Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner to Clean 78s

I've fielded a few questions from folks about how I clean my 78 rpm discs so I thought I would make a video and take you along for the ride. Hope you get something out of it!

[@krwd]

you need to use distilled due to minerals in water. also use a surfactant to reduce water tension it acts as a detergent too many records at once. just some tips 👍

[@krwd]

another tip, the transducers will generate ambient heat in the water in a pinch about half a cap full of dawn dish soap no tap water there are contaminants in it. for stickers i use a product called UNDU, it softens the glue on the sticker but will not destroy the label underneath and it dries clear its fantastic enjoyed the video 👍

[@trinitygrimes2011]

If there are chips on the edges where the paper stuff in the middle is exposed, would it be bad to get the records wet as the water could soak into the middle layer?

[@agarso]

You mean like on a Columbia red label? I'm not sure of many others that use that method. No, I've cleaned hundreds of those and of the hundreds maybe 5 or 6 had a little "paper" exposed. I never had one damaged (any more) by that. Keep in mind that I've never cleaned any SEVERELY damaged Columbia reds, they just typically aren't worth it.

[@ThePhonographStop]

It's alive...ITS ALIVE!! lol. The sound!! I need to get me one of those!!

[@mestredigital2]

What is the model of your ultrassonic cleaner?

[@axeltangoclub]

Does ultrasonic cleaner remove the mold from the shellac discs deeply from the grooves?

[@agarso]

For sure. Just don't use ANYTHING alcohol based in your solution, it'll turn some discs gray. Just warm water and soap.

[@MrWolfSnack]

@@agarso No soap. Soap has detergents in it. Non alcohol based cleaning solutions + distilled water rinse.

[@agarso]

​@@MrWolfSnack Yes soap. Soap acts as a surfactant in the ultrasonic cleaner which is imperative to the cleaning process. Without it the water could never penetrate into the grooves and the whole thing would be a waste of time.

[@АлексйУваровъ]

Sounds better?

[@agarso]

Absolutely, especially on a more modern, non-acoustic player