Most attempts to clean styli are either ineffective or potentially damaging to the cartridge. Blowing will likely force dust and dirt into the cartridge motor assembly, most fluids sold as stylus cleaner are potentially harmful to the delicate cartridge suspension, a soft brush will remove fluff but not effectively clean the burnt on gunk on the stylus tip, which is mold release agent a lubricant used during the manufacture of vinyl records. The pressure at the stylus tip as it traces a record grove is immense, literally tons per square inch, the resultant friction is enough to heat the mold release agent and cause it to adhere to the stylus tip. Ultra sonic stylus cleaning pads such as the Audio Technica AT673 ( long discontinued) are effective and safe for all cartridges. Another very effective and simple method is using 3M light green 1 micron 14,000 grit lapping paper, its a very fine abrasive used by jewelers. Used carefully and correctly it will safely keep the stylus tip clean, improving sound quality and prolonging record and stylus life.
Been using Mr Clean pads for years, works great, as long as done very gently using only the tone arm lever. I've heard that any liquid is a big mistake as it just transfers right to the record.
I swear by Magic Eraser. I've been religiously using for around three years now. Never had a negative outcome. I lower the stylus onto the dry sponge and very slightly twist the sponge a quarter turn left and right to create more traction. I used to do straight down and then back up , but found that was pushing debris that was on the tip further up. Twisting slightly completely solved that. Then , every other day I use a q- tip dampened with diluted alcohol ( distilled water) and dab the stylus. Also, forgot to mention I use the Magic Eraser before playing EACH side and afterwards I use a soft brush to get off any residue that the eraser might be potentially leaving on my stylus. It's a labor of love , but this methodology keeps my stylus in fantastic shape.... but even still , I replace it every 5 to 7 months.
Use some isopropyl alcohol with a very fine glass-fiber brush (or the carbon fiber brush you have to clean your records) and you are good to get-rid of all the gum (you have to support the cantilever putting a thin sheet of that "magic eraser" to the opposite side of the stylus) ,
Great video and tips! Never thought about Mr. Clean.... Stylus care must start with good record cleaning. Then, I don't have to be "aggressive" with the stylus.
Good tip about using a piece of paper; I’ve used the dental floss picks floss side and those little dental brushes that look like pipe cleaners. I don’t suggest ANYONE use what I use, because you have to be reaaaly careful with pressure you use with any of these things (like, no pressure at all) and should only be used in extreme conditions.
A combination of a magic eraser and a little blob of blue tack is all you really need, or at least what works for me. If the stylus is especially dirty, I’ll add a bit of distilled water to the brush. Be careful when using a liquid you’re not sure of what’s in it, as it can eat away at the glue holding your stylus to the cantilever. I’ve unfortunately had 2 styli just fall out and damage the record from liquids that can eat away at the glue.
Very good video and informative. The ultrasonic cleaner is so good. You wouldn't need to do it often if your records are clean. But it does the best job. The other two methods I think are a bit iffy to be honest now that you showed the ultrasonic cleaning. Those ultrasonic cleaners are maybe $20.
I've heard lately that the jell type cleaners leave a residue behind...? The videos make a pretty good case for it. What would you do If you have a non-removable stylus?? I'm going to try the "Last" products, they make a cleaner
I have an old Stanton 500 al stylus I thought was worn out so I tried the Eraser method with nothing to lose, it left a fat black dot behind when I cleaned it an now it works perfectly. I've noticed with some styli need to clean way more often (Shure 447 I'm looking at you) so I use the eraser for those, the rest I have been using the simple brush unless they look really cruddy.
It is important to keep the stylus cleaned. If it's dirty while playing a record it will wear out faster. The Last Stylus cleanner combined with the StyLast will prolonged the life of it 10 times.
Any update on using Zerodust since the revelations around residue left on stylus over extended use of the product? I would never use it after everything I have read and seen. Thanks for the video
Great video - I am a new subscriber. I have a nice Clearaudio MC cartridge and I have been using the Onzow but chatter from Fremer/Analog Planet and others are concerning me that it is building up residue. Now I want a digital magnifier/microscope to check my stylus - what make and model are you using? The image and magnification look great on my big screen!
Yep, I've gone back to using stylus brush. I have a four-year-old stylus with thousands of hours of use and The stylus was cleaned with onzow zero dust every time it was about to be placed onto vinyl. I am going to get a microscopic close inspection of it and see for myself. And if I do not see any buildup I am still concerned that there could be buildup in the future, does onzow zerodust breakdown over time and need replaced? I think I will just continue using the two different stylus brushes I have and eliminate all worries about residue buildup from tacky product. One stylus brush looks like a miniature hair brush with long soft bristles. The other one by ortofon looks like a round felt pad but it is very short bristles. I find the one with long bristles is useful for cleaning the cantilever and the tip end of the cantilever. I try to avoid cleaning fluids of any type because I do not want any fluid getting on the stylus suspension and compromising it.
It’s a generic model from Amazon. Most of them have the same magnifying power. Just pick whatever fits in your budget. I personally prefer one with screen. In order to see the residue (if any) mentioned in that article, you might need even higher magnifying capabilities then what I have. Good luck with the cleaning, and be careful around your MC cartridge if the stylus can not be replaced.
Buy a ultrasonic cleaner that is made for cartridges. You never know what happens if the suspension get wet when you use a big ultrasonic cleaner. I use a Audio Technica from the 90ts that works excellent. Moves away everything that has sticked to the stylus. I think the Dynavox HFC-50 works in the same way. You just need normal water on it. It is the implosion of the water bubbles that clean the stylus. Always a risk that the glue that is used for the stylus will get damaged so don't use it more than when it is needed. Never had any problem with that during 30 years use of it.
if ZeroDust left behind a non-negligible amount of residue you should be able to see it under 40x-100x (especially if it’s some kind of residue that interferes with record-needle interface). I’ve never encountered it but it’s likely happened or it wouldn’t have been mentioned by a leading expert. Magnification is your friend so after any odd acoustic instance just take a closer look and/or buy a new batch of ZeroDust. I’d be willing to bet the gunk these needles pick up after playing a single record is far more concerning! Thank you for the research… now I’m incorporating magnification before every listening session but I’ll at least listen easy 😅
Don't, the needle is attached with glue and you don't want too much chemical to touch it. The dirty stuff stuck on our needle mostly are dust and dry gunk, apply common sense on how to remove those and you should be fine. Don't over think it, cheers.
Excellent video. Still scares the shit out of me to use the magic eraser with a $2K MC cartridge. It works very well but there is an assumed risk involved. MM cartridges don't bother so much as the stylus is replaceable.
@@vinylanatomy7888 Ultrasonic for me. I know the potential for damage to a sensitive component like a MC cartridge. The vibrations will eventually have an adverse effect on the cartridge internals. If you can remove the stylus from a MM cartridge the ultrasonic would be perfect.
nice honest and nice to see someone else trembling in fear to do this ,im holding in my spinal chord thinking about cleaning mine,ill try magic erasure first lol,
Why don't you try CO contact cleaner spray for electrical contacts. It should wash away the rubbish and evaporate dry without residue. No force on the cartridge and won't effect the connections.
@@vinylanatomy7888electronic contact cleaner is a "street"-term for a wide range of fluids, i use isopropyl alcohol, just a drop on the cleaning brush, works perfectly. Technically, WD-40 is a contact cleaner too, while it cleans perfectly it leaves a thin film of the lubricant which can attract dust more easily, so i would stay away from that...having said that, only apply all of these on the stylus tip only since it will be aggressive towards plastic or rubber parts
Hi, a better option to ultrasonic results ids using an ultrasonic brush like the German Flux unit or the AT-637 brush. I have used both and found them to work well. I would never consider putting stylus into water. The brush ultrasonics work well.
I recently began using Silly Putty due to his recommendation, and I am really impressed with the results. Forgive the cliche term, but it was like cleaning a window, lifting a veil, etc, in a way I was not expecting, including how well echo/reverb/etc is reproduced. I will probably use Silly Putty for stylus cleaning forever, unless a problem comes up.
Some people use denture tablets in water to clean their Jewelry. Idk of any interference with the metals. Seems like it could clean a record needle. Also an extra soft tooth brush. Try it on and old dirty needle and let us know if it works.
Good video. What is the make and model of the ultrasonic that you used? And, what is the make and model of digital microscope you used in your videos? I have a old stylus that I would like to test your cleaning method on. Thanks.
It’s a generic one from Amazon. Most of them have the same magnifying power. Just pick whatever fit in your budget. I personally preferred ones that has screen.
I don't see the residue on my microscope. If there are residue, you might need even higher magnifying power equipment to catch that. If you ask me, I would say don't overthink it. Pick the cleaning method that makes sense and works for you. Afterall, enjoying the music is the goal.
Me personally I use a liquid stylus on a brush 3 wipes back to front an a clean stylus with no problems, I agree with a few people on here an dont use a gel cleaner they are useless
Most attempts to clean styli are either ineffective or potentially damaging to the cartridge. Blowing will likely force dust and dirt into the cartridge motor assembly, most fluids sold as stylus cleaner are potentially harmful to the delicate cartridge suspension, a soft brush will remove fluff but not effectively clean the burnt on gunk on the stylus tip, which is mold release agent a lubricant used during the manufacture of vinyl records. The pressure at the stylus tip as it traces a record grove is immense, literally tons per square inch, the resultant friction is enough to heat the mold release agent and cause it to adhere to the stylus tip.
Ultra sonic stylus cleaning pads such as the Audio Technica AT673 ( long discontinued) are effective and safe for all cartridges. Another very effective and simple method is using 3M light green 1 micron 14,000 grit lapping paper, its a very fine abrasive used by jewelers. Used carefully and correctly it will safely keep the stylus tip clean, improving sound quality and prolonging record and stylus life.
Truly appreciate the detailed tips and experience!
That's why I make videos and share thoughts :)
I use both the Audio Technica AT673 and the 3M green paper. Both works great but I prefer my AT673.
awesome demonstration..my philosophy is not to clean your stylus, but keep it clean. Thank you. f32vinylguy
Isopropyl and stylus brush work fine, and will do no harm.
My preferred method too ...results in a shiny stylus
Been using Mr Clean pads for years, works great, as long as done very gently using only the tone arm lever. I've heard that any liquid is a big mistake as it just transfers right to the record.
Great video. You explained your procedure very well. Thanks.
I swear by Magic Eraser. I've been religiously using for around three years now. Never had a negative outcome. I lower the stylus onto the dry sponge and very slightly twist the sponge a quarter turn left and right to create more traction. I used to do straight down and then back up , but found that was pushing debris that was on the tip further up. Twisting slightly completely solved that. Then , every other day I use a q- tip dampened with diluted alcohol ( distilled water) and dab the stylus. Also, forgot to mention I use the Magic Eraser before playing EACH side and afterwards I use a soft brush to get off any residue that the eraser might be potentially leaving on my stylus. It's a labor of love , but this methodology keeps my stylus in fantastic shape.... but even still , I replace it every 5 to 7 months.
Thank you for sharing!
Use some isopropyl alcohol with a very fine glass-fiber brush (or the carbon fiber brush you have to clean your records) and you are good to get-rid of all the gum (you have to support the cantilever putting a thin sheet of that "magic eraser" to the opposite side of the stylus) ,
Great video and tips! Never thought about Mr. Clean.... Stylus care must start with good record cleaning. Then, I don't have to be "aggressive" with the stylus.
Thank you frank!
I spy some Bill Evans!
Good tip about using a piece of paper; I’ve used the dental floss picks floss side and those little dental brushes that look like pipe cleaners. I don’t suggest ANYONE use what I use, because you have to be reaaaly careful with pressure you use with any of these things (like, no pressure at all) and should only be used in extreme conditions.
A combination of a magic eraser and a little blob of blue tack is all you really need, or at least what works for me. If the stylus is especially dirty, I’ll add a bit of distilled water to the brush. Be careful when using a liquid you’re not sure of what’s in it, as it can eat away at the glue holding your stylus to the cantilever. I’ve unfortunately had 2 styli just fall out and damage the record from liquids that can eat away at the glue.
Thanks for the input!
Very good video and informative. The ultrasonic cleaner is so good. You wouldn't need to do it often if your records are clean. But it does the best job. The other two methods I think are a bit iffy to be honest now that you showed the ultrasonic cleaning. Those ultrasonic cleaners are maybe $20.
I find that periodic wet cleaning with a non-alcohol stylus cleaner seems to prevent buildup. Also, I use a Degritter on every record I buy.
Good to know!
I've heard lately that the jell type cleaners leave a residue behind...? The videos make a pretty good case for it. What would you do If you have a non-removable stylus?? I'm going to try the "Last" products, they make a cleaner
I have an old Stanton 500 al stylus I thought was worn out so I tried the Eraser method with nothing to lose, it left a fat black dot behind when I cleaned it an now it works perfectly. I've noticed with some styli need to clean way more often (Shure 447 I'm looking at you) so I use the eraser for those, the rest I have been using the simple brush unless they look really cruddy.
It is important to keep the stylus cleaned. If it's dirty while playing a record it will wear out faster. The Last Stylus cleanner combined with the StyLast will prolonged the life of it 10 times.
Great video, I really enjoyed watching your experiment. Lol
Any update on using Zerodust since the revelations around residue left on stylus over extended use of the product? I would never use it after everything I have read and seen. Thanks for the video
Listen to stylus brands: Do NOT use gel type (or similar) cleaning solutions, period. Just carefully use a stylus brush.
Any horror story you want to share regarding those cleaning solutions?
Great video - I am a new subscriber. I have a nice Clearaudio MC cartridge and I have been using the Onzow but chatter from Fremer/Analog Planet and others are concerning me that it is building up residue. Now I want a digital magnifier/microscope to check my stylus - what make and model are you using? The image and magnification look great on my big screen!
Yep, I've gone back to using stylus brush. I have a four-year-old stylus with thousands of hours of use and The stylus was cleaned with onzow zero dust every time it was about to be placed onto vinyl. I am going to get a microscopic close inspection of it and see for myself. And if I do not see any buildup I am still concerned that there could be buildup in the future, does onzow zerodust breakdown over time and need replaced? I think I will just continue using the two different stylus brushes I have and eliminate all worries about residue buildup from tacky product. One stylus brush looks like a miniature hair brush with long soft bristles. The other one by ortofon looks like a round felt pad but it is very short bristles. I find the one with long bristles is useful for cleaning the cantilever and the tip end of the cantilever. I try to avoid cleaning fluids of any type because I do not want any fluid getting on the stylus suspension and compromising it.
It’s a generic model from Amazon. Most of them have the same magnifying power. Just pick whatever fits in your budget. I personally prefer one with screen.
In order to see the residue (if any) mentioned in that article, you might need even higher magnifying capabilities then what I have.
Good luck with the cleaning, and be careful around your MC cartridge if the stylus can not be replaced.
Buy a ultrasonic cleaner that is made for cartridges. You never know what happens if the suspension get wet when you use a big ultrasonic cleaner. I use a Audio Technica from the 90ts that works excellent. Moves away everything that has sticked to the stylus. I think the Dynavox HFC-50 works in the same way. You just need normal water on it. It is the implosion of the water bubbles that clean the stylus. Always a risk that the glue that is used for the stylus will get damaged so don't use it more than when it is needed. Never had any problem with that during 30 years use of it.
Great advice!
Who said short hair dogs don't shed! Thing is mine likes music, and she hogs the seat in my listening room.
if ZeroDust left behind a non-negligible amount of residue you should be able to see it under 40x-100x (especially if it’s some kind of residue that interferes with record-needle interface). I’ve never encountered it but it’s likely happened or it wouldn’t have been mentioned by a leading expert. Magnification is your friend so after any odd acoustic instance just take a closer look and/or buy a new batch of ZeroDust. I’d be willing to bet the gunk these needles pick up after playing a single record is far more concerning! Thank you for the research… now I’m incorporating magnification before every listening session but I’ll at least listen easy 😅
What if you use some isopropyl alcohol on the magic eraser? is it safe? would that work well?
Don't, the needle is attached with glue and you don't want too much chemical to touch it.
The dirty stuff stuck on our needle mostly are dust and dry gunk, apply common sense on how to remove those and you should be fine.
Don't over think it, cheers.
Excellent video. Still scares the shit out of me to use the magic eraser with a $2K MC cartridge. It works very well but there is an assumed risk involved. MM cartridges don't bother so much as the stylus is replaceable.
Me too. Still don’t know which is scarier, the magic eraser or ultrasonic lol.
@@vinylanatomy7888 Ultrasonic for me. I know the potential for damage to a sensitive component like a MC cartridge. The vibrations will eventually have an adverse effect on the cartridge internals. If you can remove the stylus from a MM cartridge the ultrasonic would be perfect.
it works.just dont move the magic eraser.and i dab it with a bit of stylus fluid
@@sudhirsingh-sx8lo Yes, I have been using it for the last few months. I will get some stylus fluid as you suggest.
nice honest and nice to see someone else trembling in fear to do this ,im holding in my spinal chord thinking about cleaning mine,ill try magic erasure first lol,
All methods have there pros and cons i use a combination of gel and liquid
Why don't you try CO contact cleaner spray for electrical contacts. It should wash away the rubbish and evaporate dry without residue. No force on the cartridge and won't effect the connections.
electric contact cleaner isn't made for this. It's a bit risky to me, will try on my spare at some point... Thanks for the suggestion!
@@vinylanatomy7888electronic contact cleaner is a "street"-term for a wide range of fluids, i use isopropyl alcohol, just a drop on the cleaning brush, works perfectly. Technically, WD-40 is a contact cleaner too, while it cleans perfectly it leaves a thin film of the lubricant which can attract dust more easily, so i would stay away from that...having said that, only apply all of these on the stylus tip only since it will be aggressive towards plastic or rubber parts
Hi, a better option to ultrasonic results ids using an ultrasonic brush like the German Flux unit or the AT-637 brush. I have used both and found them to work well. I would never consider putting stylus into water. The brush ultrasonics work well.
Thanks for sharing!
"Blue Tack" is recommended by Soundsmith.
I wouldn't since btac leaves residue. Probably the stuff this guy uses leaves residue as well.
I haven’t try blue tac for the exact reason. But I will try it at some point just for science.
I recently began using Silly Putty due to his recommendation, and I am really impressed with the results. Forgive the cliche term, but it was like cleaning a window, lifting a veil, etc, in a way I was not expecting, including how well echo/reverb/etc is reproduced. I will probably use Silly Putty for stylus cleaning forever, unless a problem comes up.
Some people use denture tablets in water to clean their Jewelry.
Idk of any interference with the metals.
Seems like it could clean a record needle.
Also an extra soft tooth brush.
Try it on and old dirty needle and let us know if it works.
I personally would not use the denture tablet. It's for different kind of nasty...
If I do try it at some point, I will let you guys know.
@@vinylanatomy7888 Try it in an old needle and see. Be bold, experiment. You may just be surprised.
Good video. What is the make and model of the ultrasonic that you used? And, what is the make and model of digital microscope you used in your videos? I have a old stylus that I would like to test your cleaning method on. Thanks.
It’s a generic one from Amazon. Most of them have the same magnifying power. Just pick whatever fit in your budget. I personally preferred ones that has screen.
Hi, how you compare te at95 vs the lpgear stylus in sound?
ooo, yes, it was a very "secret" one !!!!
I have recently heard the zero dust may leave behind a residue that is difficult to remove. and damages records idk?
I don't see the residue on my microscope. If there are residue, you might need even higher magnifying power equipment to catch that.
If you ask me, I would say don't overthink it. Pick the cleaning method that makes sense and works for you.
Afterall, enjoying the music is the goal.
@@vinylanatomy7888 Michael Freemer had mentioned it
@@MrPompanoman Yes, I am aware of the article. And I would still say don't overthink it as I said earlier. Just enjoy your music.
@@vinylanatomy7888 I would say pay attention to the experts
I do pay attention to experts. And I tend to over research on everything lol
What scope are you using?
Me personally I use a liquid stylus on a brush 3 wipes back to front an a clean stylus with no problems, I agree with a few people on here an dont use a gel cleaner they are useless
use magic eraser sponge people. no need to move around.just up n down
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at its finest.
and you want your stylus to remain clean, clean before and after play.this guy does not do that
I intentionally make the stylus dirty like that to test.
The magic eraser is literally and abrasive pad. Do use it.
Ill informed