Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.
I'll probably be accused of heresy, but cleaning records ultrasonically doesn't have to cost more than $ 200. I got one of those 6 liter ultrasonic baths and a rotary record spindle off of Aliexpress and that setup works magic on embedded grime. It doesn't remove scratches, but any "rice krispies" just vanish. Doesn't look as slick, makes some noise, but cleans deeply and doesn't break the bank.
I used to spend countless hours following such processes cleaning around 1000 records…I now cannot even thing of doing this again…my records are in very good condition, i treat them with care, using my brushes at every play, store them properly but i wont be spending that much time again with fluids, machines etc…i just play my records and if there is a pop or click every now and then, i am perfectly fine…i enjoy the music just the same…
There's something to be said for not getting too hung up on it, for sure. Part of being able to enjoy records is accepting that some surface noise is part of the character. There is limit though, of course.
This was very helpful! I am a new record and record player owner! And I got a bit too excited when opening one of the records and I accidentally touched the grooves so now my record skips! I didn’t think it was the shipping or anything like that I knew it was probably my fault 😅, but I will definitely think about investing in some of these cleaning products!
Touching the grooves with your hands wouldn't cause it to skip mate, unless you really scratched it or something. It could be a fault with the entire press. I have loads like that. Like the very first beat jumps so it makes it impossible to mix with. It's annoying as fuck 😂 I've bought a few like that through out the years.
I have learned from watching some videos that the Degritter RCM damages the edge of records from the way it grasps the edge, to turn the record. In the past, I used to buy records from a record store which sold new and used records. When the store sold you a record, it would be cleaned on the top-of-the-line Nitty Gritty RCM. They would play atleast some of the record too. When I brought it home I played it. The records always had surface noise. At home, I cleaned records with my Discwasher brush, using the D4 cleaning liquid. It would quiet the record and get rid of most of the surface noise. Sometimes a record would need a 2nd cleaning. The person who owned the record shop couldn't understand why I wouldn't let him clean the records I bought from him. The D4 cleaning fluid seemed to be the best and you could buy it in a larger bottle. The D5 replacement wasn't as good and there might have been an environmental reason for the switch. Plus, it only came in small bottles. Bluz Broz has a suitable D5 replacement which comes in up to 475 ml bottles.
There are connections between GrooveWasher and the old Discwasher - essentially a friend of the original designer who took on the torch. I believe, from memory the D4 cleaning fluid went when the company essentially was sold or stopped making it - the replacement D5 was not the same. Funny to hear about the Degritter rotation - I've never had it damage any of mine.
I recommend MILTY PERMOCLEAN . I have been using this product for over 40 years now. The kit comes with a double sided velvet pad and replacement pads and spray can be bought separately. I use this on really dirty records before finishing the cleaning with my MOTH RCM MK 1 cleaning machine that I bought over 30 years ago. This machine is very similar in design to the PRO JECT machine.
I like the GrooveWasher fluid, but their blue microfiber pad leaves lint that gathers on the stylus. So I’m now experimenting with other lint free cloths.
@@soundmatters yes, while you are using the handle mounted variety, I’m using the rectangular sponge variety from GrooveWasher. The amount of lint I was seeing from a freshly cleaned record was crazy. I’m still investigating alternative, so it’s a little early for conclusions.
You can clean them with distilled water and a very small amount of dish soap. Rinse thoroughly with more distilled water and then allow to air dry in a clean place.
The lint free cloths I use: “Record-Happy Record Cleaning Anti-Static Cloth - Extra Large - 4 Pack Microfiber Towel Lint Free Vinyl Cleaner for your LP Collection”
I'd love to. Just seen that myself the other day. No adaptors required I see. I'll have to see if they can send a sample as I don't have a spare $500 for another cleaning machine.
I do this for most records but actually on my AT 120 TT… I do it when the TT is moving… is this a bad thing do you think… I am gentle with it but I often wonder am I messing with the direct drive?
You can do a light clean on the turntable no problem, but I wouldn't do a full deep clean. Just a quick spruce up is ok so long as you're just looking to pick up dust and remove some static.
Do I have to clean records even if I’m not spinning them? I have some records sitting on my shelf in an inner sleeve but haven’t spun in a couple years. Do I need to take it out and clean if I’m not spinning?
@@jackturtle131 I know it does I use 2 along with the Spincare to make a very good cleaning system that doesn’t cost a fortune. First Disco uses the supplied solution then the Spincare with its solution and different pads then the second Disco with distilled water as a rinse. The benefits are audible and the records are really clean with no residue left on them. If the second hand records are very dirty then I use a similar system to Marks first including a goat’s hair brush and a wetting agent first to get rid of a lot of it.
Pros and cons. I've found those record baths are ok for cleaning records in batches on a budget. If you have the time, patience, and money, then running a record through one of these after cleaning by hand may improve the result if a HumminGuru or other ultrasonic is out of the question.
@@soundmatters I have lots of time so I don’t mind doing a thorough cleaning of my records and I actually enjoy the process. I can’t justify the extortionate price of the degritter I would rather put that money towards buying more records or improvements to my hifi system. They must be making a killing at £2500.
@@tonyjedioftheforest1364 It's a luxury, that's for sure. Great results are possible on a budget though and there are always many different approaches.
If you have another method cleaning by hand on a budget, please do suggest it. There are limitations by hand, I agree. Keeping the microfiber towel clean and repeating the cleaning process can make a big difference, but it's hard work if the record is very dirty - hence why people often clean by hand to loosen things up and then finish in a HumminGuru, for example. To your original point, if the microfiber towel becomes saturated with fluid, then yes, you will simply move dirt around rather than taking it away with the fluid.
Thanks for watching! If you enjoy the content, please consider supporting the channel by using the discount codes in the description of this video or by signing up to the Sound Matters Patreon for exclusive content every month. I earn a small commission on the discount codes at no extra cost to you. I appreciate your support. Happy spinning.
I'll probably be accused of heresy, but cleaning records ultrasonically doesn't have to cost more than $ 200. I got one of those 6 liter ultrasonic baths and a rotary record spindle off of Aliexpress and that setup works magic on embedded grime. It doesn't remove scratches, but any "rice krispies" just vanish. Doesn't look as slick, makes some noise, but cleans deeply and doesn't break the bank.
I used to spend countless hours following such processes cleaning around 1000 records…I now cannot even thing of doing this again…my records are in very good condition, i treat them with care, using my brushes at every play, store them properly but i wont be spending that much time again with fluids, machines etc…i just play my records and if there is a pop or click every now and then, i am perfectly fine…i enjoy the music just the same…
There's something to be said for not getting too hung up on it, for sure. Part of being able to enjoy records is accepting that some surface noise is part of the character. There is limit though, of course.
This was very helpful! I am a new record and record player owner! And I got a bit too excited when opening one of the records and I accidentally touched the grooves so now my record skips! I didn’t think it was the shipping or anything like that I knew it was probably my fault 😅, but I will definitely think about investing in some of these cleaning products!
Touching the grooves with your hands wouldn't cause it to skip mate, unless you really scratched it or something. It could be a fault with the entire press. I have loads like that. Like the very first beat jumps so it makes it impossible to mix with. It's annoying as fuck 😂 I've bought a few like that through out the years.
I have learned from watching some videos that the Degritter RCM damages the edge of records from the way it grasps the edge, to turn the record.
In the past, I used to buy records from a record store which sold new and used records. When the store sold you a record, it would be cleaned on the top-of-the-line Nitty Gritty RCM. They would play atleast some of the record too. When I brought it home I played it. The records always had surface noise. At home, I cleaned records with my Discwasher brush, using the D4 cleaning liquid. It would quiet the record and get rid of most of the surface noise. Sometimes a record would need a 2nd cleaning. The person who owned the record shop couldn't understand why I wouldn't let him clean the records I bought from him. The D4 cleaning fluid seemed to be the best and you could buy it in a larger bottle. The D5 replacement wasn't as good and there might have been an environmental reason for the switch. Plus, it only came in small bottles. Bluz Broz has a suitable D5 replacement which comes in up to 475 ml bottles.
There are connections between GrooveWasher and the old Discwasher - essentially a friend of the original designer who took on the torch. I believe, from memory the D4 cleaning fluid went when the company essentially was sold or stopped making it - the replacement D5 was not the same.
Funny to hear about the Degritter rotation - I've never had it damage any of mine.
I recommend MILTY PERMOCLEAN . I have been using this product for over 40 years now. The kit comes with a double sided velvet pad and replacement pads and spray can be bought separately. I use this on really dirty records before finishing the cleaning with my MOTH RCM MK 1 cleaning machine that I bought over 30 years ago. This machine is very similar in design to the PRO JECT machine.
Cool. Sounds like a good process. I've not tried any Milty fluids yet, just their Zerostat. Will have to check it out. Happy spinning!
I also use a silicone exfoliating pad to get the cleaner deep in the grooves.
Then I rinse.
Sounds logical :) - happy spinning
Awesome Marc. thanks ! I didn't know there was an order of cleaning . I'll be more careful.
Just my preferred order: see how you go, hopefully it works for you too :)
I like the GrooveWasher fluid, but their blue microfiber pad leaves lint that gathers on the stylus. So I’m now experimenting with other lint free cloths.
Interesting. I've never seen that: bad batch? Mine is black/grey not blue
@@soundmatters yes, while you are using the handle mounted variety, I’m using the rectangular sponge variety from GrooveWasher. The amount of lint I was seeing from a freshly cleaned record was crazy. I’m still investigating alternative, so it’s a little early for conclusions.
How do you clean your brushes when you’re finished
You can clean them with distilled water and a very small amount of dish soap. Rinse thoroughly with more distilled water and then allow to air dry in a clean place.
The lint free cloths I use: “Record-Happy Record Cleaning Anti-Static Cloth - Extra Large - 4 Pack Microfiber Towel Lint Free Vinyl Cleaner for your LP Collection”
Thanks Simon. So you're using these with the GrooveWasher fluids? Good to know. Happy spinning
@@soundmatters yes, the G2 cleaner.
Do you plan to checkout the new Humminguru Nova? Seem to be a new/upgraded version of the OG one?
I'd love to. Just seen that myself the other day. No adaptors required I see. I'll have to see if they can send a sample as I don't have a spare $500 for another cleaning machine.
Seems you're brushing counterclockwise, so against the grooves, rather than with them?
I do this for most records but actually on my AT 120 TT… I do it when the TT is moving… is this a bad thing do you think… I am gentle with it but I often wonder am I messing with the direct drive?
You can do a light clean on the turntable no problem, but I wouldn't do a full deep clean. Just a quick spruce up is ok so long as you're just looking to pick up dust and remove some static.
Do I have to clean records even if I’m not spinning them? I have some records sitting on my shelf in an inner sleeve but haven’t spun in a couple years. Do I need to take it out and clean if I’m not spinning?
If you're storing your records in good quality sleeves (inner and outer) then there is no need to occasionally clean them if not spinning them
I bet both those brushes cost as much as a manual machine such as the Disco Antistat or the Spincare at £50
And that Disco Antistat works fine,I tell you for free.
@@jackturtle131 I know it does I use 2 along with the Spincare to make a very good cleaning system that doesn’t cost a fortune. First Disco uses the supplied solution then the Spincare with its solution and different pads then the second Disco with distilled water as a rinse. The benefits are audible and the records are really clean with no residue left on them. If the second hand records are very dirty then I use a similar system to Marks first including a goat’s hair brush and a wetting agent first to get rid of a lot of it.
Pros and cons. I've found those record baths are ok for cleaning records in batches on a budget. If you have the time, patience, and money, then running a record through one of these after cleaning by hand may improve the result if a HumminGuru or other ultrasonic is out of the question.
@@soundmatters I have lots of time so I don’t mind doing a thorough cleaning of my records and I actually enjoy the process. I can’t justify the extortionate price of the degritter I would rather put that money towards buying more records or improvements to my hifi system. They must be making a killing at £2500.
@@tonyjedioftheforest1364 It's a luxury, that's for sure. Great results are possible on a budget though and there are always many different approaches.
Doing this just pushes grime into the grooves and sets them hard as concrete. Sorry this way of cleaning is the very worst way to clean a record.
If you have another method cleaning by hand on a budget, please do suggest it. There are limitations by hand, I agree. Keeping the microfiber towel clean and repeating the cleaning process can make a big difference, but it's hard work if the record is very dirty - hence why people often clean by hand to loosen things up and then finish in a HumminGuru, for example.
To your original point, if the microfiber towel becomes saturated with fluid, then yes, you will simply move dirt around rather than taking it away with the fluid.
Or, you can just stream it 😮
And you're locked into lifetime payments!