Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Vinyl cleaning advice needed...

OK, all you vinyl users, what do you use to keep your records clean? I've seen spray/cloth or brush options from companies like discwasher. Or is there a good DIY method/solution a person can use to keep the grooves clean?

Hello,
I have been using a cleaning machine called a GEM dandy for the last 2 years in conjunction with Disc Doctor cleaning fluid. I had previously used a VPI, and the end result doesn't even get close to what the GEM can do.

http://www.gmanalog.com/

Here is a review

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/gem/dandy_2.html

thanks for the info, I should have been a little more clear. I'm looking for a DIY cheap method. I recently purchased a USB Turntable from Ion to put my old vinyl into Itunes and create MP3. I've since read 4 good reviews on using a mild warm solution with a few drops of dishwashing soap, to make them like new. One article came from a guy that has thousands of vinyl clear back to the 60's and he has never had a problem, contrary to what some of the "spinners" say.

I read (and can't recall) that you can use distilled water and dilute a specific vinyl cleaning fluid that makes a LOT of fluid. It's cheap. I'll post if I can remember.

Years ago when I had vinyl, I just used water and
dawn dish detergent and a soft cloth. I did this for years and never experienced any problems with this method.

that is what I've been reading, as long as you are careful to not get the labels wet, and rinse well in a shallow container, it appears it does a great job at getting deep dust/grime out of the grooves.

Not counting that nice bubbly and colorful sound it provides!

I've used Goo Gone on really dirty albums with good success. Afterward I do a warm water rinse.

...for clean highs and helps eliminate any muddiness...

thanks guys, I've also been reading about ways to help flatten warped records, very interesting...

Care to share some your wisdom on flatening warped records for those of us not willing to search for ourselves

Basically, I just googled "flatten warped records" There are a variety of methods. It seems temperature has more to do with this than storing albums vertical or horizontal.

Some just place the record at the bottom of the stack and over time the weight of the other vinyl flatten it out. Most of the DIY methods involving applying careful heat and placing the warped album between two sheets of glass (1/4" or thicker), then letting it cool to a flat pancake. You do have to be careful, not to get things to hot as this can ruin the grooves. You can use the sun outside, however, an oven provides a more even heat.

I will practice with an album I don't care so much about.

One method..

http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Warped-Vinyl-Record

Same here but I always hand dry with the grooves with a soft towel to eliminate any pops and ticks caused by possible water spots. More labor intensive but worth it.