How I Clean My Vinyl Records & Vinyl Vac Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ส.ค. 2019
- In this video I show how I clean my records to get rid of as much dirt and dust as possible, protect the record player stylus, and to get the best possible sound with as few cracks and pops as possible.
Link to Vinyl Vac Website - www.vinylvac.net
#VinylCommunity #MelindaMurphy #RecordCollecting
Note: Vinyl Vac did send me a free Vinyl Vac wand and cleaning solution to try out. However, my review of the system is honest and in no way influenced by Vinyl Vac. I tried it out for a month or so before doing my review and truly believe it cleans my records better than my previous manual method.
Whoever came up with the Vinyl Vac is a genius. Total cost of materials is less than $4.
I agree. It really works too! ♥️
Record collecting it's a beautiful hobby that keeps you in the working class category...Something not often seem now a days...Very good video and well articulated.
Thank you for the kind words. It is a beautiful hobby. I love cleaning my records. It takes time and effort but it is worth it.
Hi Melinda, My wife and I have been enjoying your channel and recently purchased the vinyl vac. I took a used copy of Box Scaggs' Silk Degrees that I had bought for .99 that, as you can imagine, was full of smudges, scratches and dirt. After cleaning it, I put it on my turntable and was immediately impressed with the clarity. It was as if I had bought a new album. It played all the way through wonderfully. I have cleaned several more albums and, with few exceptions, have had stellar results. Although it does take a little time, I cleaned about five albums over the course of of a couple of hours while enjoying each afterwards. Thanks so much for recommending this product.
I'm so glad to hear that. I have had so many similar experiences with the Vinyl Vac. I can't believe the difference it has made for my records. It is time consuming but when you consider how much money the machines are for similar results, I am more than happy to put the time in. Thank you so much for letting me know. That makes me so happy. Take care.
A+ as always....very smart platform you made for your records....Thanks again for a great video!
Thank you so much!!🤩
Nice cleaning method. I added the vinyl vac to my cleaning routine last year and it made a significant difference. I combine a basin cleaning method with a vacuum, and basin rinse and a 2nd vacuum and get good results.
Thanks so much for this Melinda! I need to get one of these. Great review!
I really like mine. It has made a big difference for me. 😀
Great review Melinda. Vinyl Vac is part of my everyday "Go to" record cleaning system. Cleaning is also a vital part of my own record listening ritual. It's a very meditative process that enhances the vinyl experience.
Peace...
We aren't officially a member of the VC if we haven't watched one of your record cleaning videos. They are legendary. I really enjoy the record cleaning process. It must be how someone feels when cleaning their vintage car. Take care!
Excellent review Melinda. I purchased the Vinyl Vac a few months ago and absolutely love it. I ended up buying a broken turntable for $5 to use as my platform and it works great. I love the idea of building your own though. Nice job. Glad you enjoy using your Vinyl Vac. You can't beat it for the price. Also, I am with you on cleaning. Definitely a leisurely fun activity for me. It's my personal time where I can sit back and listen to music while caring for my albums.
You made a good point about using a broken record player and I wish I would have mentioned that in my video. I hate cleaning house but I love cleaning my records. Lol
I don't want to start a flurry of commenting, but you should look into an RCM at some point, I started with a method similar to what you're using, then went to a Spin Clean and then a VPI 16.5. If you buy enough records it's well worth the investment. You go from the RCM to platter in a little over a minute and the results are stunning. Now, that being said, clean your records however you want and can afford, a clean record is a happy record :) If you interested in a quick demo I have a vid on my channel. Nice review and handy-woman-ship on your cleaning platter :)
Thanks for the suggestion and if I ever start dealing with high volumes of records then something extremely quick might be necessary. For now I am quite happy with the cost and results I get from the Vinyl Vac. A clean record is a happy record.😀
Great video Melinda! I have been thinking about trying the Vinyl Vac!
Like you, I buy alot of vintage records and I think the vinyl vac does a great job. It is much better than my old cleaning method. Thanks for watching and have a great evening.
I used a vinyl vac for a little while but i wanted to clean more at one time so went a different route. It's good for what it is and I did notice an improvement over the Spin Clean. Always enjoy watching videos about cleaning records...thanks for the demo!
You are welcome and I have definitely improved the sound of my records with this. If someone is having to clean large quantities of records, I can certainly understand looking for different options. I appreciate you watching. Have a great day!
Good video on cleaning your records i just recently bought the lazy susan and also built it and got the the vinyl vac solution and clean the record and use my record doctor VI for drying my record and did a great job cleaning my record i give you an AAA+ for great information.
Thank you for the kind words. Clean records sound so much better. Take care.
I have used a similar method over the last 30 years for cleaning my records. I have a Nitty Gritty machine. I use home made cleaning fluid composed of 80% distilled water and 20% alcohol with a capful (per gallon) of dishwasher anti-spotting fluid. I use the applicator bottle and brush which came with the Nitty Gritty to saturate the surface of the record, similar to what you do. I do not rinse the record. I use the Nitty Gritty machine to vacuum off all the fluid. When doing 45s, I put a piece of tape over the section of the velvet vacuum brush which would otherwise be exposed. After cleaning, I place the record into a new plastic-lined inner sleeve from Bags Unlimited; they have such sleeves for both LP and 45. This prevents re-contamination of the record with paper dust from a normal paper sleeve, or contamination from dirt which was in the old sleeve.
It sounds like you have a great cleaning system and I need to copy what you have done for some of my 45's. Mine definitely need clean new sleeves. Thank you for the tips! Take care.
@@MelindaMurphy I use lined inner sleeves for the 45s, and Bags Unlimited has plastic outer sleeves for 45s also. If the 45 came with a picture sleeve (many do), although I put the clean 45 in a line inner sleeve, then I put both the inner sleeve and the original picture sleeve into the plastic outer sleeve for storage. I have a few really interesting 45s: (1) The GoGos "Our Lips Are Sealed" b/w "Surfing and Spying". Although now Surfing and Spying is available on a compilation CD, I like the mastering better on the 45. It has a "gritty" sound that is really appropriate; the CD sounds too antiseptic. (2) Neil Diamond "Brother Loves Traveling Salvation Show" which is a dedicated mono mix which is not available on LP or CD, much punchier than the stereo mix, and it contains tubular bells which the stereo mix does not.
I love that someone else does this I feel less crazy;)
Thanks for the demo Melinda.
Thanks for watching. 😀
Interesting and informative!Love your show.😃
Thank you so much! 🤗♥️
Great vid Melinda its wonderful to see a lady who is just as passionate about vinyl as us guys are, your knowlege is admirable too, as for record cleaning that system is ok for people on a budget, as for myself i own a Loricraft PRC4 record cleaning machine using alcohol and the results are amazing, i cleaned the same Santana record you showed us, mine must have been played in a heavy cigar users room , it sounded horrible before but when cleaned the water was a rusty brown and the sound became warmer and more dynamic when cleaned , i enjoy watching your vids as much you give great info into the wonderful world of vinyl....keep up the good work lovely lady 😁
Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it. The Vinyl Vac is excellent and like you said, very affordable. I'm sure your machine is great as well. I do own a record from a heavy smokers home. It didn't affect the vinyl but the shrink wrap was that brown color so I removed it. I bet your record did sound much better after it was cleaned. Have a wonderful week.
@@MelindaMurphy hi Melinda just to add that i keep telling myself i must not buy anymore vinyl but i cannot resist.....i am running out of storage space ha! At least i have an understanding wife who enjoys my music hobby and passion too, but i need a bigger room though , i see a great LP and i just have to get it , vinyl is my Kryptonite!! Haha!! 😂
Hi Melinda! First I have got to say I love the Farrah T-Shirt! The poster of that picture adorned my teen room wall! Great work on this tutorial video. Looks like you have an awesome record cleaning method. I think that I will have to look into purchasing a Vinyl Vac. Have a great day!
Thank you so much. I was and am a huge fan of Farrah. I had a different poster of her up in my room. When I saw this old t shirt at a vintage shop, I just had to pick it up. I love the 70's! The Vinyl Vac website has much better information about it than my little channel so feel free to check it out. I don't think you will be disappointed. Take care
Great review. Looks like it works really well. I use a mild dish detergent and tap water in the kitchen sink. I never worry about the label. Since I was a kid I’ve never had a label damage as long as you don’t let it stay soaked for very long. again, excellent review 👍
Thank you so much. I have never damaged a label with a little bit of water either. I don't want to risk it though so like you, I always careful. Take care!
Looks good, I have my own very similar kit which works well so don't want to change. I get most of my records second hand, (it's more fun) so a good cleaning kit is essential. Will just add as you like beatles, I got a message from the beatles museum they asked permission to use a photo I had taken when visiting for their website a while back. Was a proud moment.
Keep up the good work impressive blogs.
That is so awesome about Yhe Beatles museum. Nice! Most of my records are old and used as well so I definitely needed something better than what I was doing. I'm glad to have a great system in place now.
Great review on the vinyl vac. Sounds like it cleans vinyl pretty efficiently. Ha, ha bless your heart, cleaning records is a leisure activity. I wish I felt the same about cleaning records. Impressive spinning apparatus for cleaning. You got some mad DIY skills, girl. Happy cleaning! - Cindy
Hi Cindy. I have no DIY skills and I am not at all crafty. I copied everything off of the Vinyl Vac website. They have a video showing exactly what to do. I do enjoy cleaning records. If only I could say the same about my house. Lol. Thanks for watching and I hope you are having a good week.
I use the paint trimmer & foam brush & Vinyl Vac as well...this is very similar to my method. Thanks for the video, Melinda!!
Thanks for watching. My records have never sounded better. I'm sure you feel the same way. Take care.
Hey Melinda, this is nice! I use a mixture of isopropanol, triton x100 and water to clean my records. It does a pretty good job. Sometimes using the microfiber makes the record sound even better. The worst thing about it is that it takes some plays to get it out of the grooves and it sticks into the stylus, but when it's all gone it's worth it. It was the only thing that got rid of the inner groove distortion on most of my japanese records (for some reason, it works mostly with mid-late 70's and early 80's japanese records).
A great review video Melinda. Really interesting tool is the vinyl vac. Currently I just clean records with a damp moppet (soft sponge) and tap water. Here in Scotland we are fortunate to have quite pure water with no limescale content so we don't need to use filters here as much as some other parts of the world. When my records are clean I just basically damp dust them to remove surface dust and lessen static in the way I just described. If records are dirty then I will use soap and water with the same moppet. Wash and then rinse. I only will clean the label if it is also dirty which is very rarely.
But I am always looking for ideas on cleaning records. Thank you for this. 👍
You are welcome. The Vinyl Vac is great. Getting good results and quality sound is what matters. I'm glad you have a method that works for you.
Melinda - thanks for introducing me to the Vinyl Vac attachment. I didn't even know there was such a thing. I think your cleaning method is the method I would go with if I needed one - but fortunately I get to use my store's VPI machine. Very interesting story regarding the difference with your All Things Must Pass record . Happy cleaning!
I was so happy to be able to give a good review for this and to finally have a great cleaning method. If you can get them professionally cleaned by a record store then that is awesome Joe.
Diggin' the Farah Fawcett t-shirt. I had that poster on my wall when I was younger, I wish I still had it. Thanks for sharing your tips on cleaning vinyl LP's. I've got to start cleaning mine and your video was helpful.
I was a huge Farrah fan. Still am. Thank you so much!
Great video Melinda!
Thank you Bob!
Hey Melinda! Thanks for the demo on the vinyl vac. I've always wondered about that product. Once I get settled I think I'll get my own Spin Clean like I was using at my ex's house before, and then the Scrubbing Bubbles method for the really dirty, stubborn ones. Hope all is well! Later!
Hi Hanna. I have seen you mention the scrubbing bubbles method so it must work really well. I hope you are close to being back on your feet and getting to enjoy your records once again. Take care.
I think I will be buying one, Thanks Melinda!😀
If you do, let me know what you think.
Another great video. Love your channel. I just bought an Audio Technica turntable to play my remastered vinyl's on. Just need to get my KRK active speakers and then I'm all set!! Does vinyl really sound better??
Hi Nick. Everybody hears things differently. If you have a decent record player and set up, vinyl has the best sound imo. I grew up on vinyl and I remember feeling a let down when CD's came in. I thought it lacked the warmth that records have. When you have it all set up and your first very clean record, please let me know what you think. Thanks so much for your comments and support. Take care!
I too use the Vinyl Vac, often after a Spin Clean session especially for $1 bin records. I'm glad that you are finding success with your method. My only issue with my method is lightly drying the record before I put the record on my makeshift platter. Often I will get fluid on the mesh platter cover. My first fluid and only fluid so far has been Tergikleen. Thanks for the video!!
You bring up an interesting point about the spin clean/ vinyl vac combo. What you are doing is really the only solution for that I can think of. The vinyl vac probably vacuums up any debris left from lightly drying the record. Thanks and have a great night!
Thank you so much for this great information🌞
Thank you for watching! 😀
I really like the vinyl vac too. Your suggestion to use condiment bottles instead of spray bottles is awesome. Thank you
I'm glad I could help. I just find that a spray bottle is less controllable. Thank you.
Great review!
Thank you! 😀
Great review Melinda. You've got a pretty good system going there. I've been keen to the vinyl vac for quite some time but haven't picked one up yet as I don't have a shop vac so that just adds to the expense. But the real reason is I have cleaning sessions after my wife and kids are in bed and a shop vac would be too loud at that time of night. Although I noticed yours hardly made any noise at all. If it's not too much trouble can you let me know what brand/model shop vac you are using? I do think the vinyl vac is a pretty nifty product and am further considering getting one. Will just have to find a different time to clean records. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Bill. The good news is that I can tell a difference in the sound of my records after using the Vinyl Vac. The bad news is that for the sake of the video, I lowered the sound of the vacuum. I thought it would make a more pleasant video. 😚 I'm sorry. There may be a quiet shop vac out there but I don't know which one. I understand your dilemma. You have time to clean records after the kids are in bed but if you clean your records with a vacuum you risk waking them up. This is definitely worth having if you can switch your time of cleaning records. Thanks for watching and take care.
I'm sold on the vac, Melinda! Thank you!!!
I'm sold on it too. It has been working well for me. Thank you!
I was looking for a list of stuff to build your cleaning mechanism in your video description, but nothing is there. I found a "lazy Susan" that looks like yours, but what spoke (metal rod) and plastic cover did you use with it?.
Edit: Ignore this message, I found the list on their website as you mentioned later in the video
I'm glad you found the list. The Vinyl Vac is essential for me. Thank you.
Very interesting, I have heard about this product but never seen it in action, I have been using the Spin Clean and the Groove Washer, and so far so good, thanks for this video. What do you use to clean the stylus? Cheers!!
Thanks for watching and I use Onzow Zerodust on my stylus. Take care.
Great demo of this cleaning method. Is that brush really soft? Hope it dosen't leave light scratches on the record? I use a soft baby brush - those ones you brush the baby's hair with & it works ok for me.
Another top video!!
The brush is extremely soft and I am putting zero pressure on the record. I have had this cleaning method for a while now and have cleaned many records. It has only helped the records - not hurt. I really appreciate the concern though. You are definitely a vinyl lover and I really respect that.
Awesome video I might have to buy the vinyl vac when I have room for it! Also what a coincidence I’m wearing my santana shirt!
Very cool coincidence. Santana is really great! I love that album so much!
Very informative review Melinda thank you. I too use the microfiber cloth method , and like you said I find it to be very therapeutic and take my time as I listen to music. What’s the total price tag of everything all the stuff you made everything if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks again for the video take care.
No problem. I am glad you asked. The Vinyl Vac kit with the 1oz cleaning product is $37.97. I then spent about $30 for the platform. If you don't already have a wet/dry shop vac, they run about $20 to $30 depending on the size you get. You can get this cleaning system for under $100 dollars. The part list for the platform is on the Vinyl Vac website and it shows you how to put one together. It is a one time purchase that will last. Other vacuum type systems are incredibly expensive. I hope that helps.
I don’t use this method but it is still a very safe and cool way to clean your records. I may even try that method. Thanks for putting that out there! Great video, keep it up!
I really appreciate it. I really do like the idea of sucking up the dirt and debris rather than wiping with a cloth like I used to do. My records have never sounded better. Have a great evening.😄
Thanks for the demonstration Melinda. I use the label protector and scrubbing bubbles which I saw a demo from Dixieland Farms. Works great and is easy as pie. Andre’
I have heard of the scrubbing bubbles method. Many people have mentioned it in their videos. I will have to look up his video . Thanks for letting me know Andre.'
Great video Melinda
Thank you!
Great video - I may need to invest in something like that. I like to record mine to Apple Lossless and then listen on high-end headphones, so reducing clicks & pops would be ideal. I currently do a manual method with a spray bottle and microfiber - and I have the BigFudge Record Friend bath system. Here is one secret: looking for some cleaning fluid you can make yourself - I found what I really like ... Bona for hardwood or tile. It is already engineered, leavers no residue, it is safe for vinyl, and can be bought in large quantities. I researched videos for home remedies but comparison for me the Bona worked beautifully. I had never heard of anyone trying Bona before but I love it! For a fast clean I just spritz it on and wipe. I would like to try this vacuum method though. Thanks for another killer video!
I've never heard of using Bona to clean vinyl. As long as it is safe and effective, that's a good alternative. I find that the vacuum gets the records cleaner that a microfiber cloth. I notice my stylus stays cleaner. Microfiber clothes do a good job but leave a little bit of fuzz behind. That has been my experience anyway. Take care.
Great video,i don't use that method to clean records,but think this is a 100% nice and safe method,very impresive the way you protect the label.The only "problem" is if someone dont have vacuum for liquid
You are exactly right and I hope I said dry/wet shop vac enough times. Lol. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your experience and opinion of The Vinyl Vac....it's such an easy and inexpensive way to protect and clean your valuable vinyl collection. P.S...LOVE your Farrah Fawcett t-shirt!! Icon photograph
You are very welcome. I was wanting to up my game when it comes to cleaning records so I couldn't refuse the offer to try this out. I'm glad I did. I love Farrah so when I saw this old vintage t shirt, I had to pick it up. Take care.
I love the Vinyl vac. I use mine to vacuum the water off after washing in the Spin-clean. For a turntable platform to spin the record I use an old Crosley player.
Using an old Crosley is very smart. Mine is homemade. Lol. The vinyl vac does a great job.
Very resourceful thank you!
You are welcome!
Hi Melinda- greetings from Emgland. Intetesting product- i usually use cleaning kits but some stubborn stains are tricky. Keep up the good videos. Nick
I have been cleaning alot of dirty 45's for my jukebox and this cleaning set up made them all look beautiful. Thank you and greetings!
That's awesome Melinda! It almost looked like a Let It Bleed cake was in the works with that platform of yours!
Very funny Kimba. And what a great album. Thank you!
I don't have a method of cleaning other then alcohol n water w cloth ..so this will be my new method. Not expensive and I've got everything I need except the wand..I'll order one.
Thanks for sharing
I have always cleaned my records the same way. Let me know what you think of the Vinyl Vac once you have it. By not using cloth, I have less pops and less fuzz on my stylus. It was great to see you in a video. You and Brad looked like you were having a great time.
Looks like a good process. Would've liked to of seen it with a grubby thift shop record for a true before and after, but that's a minor critique.
I'm with you Eric. I wanted to do a before and after listening comparison but TH-cam is so strict on music that I didn't want to risk having a problem. I wish I could have played some of my Santana or George Harrison because they were two albums that I had heard often with my old cleaning method. The improvements in the sound after using the Vinyl Vac were very noticable and I wish I could have shared that.
gotta love that farah fawcett tshirt
It dos a nice job !!! WOW . I do think we all do something different in cleaning vinyl :). But this was nice and I would like to get one as well !!! Thanks for the demo :) Melinda . God bless you and take care !!!!!
Thank you so much Beatle Brad!
:").
As always great video :") !!!
Thumbs up for the Farah Fawcet T shirt, great demo on the vinyl vac interesting piece of equipment and your home built platform worked pretty well great stuff Melinda. I personally use the spin clean system and find it works well. I would love one of those big machines but agree the cost is too high, just can't justify it.(would rather spend the money on more records,
I agree about wanting to spend the money on records. Lol. That's why I like this way of cleaning the records. Cheap and effective. I was a huge fan of Farrah. Still am. Thanks for watching!
Great review.
Thank you Michael!
Ayyy you posted this video on my birthday!! I'd ask if you think this is better than a Spin Clean but I guess you haven't used one, haha! Maybe one day I'll invest in a vinyl vac...and a shop vac for that matter! Great video as always and I look forward to the next one!
Thank you Mike. I hope your birthday was awesome!
That is great Melinda. Your so creative. I don't have any idea how you were able to make that record cleaning platter yourself by I am so impressed as I don't think I would be creative enough to be able to do it myself. But, we all have certain talents and gifts. I just bought some new vinyl today, Sonny And Cher and Chicago and some used at Savors. Do you ever buy used vinyl at like a thrift store or a flea market and then you find out the record has a musty spell to it like it was stored in a basement? How do you clean the cardboard Covers, Melinda? For me, especially if the record has a glossy cover, I find Glass Plus does a good job of getting dirt off the cover, and the musty smell is gone as well. Take care until next time
Hi Richard. I would love to take credit for my clever platform but the parts list and do it yourself video is all on the vinyl vac website. I just copied it. Lol. Great finds and yes I do find records at flea markets often. I touch up album covers with a Lysol wipe (not too wet). I find they do the trick. In time, once the record has been in the house a while, it loses the old smell. I appreciate your kind words. Have a great evening.
Great video and a very interesting way to clean your records. I shared this video with others. Since you now have over a thousand albums and continue to get records out in the wild, do you think you’ll ever get a heavy duty machine like Mike at the InGroove uses?
Thank you for sharing the video. I still use the Vinyl Vac. I don't buy big collections at once so I can clean 10 records at a time fairly quickly. The results are amazing. Take care.
Is it a Singer sewing machine the one that is on the wall shelf behind? Sorry to comment out of place but my grandma had one and with it she sewed our clothes. It is nice to see one like this in a modern home.
It is a Singer sewing machine. My husband's Dad owned a sewing machine company and gave that to us. I love it and I'm glad it brought back a great memory for you! Thank you for watching.
Hi Melinda ! My wife Annette is the vinyl cleaning expert in this house. She uses similar products and gear. Even if a record looks clean before , most of the times it sounds so much better after a good work-over. She made her grail-find , Def Leppard’s ”Adrenalize” sound like it came right of the press. A good quality carbonfiber brush is also a solid investment. Take care now , R & A.
Congrats on getting the Grail! Adrenalize is near impossible to find. I can definitely hear the difference after cleaning a record with this even if the record doesn't look dirty so you are definitely correct about that. Thanks so much for watching my demo. Enjoy that wonderful record.
Super cool way to clean your records it looks like it works great, Cheers Sean
Thank you! 😀
Great video,thanks
I just saw this message. Thank you so much!
Nice review. Cleaning records is definitely not therapy for me...I hate it. What a pain in the ass. I recently discovered that my microfiber towel was leaving lots of lint on the record so now I air dry them
after wet wash. The vinyl vac looks like a great way to speed up the process. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
Haha! You are right about the lint being left behind. That is the bad news for me. I have over 900 records that have been cleaned with a microfiber cloth. I do like cleaning my records but not enough to clean all of those records all over again. Lol. The Vinyl Vac would save time. It's me that slows down the process. Thank you for watching!
Great video Melinda. You could do that Vinyl Vac exec. a solid and sell his product on QVC. lol I had over 2 thousand records to clean, so I invested in an Okki Nokki RCM. Very pleased with it. As long as you are taking the time to wet clean your vinyl, it's all good. BTW - carefully clean your stylus before or after every playback. Cheers
Thank you. It would be wonderful if this product could make it to QVC. Lol. Someone else mentioned the Okki Nikki in the comments. I'm glad you have a system you are happy with and I am so happy with mine now too. Thanks for the tip regarding the stylus. I do clean it very often so it stays clean and creates great sound. Take care.
How often do you have to change the pads that sit between the vinyl vac and the Lp.?
I haven't changed mine yet. It still feels nice and soft. The vinyl vac comes with extra pads but I would say it takes a long time before you need to replace them.
As you know I buy a lot of thrift store albums. I have developed a deep sink cleaning method to give them deep cleaning which is needed because you just do not know what people have put on them or they been left out of the jacket here dust has accumulated. I have a more mild cleaning method for newly purchased 180 gram vinyl. They do not need a deep cleaning, just something light to remove any contaminates that got on the record in the pressing plant. I have not used a vac method yet. I enjoyed your video and might consider such a purchase. :)
I haven't used the Vinyl Vac or anything that cleans deep on my brand new records either. It just works really great on used records that sit around collecting dust in the grooves. This works great for that. Have a great day.
Great video I use soap and water and a soft cloth then pva glue it works a treat
Whatever works best for you. What's important bis that the record is clean and sounding great. 😃
Nice information about Vinyl Vac good video.
Thank you!
Looks like your former method is very similar to mine -- I use the same paint trimmer, with a distilled water/alcohol/detergent solution, and a few microfiber items. Seems to be working for me, but I can appreciate how the vacuum must keep that new dust from settling down on the clean records!
The downside is the noise -- makes it harder to clean while listening. :)
You are right about the noise. Lol. That was very observant of you. I have noticed improved sound since using the vacuum so go me this is worth it. I will be cleaning a few records later today. Have a good one!
Great video Melinda! I enjoyed watching your demo. I should mention when drying the record, don’t do more than 1 revolution. It’s a good way to create static. I use a VPI 16.5 machine. Like you said, use what’s best for you and your budget. I also recommend using a stylus cleaner. Your records and stylus will thank you
Ok. I haven't noticed any static but will definitely try to minimize the vacuum time. I just wanted to make sure the record was completely dry. Thanks so much for the kind suggestion. You obviously love vinyl too.
Melinda Murphy Yes, I love vinyl too!
Yes! The VPI 16.5 record washing machine is GREAT! I have one, and use it often!
@@carlosbauza1139 That’s good you have one! It’s a great machine. I clean every record before playing. It’s also good to have stylus cleaning fluid on hand. I use mobile Fidelity’s stylus cleaner. It helps prolong stylus life.
I've been searching for a good home cleaning method w/o a machine and w/o alcohol; looks like I found it thank you. Not to judge, but it looks like you could afford a high dollar machine so I appreciate your grass-roots method of cleaning. It's obvious you are a music lover and care for the condition of your records. I just bought a Zero Dust stylus cleaner (it's awesome btw) and I have access to lab DI water, so I'm glad I ran across your cleaning video.
You're welcome. And thank you for the compliment regarding my home. I guess I could save up and buy an expensive machine but I really like my vinyl vac. It leaves more money for records. Lol. Have a great week.
I’m working on stepping up my cleaning game. Found a Dit video for a label protector. Gonna make that and do the paint edger method that is real popular in the VC.
I do love using the paint edger when I'm cleaning. The bristles are so soft. There is a video on the vinyl vac website about how to make a label protector I you want to see how I made mine. Take care!
What is the handmade(plastic)vinyl saver? where I could find it? Thank you!
Hi! You can use a lazy susàn or a cake platform (for icing a cake) to put your records on while cleaning them. The complete list and video showing a diy cleaning kit is on the vinyl vac website. I hope that helps you out. I made this video several months ago and still love the vinyl vac. It works great.
Some good tips there, I use an old crosley like cheap record player to spin record at 45rpm speed while I clean it up, love that label protector though ! Goanna look for one, I was using a cd to cover label up lol, works though. I use a hair dryer to dry up.
An old record player is perfect for record cleaning. 🤗
Thank you for the information.🎤🎸🎵🥁
You're welcome!
Great review Melinda, i use the spin cleaner because its cheap and it works. Greeting from Holland
Kisslover 1973-2019 Actually Vinyl Vac is a bit less expensive even with the additional equipment required. However I use both in combination in my process. I’ll NEVER air dry or microfiber dry a record again now that I have been using a Vinyl Vac!! You can hear dust and left over cleaner and evaporated water!! Dry with Vinyl Vac for much quieter sounding records!
I would say that the vinyl vac and accessories are probably around the same expense as the spin cleaner. Like I said in my video, if you are getting great results with your method then that is what matters. I am really happy with my cleaning products too. I appreciate you watching and cheers right back at ya!😀
staining !!! so accurate and sharp attention to details !
Thank you very much! 😃
@@MelindaMurphy 😘
Why did you purchase the Denon turntable? Did it have a feature you wanted or was it a price point. Thanks Bert
It was a gift so I didn't choose it. I did want an automatic turntable because I was nervous about the manual ones at the time. The price point was good for me as well.
Thanks so much for your reply. It is nice of someone to gift you a solid rurntable.
I've always used a carbon fiber brush, but never wet cleaners until this year. I used a 2-step cleaner from Audio Intelligence (by hand) on a few LPs that my single-step MoFi solution couldn't improve and they became quite listenable! I don't know if you've tried wet cleaning new records that aren't noisy, (lots of vinyl lovers recommend that) but I didn't hear a benefit.
I only clean new records when they have pops or visible dirt. I always clean a vintage record though.
Melinda,
I like vinyl a lot myself. I have a nitty-gritty machine, but it needs some work at the moment. I like your solution.
I often record my vinyl to computer wav files that I can burn to CD to take along or just listen to the tunes from computer disc on headphones. I have a small mixing console, a Presonus Studio Live AR8 USB that I got specifically because it would record to a SD RAM card. Audio capture with windows was problematic; windows would often wander off randomly to do other things causing dropouts in music being recorded. The console does a great job, and will do more than I am asking it to do.
Once I have a raw audio capture on SD, I move it to a desktop computer. With an audio editor like Audacity you can zoom down to the individual samples to fix things, though this can get tedious. I clean up lead-ins and lead-outs, normalize, and set inter-song silence to 5 seconds of absolute quiet using Audacity. A program called Waveknife will split the songs at the silences out into individual files. DAK.com also sells some software, a "De popper" that seems to work well for me, and is a lot faster than the manual approach. You need to be careful that your efforts do not degrade the original music.
There is a record shop in the Squirrel Hill area of Pittsburgh. Jerry the proprietor was going out of business 3 years ago, but last I heard he was still selling vinyl from several warehouses he has filled with albums. I have purchased maybe a hundred very clean albums from him in assorted genres at quite reasonable prices.
Jerry gave me the recipe for "Jerry Juice", a record cleaning solution he either invented or discovered. Since he was giving this formula away freely to all patrons, I doubt he would care if I shared it. I am crediting Jerry for this though. If you ever find yourself in that area of Pittsburgh, drop by and say hi to him. Plan to spend at least an afternoon browsing his immense collection, the albums are generally quite clean, Jerry prices on the fly, and he favors cash, he finds credit too cumbersome.
Here is his solution and cleaning method, which I have found to work quite well with my "Nitty Gritty" machine, is alcohol free, and very inexpensive. Delete or modify the manual instructions if you choose to use a "Vinyl Vac".
---------- Recipe For: Jerry's Record Cleaning Solution (Jerry Juice) ----------
Main Ingredients:
1) One gallon of distilled polar water (or steam distilled).
2) One bottle of "7th Generation" Organic Dish Detergent, unscented
preferred. "7th Generation" is a brand name. Look for it in
Whole Food (organic food) markets, not your corner grocery store.
3) Bounty paper towels; no cheap bargain paper towels! Bounty
towels are non-abrasive and will not shed.
4) A one quart plastic bottle with spray nozzle (plant sprayer). Check your
local hardware store to find one.
Solution Preparation Directions:
1. Fill spray bottle almost to the top with distilled water.
2. Place 7 or 8 drops of "7th Generation" dish detergent in the bottle.
3. Do not shake the bottle! Do not cause suds!
4. Let the bottle sit overnight so the soap can dissipate in the water.
5. This will make enough solution to clean hundreds of records for < $10.
Record Cleaning Directions:
1. Lay the record to be cleaned on a flat, clean, hard surface - preferably
on paper, cardboard, or a towel.
2. Set spray bottle to mist and spray 3 equal spaced spots on the record.
3. Take 2 or 3 sheets of paper towels. Fold towels over to hand size.
4. Wipe record with folded paper towels. Wipe with the flat of your hand.
Wipe in a circular motion with the grooves. Wipe 3 or 4 times
in rotation.
5. Be sure to quickly dry off the labels in the center of the record to avoid
smearing the text by letting the liquid sit on them.
6. As the distilled water hits the air it evaporates leaving no film on the
album and removing static, dust, and most dirt.
7. For stubborn fingerprints & grease: Using two fingers, rub the spot
vigorously & repeatedly with the paper towels using more pressure.
Be sure the record remains well supported.
8. Change the towels every 2 or 3 records as they become saturated.
9. Allow the record to dry completely before replacing it in the inner sleeve,
especially if you are using plastic lined sleeves; otherwise a film
may form on the record.
I hope this helps you and other aficionados.
Thank you so much. That was alot of information. I may have to try your cleaning solution recipe. I love using the Vinyl Vac to remove the cleaning solution instead of the bounty towels. I appreciate this. Take care.
Hey Melinda! What a great demonstration. I find these types of videos therapeutic to watch, lol. Yours and Toppers old cleaning video were great tutorials. I use a very cheap cleaning method that works the majority of the time, but there are lots of instances where I'm looking to take it up a notch on those extra dirty records. Probably a dumb question, but does this method seem to help out w/ scratches at all? Or will a scratchy and dirty record, just sound like a scratchy clean record after this? Lol. I only ask because I've got a few pretty scratched up records that are "clean"......thanks again for the great video and take care Melinda! Your friend, Chris
Hi Chris. Oddbox Topper is the gold standard for record cleaning videos but thanks for the encouragement. Lol. I definitely noticed alot less clicks and pops that come with dirty grooves but I don't know if this would greatly improved pops from scratches. I honestly don't know what to do to improve that. I'd love to find out. Thank you for watching and have a great week.
Haha you and me both sister!! I have no idea if there is anything to do about scratches, but there are a lot of creative and smart people out there....more so than me, haha. If someone else comes up w/ the prototype, I can come up w/ the name.....The Scratch Whisperer, Scratch-B-Gone, Patch-A-Scratch....I'm ready for this :) haha. Talk to you soon Melinda - can't wait for your next vid!
Distilled water dries clean. Filtered water will still leave behind minerals.
I misspoke. I do use filtered water. I am so sorry for the confusion.
👍 love your videos!
@@jonahyue4755 thank you so much!
I have a Spin Clean...I think the combination with the Vinyl Vac will be amazing
Definitely! Vacuuming records makes a huge difference. 🤩
Spin Clean is my go-to. For new records (straight out of the shinkwrap), I just give those a once-over to get rid of the debris. Occasionally, I use the wood glue method, but those are only for very dirty records. The downside is waiting 48 hours for the glue to dry completely, before peeling it off.
Like you, I don't do a wet clean on a brand new record unless it was really dirty which has happened a couple of times. Thanks for your input.
Nice review. Being old & lazy I use the audio desk system.
Lol. Thank you Richard. 😀
Hi Melinda tnx for ur vid
Anyway after done from cleaning my vinyl so is there's time to wait till to play or need time for coz I think it's gonna effect the vinyl recorder needle.
I usually wait anywhere from 15 minutes to a half an hour to be safe. I have never had a problem but wait the time you feel comfortable with.
@@MelindaMurphy tnx Mel for the infor
Coz u know the LP I got from my dad most of them are dusty coz it's been long time he didn't use them since 1981,but believe me Melinda 1st time when I played pink floyd LP the sound of it really killing me so clear🔊
@@rayche9923 that's wonderful!🥰
@@MelindaMurphy yes Mel
Anyway tnx u very much for reply 💋😁
Awesome Review Melinda! Thank you for taking the time to review our products and for the shout-out. Just FYI for everyone, We do recommend an extension cord foot switch to free up your hands to turn your wet dry vac off and on. Here is the link: amzn.to/2YOPlzu
There are many options for this product on Amazon but we recommend this one with the grounded outlets as opposed to the two prong versions.
That sounds really great but even without the extension cord foot switch, the vinyl vac is easy to use. Thanks for the opportunity and I am thrilled to finally have a great vinyl cleaning system. Best wishes!
I was thinking about how to wire a thumb switch in place to control the vacuum...didn’t even know they made extension cords with a foot switch. Eliminates the need for a 3rd hand.
@@angusmullins511 Yes, the foot switch is very handy and speeds up the overall process. Happy Cleaning!
@@MelindaMurphy Thanks again for your thorough review and kind words about our products.
Thanks for sharing this with us my friend. Will it hook up to a vacuum cleaner or just a shop vac.?? Peace.
You don’t want suck anything wet into a typical house vacuum. If you do, you’ll get mildew growing inside your vacuum and it basically ruin it. Wet/dry vacs are designed to suck up wet stuff.
You will definitely want to use a shop vac. Rod. Thanks for watching and take care.
@@angusmullins511 thanks my wife would kill if i missed it up...lol
The paint trimmer is smart! Ty
Thank you! 😀
Something worth mentioning, always clean your new records before playing them! A lot of them have residue in the groves from the pressing process. A lot of people get a new record and throw it on before cleaning.
I know they can have alot of paper residue and dirt from the plant. I do clean mine most of the time.
@@MelindaMurphy
To your point,if they are not cleaned
prior to playing them
the stylus itself can push the
foreign material into the walls of
the grooves and embedding said
substance,making the removal
of them extremely difficult.
Without ever cleaning and repeated
playing of any record,the needle
will have made that substance
part of the vinyl by repetitive
pressure.
If people don't want to go through
the whole thorough process
that you have engaged in here,
they should have at least have a
good cloth that can be applied
or held to the record when the
turntable has been turned on.
Probably never should an album
be placed on the mat and the
needle dropped without anything
done beforehand.
The turntable dust cover should
always be placed in the
down position as well.
For 40 bucks....I may give that a try. I usually use a label protector...Then lukewarm soft, filtered water, mixed with a few drops of Dawn soap and a very soft horsehair brush. It works great.
I like using the vinyl vac to vacuum all the lint off the records. I have noticed a difference in the sound after cleaning with this method. If you are happy with your way of cleaning though that's cool. We all have our own methods. 😃
Hello Melinda,
I like your emphasis on immersion for the dirtiest records, at least to start. Water does its own scrubbing to a degree, given that at room temperature the molecules average about over 1300mph average speed. But since they each carry so little momentum, they clean slowly: like with presoaked laundry, patience rewards you.
But I haven't heard you mention ultrasonic cleaners. Why? Except for the super-fancy units they cost under $200, typically $170 for the ideal 6-liter size.
By all accounts these clean much better than vacuum devices (which I used for years). Now, the cost situation _is_ crazy because right now, record-cleaning adapters for these units start at a ridiculous $199, more than the cleaner itself!!
But you can build your own pretty easily for under $30: just make a wooden or plastic mounting jig, get a 1/4" rod for the axle, a shaft coupler, and a small, slow (1/4-1/2rpm) dc motor. There are good videos for making them right on TH-cam.
Seriously, why compare only the less-effective methods? And finally, are you cleaning your new records? That's important, no factory currently does it for you. Thanks for listening, and best of luck!
Hi Samuel. I do clean new records most of the time. They usually have dust on them. The people at Vinyl Vac asked me to review their product which I did. Currently, this is the best option I have. I get great results. If the owners of the utrasonic cleaners want me to review one, I would be more than happy to do it. Lol. 😊
Great review 🤘 I do a self clean with water and soft cloths but if I get really dirty used records I use a local guy who cleans vinyl with a vac for $2 per album. Cheap enough so I don’t have to buy my own.
If you can get them professionally clean than good for you. Sounds great!
Melinda, I'm looking for a link to your website for the directions to make a cleaning table like yours. I can't find it anywhere???? Can you point me in the right direction, please? Thanks!
The Vinyl Vac website should have all the information you would need. Best wishes!
@@MelindaMurphy Got'cha!! My bad. I thought you were referring to your own website. I found everything on the vinyl vac site. By the way, I already had my vinyl vac and just waiting for my portable shop vac to be delivered. Thanks for the prompt reply. Love your content!!
You're welcome. I am very pleased with my cleaning set up now with the vinyl vac. I hope you will be too. Have a great weekend.
I use a Pro-ject VC-S vinyl vac myself with excellent results. 👍🏻
That's great!
Melinda Murphy Yes!! 😊
Hey I used one of those revolving cake platters too. They work great but I wish it was a little heavier so it would stay in place. Good idea about using the bolt for a spindle. What do you use for the label protector? Those paint spreaders work great. I'm presently using a Spin Clean, which seems to work really well.
FitToBe TieDyed I have a Spin Clean AND a Vinyl Vac and use them both in my cleaning process. The one negative about a Spin Clean is leaving some solution and dirt behind in the grooves that can be heard. The Vinyl Vac addresses that as after the Spin Clean I can clean/rinse off the record some on the platter and vacuum it completely dry pulling any remaining dirt/solution up with the vacuum suction.
I’ve found that using microfiber or air to dry records after Spin Clean tends to still leave a lot of dust particles and old cleaning solution in the grooves. I find the vinyl vac gives a record a lot quieter sound and keeps the stylus cleaner like Melinda mentioned.
For very dirty records I will clean them first using the paint pad scrubber and rinse them on the VV turntable I made. Even vacuum off the dirt with VV sometimes then run them through the Spin Cleaner then back on the turntable for a rinse and the vinyl vacuum final dry! You can repeat more times if needed.
For new or just dusty or lightly soiled records I do all those in a batch on the Spin Clean (maybe 20-30 before I change water vs changing water/solution every 10-12 or less on the really dirty records). Also - If you use turntable to pre-wash the really dirty ones the Spin Clean doesn’t need to be emptied as often!
I love the Vinyl Vac to final dry all my records!! I then place them in a clean MoFi inner which keeps the dust and static to a minimum!
I will say I think it’s very important to use DIstilled Water - not just filtered drinking water. The cleaner the water the cleaner the grooves! I haven’t gone to the extent of using lab grade water but would if I had access to it at a reasonable cost.
I never would use any alcohol on my records as it can definitely dry out the plastics used in vinyl over time. I like the Spin Clean solution ok for that but use Mobile Fidelity cleaning solutions otherwise and on the turntable wIth VV. Whatever you use rinse and vacuum it dry.
@@jdthompson5778 I do the same. What cleaning solution do you use?
Scott Mackenzie I mostly use MoFi Super Record Wash and the Spin Clean solution (in the Spin Clean For albums and 45s) for normal cleaning. For some really deeply soiled records I use the MoFi Super Deep or Plus Enzyme Cleaner. One day I may invest in a vacuum record cleaning machine in the under $1000 range.
Hi Paul. My label protector is called a flush plug and it has a foam gasket. I bought it at a hardware store and I think it was in the plumbing department. All the info of how I built my platform including a video is on the vinyl vac website. I just copied what they did. I agree about the cake platter. I am happy with it but I would probably go with a heavier wooden lazy susan if I made another one. Thanks for watching and take care.
@@MelindaMurphy Thanks M. I'll check out the video at their website. Record tip; Don't know if you are into the James Gang but the 180g MoFi edition of Rides Again from 2017 sounds incredible. I may do a video on it. Yoda out!
Hi. What about detergent diluted in water and cotton to clean records?
I would probably use a very mild form of cleaner and a microfiber cloth over cotton. The method I use in this video is what works best for me. Thank you.
Awesome!