mm wide or more will be good.

[@lolwutjoe]

@@nickadams5411 Thank you. Saw similar QTD & R series with 310mm internal length (6L). Not sure what is the difference but I need to find it out. Thanks for your input!

[@hasekdom]

But isn`t it good enough to clean thoroughly under the sink With lukewarm water, dishwasher soap and a soft spundge. I haven`t cleaned records that look like they have been used as a frisbee on the Beach, but groove dirty records still. I get them clean and it only takes few minutes to clean, dry and have the record spinning without background noise. Your setup looks effective, but time consuming. A quick fix is what most People want. Feel good fast.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi If you have clean records from new, then a normal wet clean does the trick. However, if you have records that are 40 or 50 years old and were not handled carefully in those days, the dirt has hardened in the bottom of the grooves. I have tried cleaning such records with many liquid solutions, but some crackles still remained. The Ultrasonic cleaner removes them very effectively. It is not always possible to find a pristine copy of a record you have owned for many years. Also, there are some great records on Ebay, that will need cleaning, and they are often very dirty. Of course, if a quick fix is only required, then a CD or streaming would be even faster. Whatever is good enough , is all that matters in the end. Keep spinning. nick

[@hasekdom]

cd good at times. Streaming!? Never. Vinyl is so fine. Been playing Lps since 85 on and off. Just lately have I really got it right and found how thoroughly better a listening experience it is. The whole package. Cleaning as well can be fun when you get a really dirty record right again. Thanks. Eirik

[@blackwetdog]

Thanks, now I have to get one of these. *sigh* :-D

[@micheleroppo3526]

How often should you empty the tank? I saw someone mention every two cleaning cycles. That’s a lot of distilled water to keep on hand…

[@ryanolinski7163]

You should sell the record rotation kit to go with the cavitation device. I would probably buy one.

[@jonseymour1866]

Use tergikleen and distilled water and nothing else in the tank, works like a champ,and it does remove finger prints

[@hifi.david.]

Do you reuse the water couple of times?

[@vintagestereocollector4159]

I Just dump my records in my fish tanks and let my tangs clean it for me,For real too much love for those records when u retire and not doing anything anymore but talk to the records and vinyl players all day all night My god Why u created us like this Hahaha

[@nickadams5411]

Good point. Fish rule.

[@lizwilkes9376]

Excellent video, really informative and particularly interesting on the Joni Mitchell record as I have a few albums like that, so I have renewed hope for them. Right, off to build the machine now........ Thanks for posting.

[@duboracle]

Hello, me again. I am now testing for a while and i must say that in my opnion a ultrasonic cleaner damages the vinyl. It polisches out the scratches and they will sound louder, it also wont remove all the dirt after 40 minutus, and if you use a brush it becomes only worse because they leave residu themself. I have the idea that skin particles will stay on the record, they wont come of at all after 40 minutes. If i use the cleaner for a longer time then 10 minutes it will also add cracks, i think that chips of vinyl are even blowen away of the edge of the V shape of the groove. My conclusion is that its way to agresive for records if you want to lissen them on a good hi-fi system. My last try will be Record Revirginizer to save some records.

[@duboracle]

And i distroyed my test record by the way, its sound horrible after treatment.

[@mikechivy]

I've done many many cleanings with mine. Only way it sounds worse is if you don't properly remove the cleaning solution after its been in the ultrasonic. drying with a towel, and running it through distilled water fixes this. Otherwise, 100 percent of my records sound better after cleaning...

[@MrE135800]

I use the same tank. My entire collection sounds so clear and alive. Of course the badly pressed vinyl still sounds bad but less bad. Most of my collection is from the 50's and 60's and ultrasonic cleaning blows away my VPI Cyclone. Not sure what the fella is talking about UC damaging records, I've cleaned over 400 pieces and for the most part they are perfect. If you get the right cleaning recipe, there is no static and no pops. It could be that my $4k MC cartridge is better than most at going deeper into the grooves to bypass the scratches that cheaper MM carts can't avoid.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi I agree. I have not damaged any record in the tank. As you say, It is perfect at getting rid of static. What is your cleaning recipe? Keep spinning. Nick

[@sebasmazo]

bwah ahaha what liquid solution do you use?

[@terryhanson1954]

is that a hockey puck spacer Nick?......where did you get that idea

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Terry I will put up Part1 on how to make the cleaner . Yes, Hockey pucks are cheap and just right.

[@denniswise1926]

Great Video Nick, Just Curious What is your Stereo Set-up that you are using to play your Vinyl's?

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Dennis In my workshop/office where I do the video, I have a Technics SL-10 with original stylus. The amp is an old , but very good, Rotel RA-611 through old JBL and Mission speakers wired in parallel. In my house I have a much better system, but hardly have time to use it.

[@stephendeluca4479]

It would seem that this method would add a vibrato to all your records. Might be an improvement for some of them.

[@garyfrombarry1]

Hi Nick, First Off, Great Videos I've Watch All Todate. I Am Looking To Build a Record Cleaner Similar To Yours. I Have Looked On Ebay And I'm Confused, What Capacity Is Your Tank? The Ones I've Seen Are Just A Tad Too Small Or Way Too Big.

[@blackwetdog]

Search for "ps30a". It's 6 litres.

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Gary It is the 6L version. You could use larger, but the 6L is just big enough. It is still on Ebay at under £100: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ultrasonic-Cleaner-Professional-Heated-Unit-Digital-Basket-1-3L-2L-3L-6L-10L-15L/380820021982?hash=item58aaa462de:m:mx2qK3Wf0FxFsh3tlV6k1mA

[@adrianmark8950]

Hi Nick, I d like the way you built and cleaned the vinyls, what is your choice of ultrasonic cleaner? Model and brand please? Did you hear an aversive change in your cleaned vinyls?

[@nickadams5411]

Hi Adrian I have tried many cleaning solutions. The only ones I recommend, are those that leave no residue if left to evaporate. Soap solutions will leave deposits in the grooves. I like the " L'Art du son " , but it is very expensive. So I use "Into the Groove" Note that stubborn grease marks, such as fingerprints do not come off in the bath. So I clean the record with a microcloth and fine toothbrush and the solution first, to remove any fingerprints or other dirt etc. The tank removes static 100%. On old records, I have to repeat the process a few times to get them as quiet as possible. I have not discerned any degredation of the sound with new or old records. The pressing quality and purity of vinyl varies a lot, and some records are just noisy, even new ones. The Ultrasonic bath: The more powerful the better, but they get larger and more expensive. The one I use is just big enough for the record to fit. It has 3 transducers.

[@adrianmark8950]

Thank you for the great info, Nick.

[@jc5454]

@@nickadams5411 Hi, Nick. Do you know how many litres your tank is? Cheers

[@nickadams5411]

@@jc5454 I used the PS30A, which is 6 litres. And Internal bath width of 300mm Make sure the bath is wide enough to immerse the record. Note that the PS30A may no longer be available, but there are others of similar size. All the best and stay safe.

[@jc5454]

@@nickadams5411 thanks, Nick. Mind me asking roughly what it cost? I have a feeling they've given up on price a fair bit. I can't see a 6L one for less than about 250 quid. Cheers