Part II, Wet Cleaning, is out now: ua-cam.com/video/ClCAd2IcGo0/v-deo.html. Definitely the thing to do when you have fingerprints, smudges, even (gasp!) mold. Just important to get as much dust out of the grooves before spritzing and spraying.
Looking forward to this video. Have you ever addressed the wood glue method of cleaning vinyl that’s all over UA-cam? I understand the principle of it, but it seems like taking a chance of permanently ruining a record.
@@FuzzyDan You know what, your question has challenged me. I literally just bought some wood glue for a project, and I'm going to try it out on a sacrificial record. The logic is solid. My only concern would be any leftover residue. But basic wood glue cleans up with water, so maybe it won't be an issue. Stay tuned!
@@DeafManVinyl Just subscribed to your channel so I won't miss it. I've also been to your website and you have a great selection of essential vinyl I am going to have to make some selections from (1st on my list is Bat Out of Hell--for my money the best album ever made).
Everyone knows after you smooth it all the way down you need to spray it with your airbrush clear coat and smooth it again repeat 2 times and then print out a picture of the record you found online and lay it down on the record. Now what you want to do is spray more clear coat on it so you can stick down the photo on to the record. Its a known fact that if you cant see the dust on the groves that its going to sound perfect. Happy listening!
I’d like to use Paint and varnish remover to shine my records That jelly like substance it’s right into the grooves and just dissolves all that nasty dust and fingerprints!
You are SPOT on. I have tried many techniques including machines and cleaners etc, and this is number ONE. Like a chainsaw chain, or a good knife etc, I find that the secret is cleaning EVERY time I use. Simple. Brush off dust, then clean, clean needle, clean all, then play. Every record every time. SIMPLE. like any machine. Respect
@@JimA-pp2nuwhat’s with vinyl haters? it’s such a strange thing to hate.. i love both cds and vinyls, and vinyl has its own charm to it. imagine judging people for… having a hobby that requires a little extra care?
This is an older video but as a newcomer to vinyl thank you for the tips. I've been lucky enough to talk to people in person about aspects of setting up to play records and online resources such as this to further assist. I'm very grateful to have such a wealth of information at my fingertips to ease the learning curve.
Knowing the proper amount of moisture in a cleaning cloth helps remarkably. An anti stat mat or brush is also a must!! In 55 years of collecting and cleaning. yours is a better method than the average video!! Great job
Been cleaning records for years, tried it all. Best way for sure is use Dollar Store Awesome cleaner, half and half mix. Scrub using yellow side of yellow green scrubbee. Once done, rinse and run through ultra sonic cleaner using just water and Amazon enzyme cleaner. I have revived records from 1950's, 6-eye mono's, looking like hell and come out with brand new sheen. Some things you think are scratches are not as well, just never been cleaned well enough to see it. Try it, let me know. You'll be glad you did.
I want him to throw me a pass baby! Ill run up that field two sweet and catch that hail merry long bomb, just make sure it’s Tom Brady deflated baby ! Can’t win them 7 bowls with a fully inflated ball of course!! Gooooo PACKERZ
Yep; When he's done mowing on his estate in Kiln, he goes to his basement & delves into his vinyl collection! On a serious note, I, too, am a vinyl collector; This is a good video on how to clean them.
Cork is anti-static. I bought a cork turntable mat and set my records on that to clean them with a rubberized roller. I then do a second cleaning with a velvet cleaning brush wetted with a record cleaner. I've found this very effective.
The two best things I bought for my records were a replacement turntable platter. I took off the metal one and replaced it with an Acrylic platter. The results are that I get zero static when the records are on the turntable. Then I bought an Okki Nokki record cleaning machine. The results are amazing.
I work at Goodwill in the basement and handle all the vinyl we put online. And this is the best video out there on how to clean them. I can vouch for everything this man is saying. Great video!
And putting vinyl online is why I refuse to shop at my local Goodwill ever again. They scalp those records so hard that the only lps they sell now are trashy Christian and Orchestra bs. Can't get anything good in person anymore. I know you're just an employee and don't make the rules, but I'm putting this out there. Goodwill online is ruining brick and mortar Goodwill.
@@daneascott9645had to look at the playlists of someone bashing orchestra music and calling Christian music "trashy". To my lack of surprise it's all terrible "music" in your playlists.
@@blackcrimezmatter good to know there are stalkers on here. My "playlists" get used by coworkers so no, you don't know what I listen to. Hopefully your life gets better for you
Thanks for sharing your tutorial, this is critical info for all vinyl enthusiasts. I have been collecting albums since 1965, and have been using a similar discipline to yours for about 55 years. As a result, about 98% of my albums are still in "near mint" condition. Also started using PVC outer sleeves to prevent ring wear. Current cost of these from MoFi is approximately 38 cents each, cheap insurance to protect your valuable albums ! Using the archival-quality inner sleeves (from MoFi or Turntable Lab) is also a good investment. I keep a few brand new, sealed toothbrushes handy, for the purpose of cleaning any lint or dust off my velour brushes. Clean your stylus (CAREFULLY !) every 4 or 5 albums, and all will be good. Spinning up Jeff Beck`s "TRUTH" album right now....Rock on !
I tried this today, and it worked great...did it on the worst sounding album in my collection and it sounded 60% better which its probably never been cleaned by previous owners..so thanks for the great video.
Had a flea market find album with visible scratches and frisbee like damage to it. Took a dollar store veggie cleaning brush (soft vinyl bristles) with DI water, eye glass cleaner (used on plastic lenses) and lint free cloth. Vinyl cleaned up fine. Record still had the usual older pop and clicks but not as prominent. Cleaned it again and seemed to sound a little better without damage to said technique. Maybe a technique not many want to try but it worked and if you're not critical about the "best" ways.
You are doing it wrong on the Discwasher!!! I worked in a record store for years in the '80's and we had the developer of the Dishwasher System come in and demonstrate how to do it properly! First of all the bristles all go unidirectional and there is a reason for that! Not omnidirectional! The only direction you go is pointed out on the brush where is says Dishwasher on the end! You will see an arrow there showing the direction you must go! The way you do it was on the lead edge you would put 3 drops, evenly spaced on the brush! Then with the bottle, still in hand using the base of it, you evenly distribute the three drops of fluid across that lead edge! Then, on the turntable turning, you would put the lead-edge of the brush gently down on the record and let the record make a few times around! Then slowly rotate the brush counterclockwise! Now you are ready to play a nice clean record! Also with the system comes a little brush to brush off the brush and I use that after every record I clean! I have the complete system and use it every time I play records! I need to get a new brush and replace fluids here and there but it works amazing especially the ZeroStat gun! All don't forget to do a stylus clean about every 5 records or you'll be carving up your records! Sorry for rambling!
Great information, I've not used vinyl records for 30 years or so, just getting back in to vinyl. Cool T shirt too. Saxon a great band from my home town. 👍
No way! Love those guys. Got to see them in Atlanta a year or so ago and I could not believe their energy (Biff is no spring chicken). Just when I thought they couldn't take it any higher... they did.... and did it again. Literally wore myself out at that show. Think it was a quickey mini-tour before they headed out on a Legends of Mewl cruise.
Thank you so much for not just sharing the importance of cleaning and keeping vinyl, but also sharing HOW to do it the best way possible!... the details like the desk mat is super valuable!
Glad to hear! Ireland is one of may favorite places to visit (besides being the home of some amazing artists and bands). Was able to track my ancestors down to County Dohnegal last time we were there. Keep 'em spinning!
Great info, funny thing is when we were kids throw that record on and crank it to 11! Now it’s attention to detail spend 5 or 10 mins cleaning, protecting and storing them....then cranking it to 11!
I always found a little wash up liquid in very slightly warm water, on a soft sponge . Place the vinyl on a soft cotton towel and wipe around avoiding the label. When both sides are done, rinse quickly under the cold tap and pat dry on another soft towel. This has brought old dirty, dull used vinyl back to life for me time and time again. Vinyl cleaners with alcohol damage the surface.
Thank you. I've been collecting vinyl for almost 40 years and never realized why dust would keep reappearing on the opposite side of the record. Amazing!
I'm convinced this is the best way. All the fluids and contraptions that are out there seem like a great way to destroy your records. Just dust them off, avoid static, done. I don't know why it needs to be any more complex than that unless you dropped your record in mud or something.
Put the vinyl record on the floor. Then get an electric floor buffer. Use floor wax stripping fluid for record cleaner. Then run the floor buffer over the record with the floor stripping brush on the electric floor buffer.
Great tips! One thing I noticed is the discwasher handle has an arrow on it. I have the D4 from the 80's and always thought the fibers were directional and clean better if you pull with the arrow in the direction of travel. Also, the brush that comes with the dishwasher is not for cleaning the stylus (as some have suggested). It is for cleaning the discwasher surface only (per the original instruction manual). Sorry, engineer nerding out. LOL
Just watched this video and I noticed exactly the same thing right away. You are correct. The fibres point in the direction of the arrow and it helps them to dig into the bottom of the grooves and scoop out the fine dust. The way it was demonstrated was backwards. I got my Discwasher in the 70’s when I worked in a stereo store and still use it. Mine didn’t come with a brush, but cleaning it involves wiping it backwards on a clean cloth or clothing to remove the dust which would slide off. In this video it is being used in the direction that removes the dirt from the brush, presumably onto the record. Discwasher also made an excellent stylus cleaning brush and I use a vintage red original Zerostat anti-static gun which actually works well.
Hey All…Few blasts of compressed air and DiscW when absolutely necessary, for me. I try my best not to even touch the surface. Not super fussy about a few clicks and pops…🍻
I use compressed air can used for computer cleaning. Plus a rotary record washer ... my vinyl hadn't been used since the 80s.. took them out of storage in garage.. still clean as a whistle...
I used an electric rotary car wash cleaner brush. That didn't work. I think I'll use a floor buffer. With the floor wax strip brush. Betcha that'll work.
Cool tips, thanks! I have a couple hundred vinyl albums put away, all bought in the ‘70’s and’80’s, and the first thing I did with all of them was replace the cheap paper sleeves with the plastic lined ones, then turn them sideways so no dust could get in. I still have a Discwasher in great shape, but the little red bottle of washer fluid is long empty. I need to find the formula to mix up some more, to use as a final polish. Thanks for finally teaching me how to keep the dust from jumping side to side!
I use a ZeroStat to eliminate static; it works great. I got it along with my original discwasher back in the day, I have replaced my discwasher with the second generation version. Both still work like new.
Yeah, I'm getting ready to track one of those ZeroStats down. Been using 2 gens of Discwasher like you. But my cheapie little pad from VinylStyl seems to dig out more dust. Just can't use the wrist action to put clean surface on it like you can with a trusty DW!
new vinyl collector here and thank you for the super insightful video + funny editing. I heard you should clean each record you get in the mail before you play them which is also a really good tip. Bought two today brand new and they had a good amount of dust particles already.
I get a big monkey wrench to turn on a fire hydrant. Just enough water force to almost get all that grit out the bottom of the grooves, not really enough. So, I'm going to Niagara Falls. And put my vinyl records at the bottom of the Falls. If that's not enough. I'll listen to weather forecast when and where is the next hurricane is going to be.
After doing & trying all the numerous methods & owning 6 different cleaning machines, by farrrrrrrrrr the best at cleaning & most efficient is the Audio Desk Pro ultrasonic cleaner. No machine or method has come close to this.
Hey all good stuff, but if you bought the deluxe Discwasher kit in the box it came with an anti-static gun to zap the record and neutralize the charge if you used it on the turntable it need your cartridge audibly click through the speakers! They still sell those there's even a $400 version now that looks like a hockey puck.
Would you dry clean the dust off your car paintwork? Nope, because a lot of that dust/dirt is abrasive, and the same applies to your records. If you have a serious collection, or you’re a dealer, invest in a vacuum RCM and use proper cleaning fluid which has no mineral content and uses a surfactant to lower the surface tension helping to get deep down into the grooves and lift all the crap out… the vacuum RCM then removes the dirty fluid. For seriously dirty records, give them a second pass… it eliminates static too. Fair enough if you only have a relatively small collection and you’re cleaning inexpensive records… but if you have 1000+ records and or valuable records, buy or hire a vacuum machine, I bought the Okki Nokki One, which I use with a relatively inexpensive solution from a company called Vinyl Shelter (about £30 for 5 litres, which will clean a ton of records).
Excellent point regardinng the dust/dirt being abrasive. I manually clean my records and the first thing I do is give them a good rinse under the tap to remove any abrasives. Before anyone says something, I live in an area with very soft tap wate, plus I always finish rinse with distilled water.
I love this video, I've been researching the cleaning aspect. I own 144 records at present, and other than keeping every one in lipped plastic sleeves, leaving the plastic on the outer jacket where applicable, and either replacing or adding a poly record sleeve inside, I have basically treated my collection more like collecting cards or works of art rather than playing them. I do drop a needle from time to time but had no idea how to really clean them properly. I have them stored in a few of these metal DJ cases from Odyssey that have locking lids, so I can keep them reasonably shielded from dust in the air between those and the sleeves. Anyway, I bought a couple of those RCA discwasher packages but I'm so nervous about trying it. I feel like that tip about a dry wiping beforehand is the biggest "wow I feel like an idiot" moment because I would've totally missed that step. If you see this Deaf Man, thank you for the great advice!
Hey - Totally understand wanting to keep those records safe and clean, but don't forget to have some fun with them. Gotta take 'em out and let it rock every once in a while! Keep 'em spinning.
I'm watching this tonight 4/28/24. One thing I have never seen on a vinyl show is the Alice Cooper goes to hell album and yet there it was on your display. Love it, and good job on this video.
In order to use a carbon fiber brush correctly on a turntable you turn the brush so that one row of bristles contact the record for a few revolutions. Then you alternate to the other row of bristles while slowly sliding the brush off of the record. Be sure to slide away from the label and completely off the record. Works like a charm. Carbon fiber brushes however are good only at getting most of the surface dust of the record. There is no bristle in the world smaller than a record groove. Brushes such as the Discwasher brush just pushes dirt deeper into the grooves where friction from the stylus bakes it deep into grooves. Only a wet cleaning from a good record cleaner will get dirt out of the grooves, although an enzymatic process works well. These methods though are labor intensive. Vacuum cleaners are good, but ultrasonic cleaners have no peer, and microscopic inspection proves this. So if you have a substantial collection save your money and buy a real cleaning machine. Or better yet, go in with a few fellow collectors and share by the month. If not the method above is okay, but only okay.
I started record collecting in 1983.I have that record i bought in 1983 that i played stacks of times.I still have it but it is crackly in places and scratched.But its still playable and in most areas its still ok.I put asmuch care into the condition of my records as i could but back then there was never any fancy cleaning equipment that i remember.I just brushed each side with my wollen sleeved arm and blew into the record sleeve when i put it back in.Most of my records from that time i bought them in the 80s are still in very good condition.You dont necesarily need to over the top to look after them
That turntable is amazing!!! I suggest hot hot water rinse under sink thoroughly, then it take 2 new microfiber clothes ..one to dry ..the other spray with a lil wd , 40 ..scrub the wd 40 all over record goings opposite way.. against grain..then throw it in turntable..the dynamic range(clarity) will skyrocket, especially after song 1
I’m pleased to witness the resurgence of vinyl. It is still superior to other mediums . While digital music offers less static and a quieter background , I don’t like the digital compression of overall sound. A lack of warmth and depth in digitized music has been a turn off for me . A decent turntable a good amplifier, and some quality shelf speakers and I am in heaven. Thank you for this vid on how to care for our records.
Before digital got going, records were produced by analogue recording methods, even thermionic valves! These were state of the art then, and still are. Now vinyl is produced by digital methods. A high quality digital source is used, digital amplifiers etc. So what you hear on a vinyl disc is an analogue copy of digital sound, complete with any clicks or pops from the record surface. So please tell me how this copy can sound better than the original digital source?
@@geraldcarter5468 "tell me how this copy can sound better than the original digital source?" I can explain very short: 1) Greater Mastering technique than the digital equivalent release for its medium 2) A good RIAA and Stylus sounds better than the consumer/average D/A. 3) D/A has still a long way to go before it is great
@@rabarebra I understand what you're saying here. But to take these points in order. Firstly, only the team mastering the quality can determine the final result. And we can't say that any more care is taken with vinyl than digital mastering. Then about RIAA tracking. If this is not near perfect, it cannot represent the original source. Stylii and phono cartridge's have so many quality differences, what is the best? That opens another can of worms for vinyl reproduction. And if D to A conversion is not the best so far, the vinyl disk has an analog track produced by a D to A converter, so even that can't be state of the art I like vinyl by the way. Listen to early 1970-80s classical records. They have plenty of detail and quality. But they were analogue all the way through, not so today.
Thanks for this. Very helpful. 10-year collector and still learning new tricks. It's amazing what a clean vs dirty vinyl sounds like, and many never clean their vinyl enough to unleash the true fidelity1!
Rubber back doesn't neutralize static electric charge, it insulates it. You want something that does the opposite, something conductive to get the charge to the ground ASAP.
You are the first person I have listened to that makes sense when cleaning vinyl.... remove the dust first before washing ....I have a vinyl style and it does nothing for the pops and clicks ....because the dust needs to be removed first .... would a small vacuum on the record work also?
I had a copy of good kid maad city by Kendrick Lamar that always skipped on dying of thirst. I followed this cleaning method exactly as you showed and I got it to play fine again, even with a deep scratch on that song. Thank you for sharing this wisdom.
Thank you the info. Enjoyable show. I have built out a couple wood shops before, and when we would install the dust collection ducts (4” pvc pipe) we would wrap them with copper cable that went to ground. The copper was spaced about 3”-4” per wrap around. This was to prevent static dust build up, to prevent dangerous dust explosions. One shop still had a dust problem in the air at a certain point. After a month or so, I noticed the dust in the air there would cling to the areas of the outside of the pvc between the copper wraps, but not where the copper was. Static. I wonder if a grounded, copper plate, with a protective film covering and a wrapped copper brush would help with the static. Could you place a record on a grounded sheet of metal, or even pass it through two grounded rods to discharge the static electricity? I’m neither a vinyl or an electrical expert. I’m imaging taking the record straight out of the cover, pass it through two grounded rods, and perhaps a lot of dust would fall away right there, with a static discharge. Maybe add a brush/vac setup, incorporated in the rods. Also, wouldn’t the drier the air you seek cause more static, like dry winter days? So, then you would seem to have a mold / static debate. Now, I want to go to a record show, ask these questions, and watch the debate. I’m not an audiophile, but I dig the passion you guys have for what’s your thing. Respect.
Oh, you will definitely start a debate, my friend! There's a handy little device called a Zero Stat gun (and various permutations) that will do basically what you're suggesting. A stream of positive ions to neutralize the static charge. Of course, the charge comes back. But at least for the time you're cleaning your vinyl, you've busted that bond. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
I actually have a playmat that I use to play Magic the Gathering to lay my records down and clean them. They have a clean surface with rubber on the bottom like a mousepad
Great, informative demonstration video on cleaning records! Thank you for this extra, but important method of record cleaning; more so with getting rid of dust from static electricity. An easy thumbs up. Now I have more knowledge on using my Audio Technica anti-static brush. However, with the dry method of cleaning vinyl I'm going to wipe away any remaining dust with a micro fibre cloth. I also have Ultra Cloths, but that is for wet cleaning of records.
I was always taught to go with the groove and brush from the outer edge to the center and “follow the groove” to the dead wax inner portion of the vinyl.
I was always taught to go with the groove and brush from the outer edge to the center and “follow the groove” to the dead wax inner portion of the vinyl. Less risk of damage
I had a VPI 16.5 for years and loved it. I sold off my collection and great a while ago, but if I get back into vinyl I'm going to go this route instead of the full boat of cleaning stuff.
I’ve just got my record player as a gift for graduation and I’m too confused how to take care of the vinyl records neither the needle. Can u please make another video about equipment that u most have when u buy a record player🙏🏻 thank you
Hey Shymaa. Great video suggestion! Subscribe so you'll get notified when we make it! Best thing you can do for your record player is to keep the stylus (needle) clean. Use a brush like this (www.deafmanvinyl.com/dmv-shop/vinyl-styl-stylus-cleaning-kit/) every time you cue up a record. Just remember to always brush front to back to keep from damaging the stylus. Keep ‘em spinning!
Don't even need a stylus brush, I prefer using a record cloth you can get at a lot of record shops, and yes, always back to front, the way the stylus plays the record. Just be gentle and you won't damage it. However, since I don't see mention of a receiver, I am guessing you were given a Crosley or similar... okay to start with, but they don't do well preserving vinyl over time.
@@Texan1048 yes my record player is Crosley actually! and I’m happy with it so far, yes I’ve heard the same thing about these kind of record player but as soon as i can get a better one i will consider it for sure .Unfortunately where i live there is no place for record shops so i have to order everything online. Thank u for replying
Idk Man.....I put mine thru a spin clean, keep them in archival quality inner sleeves and also use outer sleeves. Before playing I just give it a go around with the carbon fiber brush on the turntable and that's it. Aside from older, not-so-well-taken-care- of albums, they look and sound great
Oh my gosh I just got into vinyls thank you so so so much! The last video I watched said to use soap and water and I was really really worried! Definitely checking your store out now!
I have a cork Matt and a direct drive table. I hold the brush over the record and turn on the turntable for a couple of revolutions. Makes a perfect dust line, which I suck up with that Project Vinyl Clean gunk. Seems to work.
Pretty good idea to take the album off of the turntable Mr. Saxon wearing shirt man. I had never thought of that before. Will have to give it a try. Thanks.
Ultimately I think this method is the best. Remember this, most records we buy from used record shops are in pretty good shape. Therefore they are probably not dirty so this method is fantastic. An extremely dirty record may require something stronger than this method. Also, new records, especially those packaged in a paper or cardboard sleeve should be dusted before playing
thanks, informative with a good bit of logic there. and i will order a few mats. but deaf dude, snorting that dust will keep it out of the atmosphere. you missed a trick therr.
This may sound crazy...I use 2 large suction cups that are just big enough to cover the center record lables. Stick the cups on both lable sides. This will prevent the labels from getting wet. Then take your basic pressure washer after each side. I use a small gas powered Honda pressure washer. 1800 PSI. This water blasting action will remove every tiny bit of dust particles that are stuck deep down in the record grooves. It works better then anything I've ever tried and I've tried it all! Can't wait to see what folks have to say about this method. Don't knock till you've tried it!
With old used albums it Seems to me dry cleaning would push dirt into the groove. I use a record label saver and wash mine off with running water in the sink and also use a paintbrush and Dawn dish detergent for the initial cleaning. I have had solid particles embedded in the groove so hard that it took a toothpick soaked in alcohol to remove it. I have yet to find a satisfactory cleaning fluid.
If I get a dirty record, it goes in a dishpan with warm water and Dawn. If there's some dust on it, so what? The stylus sweeps it aside. Really Really dirty old records get drenched with Simple Green and hosed down before the dishpan wash. Moldy records get drenched with Tilex and hosed down before the dishpan wash. The Tilex will ruin your labels so make sure that the record is worth it to you.
Dude, that's classic! I especially get double takes when I do the winter beard . Did 20+ selfies at a Springsteen show a few years back. Some people got that it was just me and were having fun. But in the dark, I swear some people thought they were getting a photo with old Number 4!
@@DeafManVinyl I'm glad you took that as the joke it was intended to be. I'm sure some of those pictures are hanging up right next to Favre jerseys! Take care.
I'm kind of new to cleaning records. Keep in mind this album was far from perfect with hairline scratches and all. I just did what dear man vinyl suggested. "With a slight variation or two " I removed the dust first with my brush and a lint free cloth. After that I used sunlight dish soap and hot water. The albums sounds a hell of alot better now. The album is THE WHO, Who's next. A good cleaning made it salvageable. Thanks Dear man vinyl. Good advice.
Agree. Missed out on a chance for a 20-minute Zoom call with Alice a couple weeks ago. Charity auction. Got up to $750 real quick. Would have been a once-in-a-lifetime for me (my first concert was the Welcome to My Nightmare tour), We just got in what I think is the best live Alice ever on deafmanvinyl.com. a 2-LP set. A Paranormal Evening At the Olympia Paris. Check it out if you haven't already!
Yeah, people swear that the newer version of Discwashers don't hold a candle to the vintage ones (the fabric used in particular). I'm using my own from the '70s and it works just as good now as it did then!
I like your approach for dry cleaning dust… top notch! I would add using an anti-static device, like zerostat, kilavolt, etc. Maybe you could to do a follow-up, what to do after as much dry dust is extracted. I like using a record cleaning vacuum machine! Record Dr is a good inexpensive option!
Informative, good techniques - but I've always been trained (including the Discwasher literature I believe) the the Discwasher pad is 'directional'. You always have the end with the cutout toward the spindle, the Logo at the outer groove. (I guess this depends whether clockwise or CCW, so...) The side where the logo arrow points should be first to touch, rock up as you wipe. The little 'fingers' in the velvet pick up in one direction, but, 'rub it the wrong way' and you are pulling the dust back off the fibers onto the vinyl. You can feel the difference with your fingers - rub it from the arrow back= rough, the fibers are grabbing - rub it other direction, smooth, you are removing the dust. (this second direction is the direction you clean the brush off with your toothbrush or whatever...) Sorry, but I was just cringing watching you wipe a Discwasher in both directions on a record.
hi, agree with all you said. Never use wet cleaning first. i use an original, directional discwasher brush from the 70's. i also use a carbon fibre brush that is earth to discharge the static, then i go et ith vinylstyl (cross between knosti and spin clean, i also use a 10 disc ultrasonic that runs at 80khz then vac after rinse with second vinylstyl. I also have a Maxell battery vac and de-static unit that runs around the record and draws everything loose out of the groove and discharges the static from record. a lot of process but certainly works. the Maxell unit gets used as preclean before playing. like your video, take care, stay safe and enjoy the music.
Holy cr*p. Those sound like some clean records, Peter! Yeah, there's no beating a DiscWasher from the '70s. They were just made different than the modern ones. I'm getting ready to approach some record-cleaning-machine companies to do a series testing them out. Stay tuned!
@@alexislorenz5173 Hey Alexis - Getting ready to do a vid on wet cleaning, so stay tuned! Definitely the thing to do when you have fingerprints, smudges, even (gasp!) mold. Just important to get as much dust out of the grooves before spritzing and spraying. I was a big Dishwasher fan, too.
In over 40 years of owning and playing records I've never cleaned them. They sound fantastic even now and I've bought records recently that have been " professionally cleaned" and they sound awful. Store and handle them correctly and you won't have any issues. I did try the woodglue method on a poor copy of See Emily Play just for idle curiosity and it removed a bit of noise, but as the single is purely a filler copy it didn't matter. Each to their own. I have no issue with anyone shelling out for expensive equipment and fluids if they so wish, but try this. Buy two copies of an album, then play one without cleaning and one with and come back to me in a year and tell me it's worth it, ' cause I bet it isn't!
Dude, you seem like a great guy Bro, but I'm sorry, I've been collecting vinyl for over 40 years which doesn't mean anything I know, but seriously... First and foremost, you do ***NOT*** grab a record between your finger and thumb like you did to pull it out of the jacket. My apologies, but as soon as I saw that, well... Secondly, you absolutely do NOT set a record down and press down with a brush 'to get deep into the grooves' Huh uh... never... Look even Michael Fremer simply and clearly shows that you DO indeed start your TT with the record on it, and you GENTLY lay the microfiber brush leaning along the nearby row of bristles and let the record go about 3 revolutions and then GENTLY rotate the brush lengthwise so the 2nd row of bristles PICK UP the dust and then you carefully as you roll the brush bring it to the center of the record touching the spindle with the dust fully captured on the back row of bristles and lifting it off the record at the same time. That way you do 2 things. You DO capture all the dust (you can do it twice, I do) and you more likely discharge any static towards the spindle as you lift the brush off. Trust me... I have a moderately sensitive system. And, just doing it this way as I have described, there is NO dust, NO crackles or 'pops', assuming the record is basically clean to start with. But, the point being, NO dust. I do this EVERY time I listen to a record, and all I hear is a nice, clean, quiet surface. Bro, this is just very basic record 101 mate... Now, HOPEFULLY your wet cleaning methods will significantly better! :D Sorry, really, but I just HAD to say something here... photos.app.goo.gl/9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38
Yeah, ya busted me on the grab. I shared in another post that there is so much going on when I'm doing a vid, that I sometimes pull a doof move. Hard to smile for the camera, talk and remember to make all the right moves. Hope you'll cut the Deaf Man a little slack on that one. Totally respect your system/method. But I'm going to stand by my premise that you can't do what needs to be done when you're holding a record in your hand to clean it. Ditto for spinning it on the TT. Your assumption is that "the record is basically clean" to start with. I'm assuming it's a dust-laden static bomb that needs some serious attention. BTW: thanks for the note on Fremer. I hadn't been on that site for a while. Enjoyed your sound room pics, too. Suddenly, I'm experiencing a speaker inferiority complex!
Zerostats are nice inventions. Probably been around about as long as you. I actually flip my carbon brush against one of those travel size sticky lint brush rollers. I always give a new sheet a few rolls on a clean counter top make sure sure it's not so sticky that it could leave residue on the brush. I have a 4X 17" CCTV device for the visually impaired so I can actually inspect the results with its built in bright light. Best thing I've ever used. Then to my ultrasound cleaner.
The part I am still not sure about is, once you've got that line of dust brought up by the carbon fibre brush, how you brush that off the record. When you say you normally "brush it into space" are you brushing the bristles across the grooves to get the dust off the record? I've read concerns that could drag dust particles across the record and possibly scratch it, or push the dust back into the grooves.
Great advice! By the way... loved seeing "Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" off to the side there. One of my favourite albums ever and a great sounding album!
Nice video accurate demonstration of a good solution to eliminate as much dust as possible. One question. Why are you touching the playing surface of the album with your fingers?
I accidentally show some bad practices in my haste to do the video. There are a ton of things to concentrate on during shooting, and sometimes I have trouble chewing gum and walking a the same time!
This was nice for “surface cleaning or pre playing cleaning, but not for Deep cleaning “ as advertised. For that you need a wet cleaning. As an audiophile from the 60’s and 70’s , I still have a Sound Guard record Matt which is rubber, anti-static and ideal for the purpose. A wet solution of 90% distilled water, 10% or less alcohol, both 99% pure if available. Kodak Photo Flo solution wetting agent 1%. For dust off I use an electric blower and the dust does not transfer sides, and blow out the inner sleeve briefly at arms length. Spray with small bottle 3 or 4 spots on record. Spread with velvet brush which picks up remaining dust. Deep clean with Audio Technica type brush which gets down into the grooves an eliminates static. you can feel it). Dry with lint free cloth record cleaning pads. All of this is done in the direction of a rotating record. I have been selling LP’s on Amazon for 13 years and use this method daily. I get great compliments on the condition of my records from customers.
Ohh and we had back then a static gun. I still have mine, but you point at the record in a triangle and it neutralized the static. It was red and expensive.
First brush 4:45 Vinyl Styl, second brush 6:12, third brush 6:38 Disc Washer Wish I knew these notes when I took music listening seriously as a teenager buying new albums.
Believe it or not dust also affects the plug on my amp and guitar. BTW, I have two copies of Introducing the Beatles album. The unopened one I have framed on the wall in the living room. .
1. Dust with Furutech DeStat 3 or Walker Talisman, then Audio-Technica AT6013a Dual-Action Anti-Static Record Cleaner 2. Kirmuss Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine 5 minutes minimum in distilled water only 3. Dry with VPI 16.5 Vacuum suction machine That's how I easily, low cost way of cleaning my 37,000+ LPs, 45s and 78s Yes, it takes about 7 to 8 minutes total but that will do 2 LPs/etc with the KIrmuss. I wipe my stylus after every record side for over 50+ years. Prior to the Kirmuss, used the VPI 16.5 since 1981 (when VPI started as I couldn't afford the Keith Monks machine). Also worked well but now I hear even more details with the ultrasonic. No damage 5 minutes with H2O treatment and CHEAP. Only equipment costs about $1750 total. VPI suction brushes last forever since the records are already clean with no debris, just moisture.
I was given an original press Wish You Were Here. Although free, I was heartbroken. It was in a box in a barn. I've managed to get it pretty clean. Clean enough to have less than half the loud pops. There's a spot on side 2 where the inner sleeve got wet and glued itself to the vinyl. There's now a white spot on the vinyl. I've never used harsh chemicals on it. But, I would like to at least return it to as much of it's glory regardless of the damage.
Part II, Wet Cleaning, is out now: ua-cam.com/video/ClCAd2IcGo0/v-deo.html. Definitely the thing to do when you have fingerprints, smudges, even (gasp!) mold. Just important to get as much dust out of the grooves before spritzing and spraying.
Looking forward to this video. Have you ever addressed the wood glue method of cleaning vinyl that’s all over UA-cam? I understand the principle of it, but it seems like taking a chance of permanently ruining a record.
@@FuzzyDan You know what, your question has challenged me. I literally just bought some wood glue for a project, and I'm going to try it out on a sacrificial record. The logic is solid. My only concern would be any leftover residue. But basic wood glue cleans up with water, so maybe it won't be an issue. Stay tuned!
@@DeafManVinyl Just subscribed to your channel so I won't miss it. I've also been to your website and you have a great selection of essential vinyl I am going to have to make some selections from (1st on my list is Bat Out of Hell--for my money the best album ever made).
Wow...I used to use rubbing alcohol and a tissue.
WHITE WOOD GLUE IS THE BEST
I like to clean mine with sandpaper and polish, gives a nice smooth finish.
Lol thanks for the tip!
Everyone knows after you smooth it all the way down you need to spray it with your airbrush clear coat and smooth it again repeat 2 times and then print out a picture of the record you found online and lay it down on the record. Now what you want to do is spray more clear coat on it so you can stick down the photo on to the record. Its a known fact that if you cant see the dust on the groves that its going to sound perfect. Happy listening!
And after Stephen Browne is done cleaning his records his way, I buy them from him, as antiskate vinyl test records
For those really bad scratches I find careful use of an angle grinder is quite effective.
I’d like to use Paint and varnish remover to shine my records That jelly like substance it’s right into the grooves and just dissolves all that nasty dust and fingerprints!
You are SPOT on. I have tried many techniques including machines and cleaners etc, and this is number ONE. Like a chainsaw chain, or a good knife etc, I find that the secret is cleaning EVERY time I use. Simple. Brush off dust, then clean, clean needle, clean all, then play. Every record every time. SIMPLE. like any machine. Respect
or just fucking buy the CD
@@JimA-pp2nuwhat’s with vinyl haters? it’s such a strange thing to hate.. i love both cds and vinyls, and vinyl has its own charm to it. imagine judging people for… having a hobby that requires a little extra care?
This is an older video but as a newcomer to vinyl thank you for the tips. I've been lucky enough to talk to people in person about aspects of setting up to play records and online resources such as this to further assist. I'm very grateful to have such a wealth of information at my fingertips to ease the learning curve.
Knowing the proper amount of moisture in a cleaning cloth helps remarkably. An anti stat mat or brush is also a must!! In 55 years of collecting and cleaning. yours is a better method than the average video!! Great job
Hey
Been cleaning records for years, tried it all. Best way for sure is use Dollar Store Awesome cleaner, half and half mix. Scrub using yellow side of yellow green scrubbee. Once done, rinse and run through ultra sonic cleaner using just water and Amazon enzyme cleaner. I have revived records from 1950's, 6-eye mono's, looking like hell and come out with brand new sheen. Some things you think are scratches are not as well, just never been cleaned well enough to see it. Try it, let me know. You'll be glad you did.
bullshit
@@JimA-pp2nu you clearly don’t like vinyls so how tf do you know it’s a bullshit cleaning method?
Omg I didn’t know Brett Favre had a UA-cam channel!
I want him to throw me a pass baby! Ill run up that field two sweet and catch that hail merry long bomb, just make sure it’s Tom Brady deflated baby ! Can’t win them 7 bowls with a fully inflated ball of course!! Gooooo PACKERZ
Yep; When he's done mowing on his estate in Kiln, he goes to his basement & delves into his vinyl collection! On a serious note, I, too, am a vinyl collector; This is a good video on how to clean them.
🤣🤣🤣
Thats rich
Great video. I don’t understand other videos they use water. Hair dryer. So crazy. Your way the best way.
Cork is anti-static. I bought a cork turntable mat and set my records on that to clean them with a rubberized roller. I then do a second cleaning with a velvet cleaning brush wetted with a record cleaner. I've found this very effective.
my cork mat picks up so much static electricity that it lifts off the turntable and sticks to the record every time I pull a record off.
I love how it starts out by saying that people will bore you to tears with their method, followed by this dude then explaining his method.
Yeah, but he wasn't boring.
@@jonnjonzz5702 Not only that , but he was wrong .
@@jonnjonzz5702 totally except yeah no it was super boring and waaaay too long
@@biketech60 WHY was he wrong :)?
The two best things I bought for my records were a replacement turntable platter. I took off the metal one and replaced it with an Acrylic platter. The results are that I get zero static when the records are on the turntable. Then I bought an Okki Nokki record cleaning machine. The results are amazing.
Tried everything and arrived at using this method. Definitely my favorite and most consistent method. Great video!
I work at Goodwill in the basement and handle all the vinyl we put online. And this is the best video out there on how to clean them. I can vouch for everything this man is saying. Great video!
And putting vinyl online is why I refuse to shop at my local Goodwill ever again. They scalp those records so hard that the only lps they sell now are trashy Christian and Orchestra bs. Can't get anything good in person anymore. I know you're just an employee and don't make the rules, but I'm putting this out there. Goodwill online is ruining brick and mortar Goodwill.
You still with Goodwill?
@@daneascott9645 nobody scalps anyone. The starting bid is $9.99. Pretty basic.
@@daneascott9645had to look at the playlists of someone bashing orchestra music and calling Christian music "trashy". To my lack of surprise it's all terrible "music" in your playlists.
@@blackcrimezmatter good to know there are stalkers on here. My "playlists" get used by coworkers so no, you don't know what I listen to. Hopefully your life gets better for you
Thanks for sharing your tutorial, this is critical info for all vinyl enthusiasts. I have been collecting albums since 1965, and have been using a similar discipline to yours for about 55 years. As a result, about 98% of my albums are still in "near mint" condition. Also started using PVC outer sleeves to prevent ring wear. Current cost of these from MoFi is approximately 38 cents each, cheap insurance to protect your valuable albums ! Using the archival-quality inner sleeves (from MoFi or Turntable Lab) is also a good investment.
I keep a few brand new, sealed toothbrushes handy, for the purpose of cleaning any lint or dust off my velour brushes. Clean your stylus (CAREFULLY !) every 4 or 5 albums, and all will be good. Spinning up Jeff Beck`s "TRUTH" album right now....Rock on !
I tried this today, and it worked great...did it on the worst sounding album in my collection and it sounded 60% better which its probably never been cleaned by previous owners..so thanks for the great video.
Static Vortex. Now there’s a band name.
@@tonybrooks476 I used to be their roadie! Unfortunately, the founder passed away. 🤣 😂 🤪
Had a flea market find album with visible scratches and frisbee like damage to it. Took a dollar store veggie cleaning brush (soft vinyl bristles) with DI water, eye glass cleaner (used on plastic lenses) and lint free cloth. Vinyl cleaned up fine. Record still had the usual older pop and clicks but not as prominent. Cleaned it again and seemed to sound a little better without damage to said technique. Maybe a technique not many want to try but it worked and if you're not critical about the "best" ways.
You are doing it wrong on the Discwasher!!! I worked in a record store for years in the '80's and we had the developer of the Dishwasher System come in and demonstrate how to do it properly! First of all the bristles all go unidirectional and there is a reason for that! Not omnidirectional! The only direction you go is pointed out on the brush where is says Dishwasher on the end! You will see an arrow there showing the direction you must go! The way you do it was on the lead edge you would put 3 drops, evenly spaced on the brush! Then with the bottle, still in hand using the base of it, you evenly distribute the three drops of fluid across that lead edge! Then, on the turntable turning, you would put the lead-edge of the brush gently down on the record and let the record make a few times around! Then slowly rotate the brush counterclockwise! Now you are ready to play a nice clean record! Also with the system comes a little brush to brush off the brush and I use that after every record I clean! I have the complete system and use it every time I play records! I need to get a new brush and replace fluids here and there but it works amazing especially the ZeroStat gun! All don't forget to do a stylus clean about every 5 records or you'll be carving up your records! Sorry for rambling!
Hey Matt - Thanks for adding to the conversation. Good points and great tips.
Enough! With! The! Exclamation! Points! You! Fool!
All it does is rearrange the dust...an ultrasonic is the best
Great information, I've not used vinyl records for 30 years or so, just getting back in to vinyl. Cool T shirt too. Saxon a great band from my home town. 👍
No way! Love those guys. Got to see them in Atlanta a year or so ago and I could not believe their energy (Biff is no spring chicken). Just when I thought they couldn't take it any higher... they did.... and did it again. Literally wore myself out at that show. Think it was a quickey mini-tour before they headed out on a Legends of Mewl cruise.
Saxon getting better & bettet
Hey
Thank you so much for not just sharing the importance of cleaning and keeping vinyl, but also sharing HOW to do it the best way possible!... the details like the desk mat is super valuable!
Major thanks
. I have been cleaning records incorrectly for ever and I tried your method and boy does it work. Thank you my friend from Ireland.
Glad to hear! Ireland is one of may favorite places to visit (besides being the home of some amazing artists and bands). Was able to track my ancestors down to County Dohnegal last time we were there. Keep 'em spinning!
Always used deionized water ,huge bottle for a few pounds at most supermarkets, works great every time !!
Great info, funny thing is when we were kids throw that record on and crank it to 11! Now it’s attention to detail spend 5 or 10 mins cleaning, protecting and storing them....then cranking it to 11!
love the ricky pfp
Samsquanch lol
I always found a little wash up liquid in very slightly warm water, on a soft sponge . Place the vinyl on a soft cotton towel and wipe around avoiding the label. When both sides are done, rinse quickly under the cold tap and pat dry on another soft towel. This has brought old dirty, dull used vinyl back to life for me time and time again. Vinyl cleaners with alcohol damage the surface.
Thank you. I've been collecting vinyl for almost 40 years and never realized why dust would keep reappearing on the opposite side of the record. Amazing!
Glad I could help!
I'm convinced this is the best way. All the fluids and contraptions that are out there seem like a great way to destroy your records. Just dust them off, avoid static, done. I don't know why it needs to be any more complex than that unless you dropped your record in mud or something.
I've been using the "spin-clean" device for years and it's always left me satisfied and smiling!😁👍👍
That’s what she said
Put the vinyl record on the floor. Then get an electric floor buffer. Use floor wax stripping fluid for record cleaner. Then run the floor buffer over the record with the floor stripping brush on the electric floor buffer.
@@stephdeh Rad! I'm glad SOMEONE got that joke.
That's what she said...
@@stephdeh 😆😆😆😆😆
Great tips! One thing I noticed is the discwasher handle has an arrow on it. I have the D4 from the 80's and always thought the fibers were directional and clean better if you pull with the arrow in the direction of travel. Also, the brush that comes with the dishwasher is not for cleaning the stylus (as some have suggested). It is for cleaning the discwasher surface only (per the original instruction manual). Sorry, engineer nerding out. LOL
Good point!
Just watched this video and I noticed exactly the same thing right away. You are correct. The fibres point in the direction of the arrow and it helps them to dig into the bottom of the grooves and scoop out the fine dust. The way it was demonstrated was backwards. I got my Discwasher in the 70’s when I worked in a stereo store and still use it. Mine didn’t come with a brush, but cleaning it involves wiping it backwards on a clean cloth or clothing to remove the dust which would slide off. In this video it is being used in the direction that removes the dirt from the brush, presumably onto the record. Discwasher also made an excellent stylus cleaning brush and I use a vintage red original Zerostat anti-static gun which actually works well.
Hey All…Few blasts of compressed air and DiscW when absolutely necessary, for me. I try my best not to even touch the surface. Not super fussy about a few clicks and pops…🍻
I use compressed air can used for computer cleaning. Plus a rotary record washer ... my vinyl hadn't been used since the 80s.. took them out of storage in garage.. still clean as a whistle...
I used an electric rotary car wash cleaner brush. That didn't work. I think I'll use a floor buffer. With the floor wax strip brush. Betcha that'll work.
Sorry but I'm not going to take cleaning vinyl advice from someone who doesn't even know that you don't store records in a garage 🤷♀️
@@BlondeReaganiteif you keep them locked up in a box they'll never know...
Great shirt man. Saxon, what a band. Saw them live back in 1982.. wheels a steel.....
I've never had enough dust after brushing to actually see it. I use a project wet cleaning machine keeps them both dust and static free
You use a wet cleaning machine on your teeth after brushing?!???Flossing comes in handy,too.
Cool tips, thanks! I have a couple hundred vinyl albums put away, all bought in the ‘70’s and’80’s, and the first thing I did with all of them was replace the cheap paper sleeves with the plastic lined ones, then turn them sideways so no dust could get in. I still have a Discwasher in great shape, but the little red bottle of washer fluid is long empty. I need to find the formula to mix up some more, to use as a final polish. Thanks for finally teaching me how to keep the dust from jumping side to side!
I use a ZeroStat to eliminate static; it works great. I got it along with my original discwasher back in the day, I have replaced my discwasher with the second generation version. Both still work like new.
Yeah, I'm getting ready to track one of those ZeroStats down. Been using 2 gens of Discwasher like you. But my cheapie little pad from VinylStyl seems to dig out more dust. Just can't use the wrist action to put clean surface on it like you can with a trusty DW!
Damn! Never new this. I’m 72 years now led and still play LP’s. I will order those products.
new vinyl collector here and thank you for the super insightful video + funny editing. I heard you should clean each record you get in the mail before you play them which is also a really good tip. Bought two today brand new and they had a good amount of dust particles already.
That's a good idea! Everyone has different thoughts on that, but I'm in the cleaning new records boat 100%.
I use my dishwasher - always get a deep clean that way. LPs on the bottom and 45s on the top and you're good to go!
I get a big monkey wrench to turn on a fire hydrant. Just enough water force to almost get all that grit out the bottom of the grooves, not really enough. So, I'm going to Niagara Falls. And put my vinyl records at the bottom of the Falls. If that's not enough. I'll listen to weather forecast when and where is the next hurricane is going to be.
Hey
After doing & trying all the numerous methods & owning 6 different cleaning machines, by farrrrrrrrrr the best at cleaning & most efficient is the Audio Desk Pro ultrasonic cleaner. No machine or method has come close to this.
But who can afford $3,000 to clean their records? Normal collectors can't
Hey all good stuff, but if you bought the deluxe Discwasher kit in the box it came with an anti-static gun to zap the record and neutralize the charge if you used it on the turntable it need your cartridge audibly click through the speakers! They still sell those there's even a $400 version now that looks like a hockey puck.
Would you dry clean the dust off your car paintwork? Nope, because a lot of that dust/dirt is abrasive, and the same applies to your records. If you have a serious collection, or you’re a dealer, invest in a vacuum RCM and use proper cleaning fluid which has no mineral content and uses a surfactant to lower the surface tension helping to get deep down into the grooves and lift all the crap out… the vacuum RCM then removes the dirty fluid. For seriously dirty records, give them a second pass… it eliminates static too. Fair enough if you only have a relatively small collection and you’re cleaning inexpensive records… but if you have 1000+ records and or valuable records, buy or hire a vacuum machine, I bought the Okki Nokki One, which I use with a relatively inexpensive solution from a company called Vinyl Shelter (about £30 for 5 litres, which will clean a ton of records).
Excellent point regardinng the dust/dirt being abrasive. I manually clean my records and the first thing I do is give them a good rinse under the tap to remove any abrasives. Before anyone says something, I live in an area with very soft tap wate, plus I always finish rinse with distilled water.
That polyester mat is perfect😮
I love this video, I've been researching the cleaning aspect. I own 144 records at present, and other than keeping every one in lipped plastic sleeves, leaving the plastic on the outer jacket where applicable, and either replacing or adding a poly record sleeve inside, I have basically treated my collection more like collecting cards or works of art rather than playing them. I do drop a needle from time to time but had no idea how to really clean them properly. I have them stored in a few of these metal DJ cases from Odyssey that have locking lids, so I can keep them reasonably shielded from dust in the air between those and the sleeves. Anyway, I bought a couple of those RCA discwasher packages but I'm so nervous about trying it. I feel like that tip about a dry wiping beforehand is the biggest "wow I feel like an idiot" moment because I would've totally missed that step. If you see this Deaf Man, thank you for the great advice!
Hey - Totally understand wanting to keep those records safe and clean, but don't forget to have some fun with them. Gotta take 'em out and let it rock every once in a while! Keep 'em spinning.
Lol buy outer sleeves leaving the wrap will warp them
I'm watching this tonight 4/28/24. One thing I have never seen on a vinyl show is the Alice Cooper goes to hell album and yet there it was on your display. Love it, and good job on this video.
I was really naive about cleanin albums Thks for the info
I use a Digital Ultrasonic Record Cleaner deep cleans the record I love it.
In order to use a carbon fiber brush correctly on a turntable you turn the brush so that one row of bristles contact the record for a few revolutions. Then you alternate to the other row of bristles while slowly sliding the brush off of the record. Be sure to slide away from the label and completely off the record. Works like a charm. Carbon fiber brushes however are good only at getting most of the surface dust of the record. There is no bristle in the world smaller than a record groove. Brushes such as the Discwasher brush just pushes dirt deeper into the grooves where friction from the stylus bakes it deep into grooves. Only a wet cleaning from a good record cleaner will get dirt out of the grooves, although an enzymatic process works well. These methods though are labor intensive. Vacuum cleaners are good, but ultrasonic cleaners have no peer, and microscopic inspection proves this. So if you have a substantial collection save your money and buy a real cleaning machine. Or better yet, go in with a few fellow collectors and share by the month. If not the method above is okay, but only okay.
I started record collecting in 1983.I have that record i bought in 1983 that i played stacks of times.I still have it but it is crackly in places and scratched.But its still playable and in most areas its still ok.I put asmuch care into the condition of my records as i could but back then there was never any fancy cleaning equipment that i remember.I just brushed each side with my wollen sleeved arm and blew into the record sleeve when i put it back in.Most of my records from that time i bought them in the 80s are still in very good condition.You dont necesarily need to over the top to look after them
Fantastic! I am purchasing a Fluance RT85 Turntable and learning about how to clean my vinyls. Perfect timing.
That turntable is amazing!!! I suggest hot hot water rinse under sink thoroughly, then it take 2 new microfiber clothes ..one to dry ..the other spray with a lil wd , 40 ..scrub the wd 40 all over record goings opposite way.. against grain..then throw it in turntable..the dynamic range(clarity) will skyrocket, especially after song 1
I’m pleased to witness the resurgence of vinyl. It is still superior to other mediums . While digital music offers less static and a quieter background , I don’t like the digital compression of overall sound. A lack of warmth and depth in digitized music has been a turn off for me . A decent turntable a good amplifier, and some quality shelf speakers and I am in heaven. Thank you for this vid on how to care for our records.
Superior medium? Please explain.
Before digital got going, records were produced by analogue recording methods, even thermionic valves! These were state of the art then, and still are. Now vinyl is produced by digital methods. A high quality digital source is used, digital amplifiers etc. So what you hear on a vinyl disc is an analogue copy of digital sound, complete with any clicks or pops from the record surface. So please
tell me how this copy can sound better than the original digital source?
@@geraldcarter5468 "tell me how this copy can sound better than the original digital source?"
I can explain very short:
1) Greater Mastering technique than the digital equivalent release for its medium
2) A good RIAA and Stylus sounds better than the consumer/average D/A.
3) D/A has still a long way to go before it is great
@@rabarebra I understand what you're saying here. But to take these points in order. Firstly, only the team mastering the quality can determine the final result. And we can't say that any more care is taken with vinyl than digital mastering. Then about RIAA tracking. If this is not near perfect, it cannot represent the original source. Stylii and phono cartridge's have so many quality differences, what is the best? That opens another can of worms for vinyl reproduction. And if D to A conversion is not the best so far, the vinyl disk has an analog track produced by a D to A converter, so
even that can't be state of the art
I like vinyl by the way. Listen to early 1970-80s classical records. They have plenty of detail and quality. But they were analogue all the way through, not so today.
This has got to be the most straight to the point no bs cleaning video on this website. I love it and this method works wonders.
Thanks for this. Very helpful. 10-year collector and still learning new tricks. It's amazing what a clean vs dirty vinyl sounds like, and many never clean their vinyl enough to unleash the true fidelity1!
I like hearing scratches and static. Sounds better than any drummer I ever heard.
@@mab7175hey
Rubber back doesn't neutralize static electric charge, it insulates it. You want something that does the opposite, something conductive to get the charge to the ground ASAP.
You are the first person I have listened to that makes sense when cleaning vinyl.... remove the dust first before washing ....I have a vinyl style and it does nothing for the pops and clicks ....because the dust needs to be removed first .... would a small vacuum on the record work also?
Isn't removing dust before washing mandatory thinking?
I had a copy of good kid maad city by Kendrick Lamar that always skipped on dying of thirst. I followed this cleaning method exactly as you showed and I got it to play fine again, even with a deep scratch on that song. Thank you for sharing this wisdom.
Thank you the info. Enjoyable show. I have built out a couple wood shops before, and when we would install the dust collection ducts (4” pvc pipe) we would wrap them with copper cable that went to ground. The copper was spaced about 3”-4” per wrap around. This was to prevent static dust build up, to prevent dangerous dust explosions. One shop still had a dust problem in the air at a certain point. After a month or so, I noticed the dust in the air there would cling to the areas of the outside of the pvc between the copper wraps, but not where the copper was. Static. I wonder if a grounded, copper plate, with a protective film covering and a wrapped copper brush would help with the static. Could you place a record on a grounded sheet of metal, or even pass it through two grounded rods to discharge the static electricity? I’m neither a vinyl or an electrical expert. I’m imaging taking the record straight out of the cover, pass it through two grounded rods, and perhaps a lot of dust would fall away right there, with a static discharge. Maybe add a brush/vac setup, incorporated in the rods. Also, wouldn’t the drier the air you seek cause more static, like dry winter days? So, then you would seem to have a mold / static debate. Now, I want to go to a record show, ask these questions, and watch the debate. I’m not an audiophile, but I dig the passion you guys have for what’s your thing. Respect.
Oh, you will definitely start a debate, my friend! There's a handy little device called a Zero Stat gun (and various permutations) that will do basically what you're suggesting. A stream of positive ions to neutralize the static charge. Of course, the charge comes back. But at least for the time you're cleaning your vinyl, you've busted that bond. Thanks for adding to the conversation!
I wonder if you were to drag the carbon brush to the center and ground it out to the post, it would knock down the static electricity?
I actually have a playmat that I use to play Magic the Gathering to lay my records down and clean them. They have a clean surface with rubber on the bottom like a mousepad
What a great use! I have a few of these I used for mag years ago!
White glue method is slow but terrific. Using a carbon fibre brush on the turntable works if you touch a grounded object such as your amplifier.
The only glue that doesn't split and leave slivers is Tite Bond II. Even that one will if you don't put it on thick enough.
Great, informative demonstration video on cleaning records! Thank you for this extra, but important method of record cleaning; more so with getting rid of dust from static electricity. An easy thumbs up. Now I have more knowledge on using my Audio Technica anti-static brush. However, with the dry method of cleaning vinyl I'm going to wipe away any remaining dust with a micro fibre cloth. I also have Ultra Cloths, but that is for wet cleaning of records.
I was always taught to go with the groove and brush from the outer edge to the center and “follow the groove” to the dead wax inner portion of the vinyl.
Thank you! I’m an aspiring vinyl head and this was the most concise cleaning tutorial i’ve come across.
Glad it was helpful!
I was always taught to go with the groove and brush from the outer edge to the center and “follow the groove” to the dead wax inner portion of the vinyl.
Less risk of damage
Right as I saw that shirt I trusted you.
I had a VPI 16.5 for years and loved it. I sold off my collection and great a while ago, but if I get back into vinyl I'm going to go this route instead of the full boat of cleaning stuff.
Very nice!
I’ve just got my record player as a gift for graduation and I’m too confused how to take care of the vinyl records neither the needle. Can u please make another video about equipment that u most have when u buy a record player🙏🏻 thank you
Hey Shymaa. Great video suggestion! Subscribe so you'll get notified when we make it! Best thing you can do for your record player is to keep the stylus (needle) clean. Use a brush like this (www.deafmanvinyl.com/dmv-shop/vinyl-styl-stylus-cleaning-kit/) every time you cue up a record. Just remember to always brush front to back to keep from damaging the stylus. Keep ‘em spinning!
@@DeafManVinyl Brush back to front.
Don't even need a stylus brush, I prefer using a record cloth you can get at a lot of record shops, and yes, always back to front, the way the stylus plays the record. Just be gentle and you won't damage it. However, since I don't see mention of a receiver, I am guessing you were given a Crosley or similar... okay to start with, but they don't do well preserving vinyl over time.
@@Texan1048 yes my record player is Crosley actually! and I’m happy with it so far, yes I’ve heard the same thing about these kind of record player but as soon as i can get a better one i will consider it for sure .Unfortunately where i live there is no place for record shops so i have to order everything online. Thank u for replying
Idk Man.....I put mine thru a spin clean, keep them in archival quality inner sleeves and also use outer sleeves. Before playing I just give it a go around with the carbon fiber brush on the turntable and that's it. Aside from older, not-so-well-taken-care- of albums, they look and sound great
Oh my gosh I just got into vinyls thank you so so so much! The last video I watched said to use soap and water and I was really really worried! Definitely checking your store out now!
Vinyl not Vinyls. Vinyls is not a word :)
@@tim.honiss Thank you !
They are not "vinyls" they are records.
@@PRSRECORDS Vinyl records.
I have a cork Matt and a direct drive table. I hold the brush over the record and turn on the turntable for a couple of revolutions. Makes a perfect dust line, which I suck up with that Project Vinyl Clean gunk. Seems to work.
Hey
Dusting is not cleaning.
Awesome video! I learned so much from the Deaf Man!
Pretty good idea to take the album off of the turntable Mr. Saxon wearing shirt man. I had never thought of that before. Will have to give it a try. Thanks.
She's got wheeeeels of steel!
Ultimately I think this method is the best. Remember this, most records we buy from used record shops are in pretty good shape. Therefore they are probably not dirty so this method is fantastic. An extremely dirty record may require something stronger than this method. Also, new records, especially those packaged in a paper or cardboard sleeve should be dusted before playing
Now at last I know how to do that properly .I have a massive vinal collection and it always crackles sometimes even new vinal 🇮🇪😎🎸🎸
thanks, informative with a good bit of logic there. and i will order a few mats.
but deaf dude, snorting that dust will keep it out of the atmosphere. you missed a trick therr.
Glad you enjoyed the vid. Ha, for the record, the Deaf Man does not condone snorting of anything, eco-friendly as it may be!
This may sound crazy...I use 2 large suction cups that are just big enough to cover the center record lables. Stick the cups on both lable sides. This will prevent the labels from getting wet. Then take your basic pressure washer after each side. I use a small gas powered Honda pressure washer. 1800 PSI. This water blasting action will remove every tiny bit of dust particles that are stuck deep down in the record grooves. It works better then anything I've ever tried and I've tried it all! Can't wait to see what folks have to say about this method. Don't knock till you've tried it!
If I bought a Zerostat, when in this process would you recommend using it? Before or after using a brush?
@Lloyd Stout That does not answer my question
I would like to know the answer to this question also. It makes sense that it would help quite a bit!
Just got my first good record player. Wanted to make sure I take proper care of all of my new and old Vinys. Your channels absolutely radical.
Welcome aboard! Thanks for the good words.
With old used albums it Seems to me dry cleaning would push dirt into the groove. I use a record label saver and wash mine off with running water in the sink and also use a paintbrush and Dawn dish detergent for the initial cleaning. I have had solid particles embedded in the groove so hard that it took a toothpick soaked in alcohol to remove it. I have yet to find a satisfactory cleaning fluid.
If I get a dirty record, it goes in a dishpan with warm water and Dawn. If there's some dust on it, so what? The stylus sweeps it aside.
Really Really dirty old records get drenched with Simple Green and hosed down before the dishpan wash. Moldy records get drenched with Tilex and hosed down before the dishpan wash. The Tilex will ruin your labels so make sure that the record is worth it to you.
Wow I want record cleaning mat, that is pretty cool that your wife made those.
I didn't know Brett Favre was into vinyl!
Dude, that's classic! I especially get double takes when I do the winter beard . Did 20+ selfies at a Springsteen show a few years back. Some people got that it was just me and were having fun. But in the dark, I swear some people thought they were getting a photo with old Number 4!
@@DeafManVinyl I'm glad you took that as the joke it was intended to be. I'm sure some of those pictures are hanging up right next to Favre jerseys! Take care.
I'm kind of new to cleaning records. Keep in mind this album was far from perfect with hairline scratches and all. I just did what dear man vinyl suggested. "With a slight variation or two " I removed the dust first with my brush and a lint free cloth. After that I used sunlight dish soap and hot water. The albums sounds a hell of alot better now. The album is THE WHO, Who's next. A good cleaning made it salvageable. Thanks Dear man vinyl. Good advice.
Alice Cooper Goes To Hell!
Loved that album!
Agree. Missed out on a chance for a 20-minute Zoom call with Alice a couple weeks ago. Charity auction. Got up to $750 real quick. Would have been a once-in-a-lifetime for me (my first concert was the Welcome to My Nightmare tour), We just got in what I think is the best live Alice ever on deafmanvinyl.com. a 2-LP set. A Paranormal Evening At the Olympia Paris. Check it out if you haven't already!
@rickroxx so, were you born in late 75/early 76?
@rickroxx almost lucky
Thanks for the tips. I saved my Discwasher brush from the 70's and will come in handy now that I'm collecting vinyl again.
Yeah, people swear that the newer version of Discwashers don't hold a candle to the vintage ones (the fabric used in particular). I'm using my own from the '70s and it works just as good now as it did then!
I like your approach for dry cleaning dust… top notch! I would add using an anti-static device, like zerostat, kilavolt, etc. Maybe you could to do a follow-up, what to do after as much dry dust is extracted. I like using a record cleaning vacuum machine! Record Dr is a good inexpensive option!
That's a great idea!
Informative, good techniques - but I've always been trained (including the Discwasher literature I believe) the the Discwasher pad is 'directional'. You always have the end with the cutout toward the spindle, the Logo at the outer groove. (I guess this depends whether clockwise or CCW, so...) The side where the logo arrow points should be first to touch, rock up as you wipe. The little 'fingers' in the velvet pick up in one direction, but, 'rub it the wrong way' and you are pulling the dust back off the fibers onto the vinyl. You can feel the difference with your fingers - rub it from the arrow back= rough, the fibers are grabbing - rub it other direction, smooth, you are removing the dust. (this second direction is the direction you clean the brush off with your toothbrush or whatever...)
Sorry, but I was just cringing watching you wipe a Discwasher in both directions on a record.
You are totally, totally correct. Thank you for that important clarification, my friend.
hi, agree with all you said. Never use wet cleaning first. i use an original, directional discwasher brush from the 70's. i also use a carbon fibre brush that is earth to discharge the static, then i go et ith vinylstyl (cross between knosti and spin clean, i also use a 10 disc ultrasonic that runs at 80khz then vac after rinse with second vinylstyl. I also have a Maxell battery vac and de-static unit that runs around the record and draws everything loose out of the groove and discharges the static from record. a lot of process but certainly works. the Maxell unit gets used as preclean before playing. like your video, take care, stay safe and enjoy the music.
Holy cr*p. Those sound like some clean records, Peter! Yeah, there's no beating a DiscWasher from the '70s. They were just made different than the modern ones. I'm getting ready to approach some record-cleaning-machine companies to do a series testing them out. Stay tuned!
@@DeafManVinyl thanks, i will....stay safe
Hey
What do you think? How do you clean YOUR records?
Gentle-cycle, warm-wash, cold-rinse (kidding!).
you do not recommend any type of liquid cleaner ??? I was an avid user of the discwasher system having the antic static ion gun.
@@alexislorenz5173 Hey Alexis - Getting ready to do a vid on wet cleaning, so stay tuned! Definitely the thing to do when you have fingerprints, smudges, even (gasp!) mold. Just important to get as much dust out of the grooves before spritzing and spraying. I was a big Dishwasher fan, too.
Cheesecloth
In over 40 years of owning and playing records I've never cleaned them. They sound fantastic even now and I've bought records recently that have been " professionally cleaned" and they sound awful. Store and handle them correctly and you won't have any issues. I did try the woodglue method on a poor copy of See Emily Play just for idle curiosity and it removed a bit of noise, but as the single is purely a filler copy it didn't matter. Each to their own. I have no issue with anyone shelling out for expensive equipment and fluids if they so wish, but try this. Buy two copies of an album, then play one without cleaning and one with and come back to me in a year and tell me it's worth it, ' cause I bet it isn't!
And a perfect sized red bottle of cleaner tucked nicely into the end of the “Disc Washer” pad.
Or, in the case of 16-year-old me, your stash!
Dude, you seem like a great guy Bro, but I'm sorry, I've been collecting vinyl for over 40 years which doesn't mean anything I know, but seriously... First and foremost, you do ***NOT*** grab a record between your finger and thumb like you did to pull it out of the jacket. My apologies, but as soon as I saw that, well... Secondly, you absolutely do NOT set a record down and press down with a brush 'to get deep into the grooves' Huh uh... never...
Look even Michael Fremer simply and clearly shows that you DO indeed start your TT with the record on it, and you GENTLY lay the microfiber brush leaning along the nearby row of bristles and let the record go about 3 revolutions and then GENTLY rotate the brush lengthwise so the 2nd row of bristles PICK UP the dust and then you carefully as you roll the brush bring it to the center of the record touching the spindle with the dust fully captured on the back row of bristles and lifting it off the record at the same time. That way you do 2 things. You DO capture all the dust (you can do it twice, I do) and you more likely discharge any static towards the spindle as you lift the brush off.
Trust me... I have a moderately sensitive system. And, just doing it this way as I have described, there is NO dust, NO crackles or 'pops', assuming the record is basically clean to start with. But, the point being, NO dust. I do this EVERY time I listen to a record, and all I hear is a nice, clean, quiet surface.
Bro, this is just very basic record 101 mate...
Now, HOPEFULLY your wet cleaning methods will significantly better! :D
Sorry, really, but I just HAD to say something here...
photos.app.goo.gl/9ja3UKob7tppW4Y38
Yeah, ya busted me on the grab. I shared in another post that there is so much going on when I'm doing a vid, that I sometimes pull a doof move. Hard to smile for the camera, talk and remember to make all the right moves. Hope you'll cut the Deaf Man a little slack on that one. Totally respect your system/method. But I'm going to stand by my premise that you can't do what needs to be done when you're holding a record in your hand to clean it. Ditto for spinning it on the TT. Your assumption is that "the record is basically clean" to start with. I'm assuming it's a dust-laden static bomb that needs some serious attention. BTW: thanks for the note on Fremer. I hadn't been on that site for a while. Enjoyed your sound room pics, too. Suddenly, I'm experiencing a speaker inferiority complex!
Instead of wood glue I use contact cement, LOL. Really neat sound pics
Totally makes sense. Are you "The Science Guy?" Thanks for your insight and experience.
Zerostats are nice inventions. Probably been around about as long as you. I actually flip my carbon brush against one of those travel size sticky lint brush rollers. I always give a new sheet a few rolls on a clean counter top make sure sure it's not so sticky that it could leave residue on the brush. I have a 4X 17" CCTV device for the visually impaired so I can actually inspect the results with its built in bright light. Best thing I've ever used. Then to my ultrasound cleaner.
Great tip! Thanks for adding to the conversation.
Hey
The part I am still not sure about is, once you've got that line of dust brought up by the carbon fibre brush, how you brush that off the record. When you say you normally "brush it into space" are you brushing the bristles across the grooves to get the dust off the record? I've read concerns that could drag dust particles across the record and possibly scratch it, or push the dust back into the grooves.
Great advice! By the way... loved seeing "Alice Cooper Goes to Hell" off to the side there. One of my favourite albums ever and a great sounding album!
Nice video accurate demonstration of a good solution to eliminate as much dust as possible. One question. Why are you touching the playing surface of the album with your fingers?
I accidentally show some bad practices in my haste to do the video. There are a ton of things to concentrate on during shooting, and sometimes I have trouble chewing gum and walking a the same time!
This was nice for “surface cleaning or pre playing cleaning, but not for Deep cleaning “ as advertised. For that you need a wet cleaning. As an audiophile from the 60’s and 70’s , I still have a Sound Guard record Matt which is rubber, anti-static and ideal for the purpose. A wet solution of 90% distilled water, 10% or less alcohol, both 99% pure if available. Kodak Photo Flo solution wetting agent 1%. For dust off I use an electric blower and the dust does not transfer sides, and blow out the inner sleeve briefly at arms length. Spray with small bottle 3 or 4 spots on record. Spread with velvet brush which picks up remaining dust. Deep clean with Audio Technica type brush which gets down into the grooves an eliminates static. you can feel it). Dry with lint free cloth record cleaning pads. All of this is done in the direction of a rotating record. I have been selling LP’s on Amazon for 13 years and use this method daily. I get great compliments on the condition of my records from customers.
I just do the process you've shone and then give a good wetwash, dry for 30 40 minutes..repeat lightly with brush of your choice. Works for me.
Ohh and we had back then a static gun. I still have mine, but you point at the record in a triangle and it neutralized the static. It was red and expensive.
Zerostat. Definitely works.
First brush 4:45 Vinyl Styl, second brush 6:12, third brush 6:38 Disc Washer
Wish I knew these notes when I took music listening seriously as a teenager buying new albums.
Believe it or not dust also affects the plug on my amp and guitar. BTW, I have two copies of Introducing the Beatles album. The unopened one I have framed on the wall in the living room. .
Craft gum glue, apply it + paper tabs to lift, dry, peel......done. Pristine clean. PRISTINE!
1. Dust with Furutech DeStat 3 or Walker Talisman, then Audio-Technica AT6013a Dual-Action Anti-Static Record Cleaner
2. Kirmuss Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine 5 minutes minimum in distilled water only
3. Dry with VPI 16.5 Vacuum suction machine
That's how I easily, low cost way of cleaning my 37,000+ LPs, 45s and 78s
Yes, it takes about 7 to 8 minutes total but that will do 2 LPs/etc with the KIrmuss.
I wipe my stylus after every record side for over 50+ years. Prior to the Kirmuss, used the VPI 16.5 since 1981 (when VPI started as I couldn't afford the Keith Monks machine). Also worked well but now I hear even more details with the ultrasonic. No damage 5 minutes with H2O treatment and CHEAP. Only equipment costs about $1750 total. VPI suction brushes last forever since the records are already clean with no debris, just moisture.
I was given an original press Wish You Were Here. Although free, I was heartbroken. It was in a box in a barn. I've managed to get it pretty clean. Clean enough to have less than half the loud pops. There's a spot on side 2 where the inner sleeve got wet and glued itself to the vinyl. There's now a white spot on the vinyl. I've never used harsh chemicals on it. But, I would like to at least return it to as much of it's glory regardless of the damage.
I have a particle welded to the vinyl & I cant budge it using normal vinyl cleaner. Previous owner had it stored no doubt.
Might try to get it off with a fingernail. As long as you are not physically scratching the grooves, you should be ok.