Problem in need of a Solution

[Cabbage Patch Elvis]

Hey, I know this is probably a tired subject, but I've been searching around for the best homemade cleaning solution, and am just getting confused. What do you like? I am especially interested in a solution to use in my record bath setup. It takes a 3-cup batch of solution. Any ideas would be most appreciated.

[Alec124c41]

1 cup isopropyl alcohol
4 cups distilled water
8 drops dishwashing detergent

Rinse with distilled water.

Cheers,
Alec

[crofk]

1 cup isopropyl alcohol
4 cups distilled water
8 drops dishwashing detergent

Rinse with distilled water.

Cheers,
Alec

I would concur with Alec. Keep it simple, cheap, and easy. Plus it works!!!

kc

[Cabbage Patch Elvis]

Thanks for the recipe, Alec! As for the isopropyl alcohol, what percentage should I use? My local store has 70% and 91% available.

[kelvinMunson]

You should use 99% isopropyl alcohol.

From the percentages you mention it sounds as if you've been offered isopropyl rubbing alcohol which is sold for medical purposes and is far from ideal for cleaning purposes.........

Isopropyl rubbing alcohol(ethanol)l USP/B.P. contains 68–99% of isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) by volume, the remainder consisting of water, with or without color additives, acetone, methyl isobutyl ketone, suitable stabilizers, and perfume oils.


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[Alec124c41]

I don't think the percentage matters a lot, as long as there is nothing but isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Rubbing alcohol compounds are definitely out. I use 91 percent, because that is usually what is on the shelf.

Cheers,
Alec

[Cabbage Patch Elvis]

Thanks again for the useful info. A couple other questions...
One of the things that I've liked about how the manual spin trough since I've started using it is the simplicity: dunk your disc, spin it around, give it a wipe and allow it to dry in a drying rack. It's allowed me to clean a bunch of discs in a relatively short amount of time, and so far I've been pretty happy with the results. Do you think either:
A. there is a concoction that would allow me to forgo the final rinse process?
-or-
B. If after washing in the alcohol/water/soap solution, could the vinyl "sit" while I wash a couple dozen records, then replace the solution in the machine with distilled water, then do the rinse in that fashion?

Also, I've read about people adding a couple drops of Jetdry liquid to the mix? Is that a good idea or not? I happen to have a glut of the stuff from a trip to the big-box store...

[crofk]

Jetdry works as a surfactant, breaking the surface tension of the water solution. I use it instead of dish soap, which does about the same thing. Use it sparingly though, one or two drops is plenty.

I suppose that you could replace the solution in the tank with distilled water but the problem is that the more you rinse the more contaminated it gets, defeating the purpose.

kc

[Cabbage Patch Elvis]

Better to put the distilled water in a spritzer bottle for rinsing, perhaps?

[bauzace50]

Alec,

hey, I mixed a batch of your recipe today! Great! Due to availability of containers, I mixed only a total of 16 ounces (with the appropriate ratios) whereas your recipe gives 40 ounces.

Tried it on one LP so far, and results were equal to a commercial mix I have. The distilled water rinse helps, since your recipe shows a slight bit of bubbling on the LP during the washing step.

Only problem: my diamond tip was pulled from the cantilever, and is now stuck on the LP like glued. Any other problem with your formula?

Ahemmmm, just kidding, of course

Great formula, THANKS,
bauzace50

PS- my detegent is Palmolive original dishwashing green formula, which is my favorite for years. Does not five me dry pinkies .

[Alec124c41]

I mix in odd quantities, too. I eyeball the water and alcohol. 16 oz should only need a drop of detergent.

Recipe learned from others on this site.

Cheers,
Alec