Minor dustiness

[Brynjolfr]

Some say that the friction from the needle can burn dust-particles into the grooves, while others say that the needle cleans the grooves from dust and that the record doesn't take any damage from it. Who should I believe? Can I play a slightly dust-covered record without any risk of damaging it?

[kelvinMunson]

I wouldn't recommend using your prescious stylus to clean your records

And besides, playing them covered in dust they will sound cr*p

I use an Okki Nokki RCM and have cleaned many LPs purchased used and covered in dust,which had obviously been played dust-covered. After cleaning they are as new, no apparent damage,no clicks,no pops.

But,as you say,who should you believe ?

[pivot]

Wet clean your LPs before frist play. You don't need to have a vacuum based RCM but sure it speeds the process.

Once the records are clean, dust them before each play with a carbon fiber brush.

Playing dirty records does not do your stylus or LPs any favors. Clean records sound better and last longer. No, the stylus is not a cleaning tool.

[Brynjolfr]

I've never wet-cleaned a record before so I really don't think it'd be a good idea. The only means of cleaning I've got is a velvet brush from the 70's called "Metrostatic" that turns records into dust-magnets. I'm thinking about buying a "double brush" (carbon fiber and velvet in one) but I don't know which one to buy; there are so many to choose between and I don't want to buy a low-quality one.

[megatrends]

Wet clean your LPs before frist play. You don't need to have a vacuum based RCM but sure it speeds the process.

Once the records are clean, dust them before each play with a carbon fiber brush.

Playing dirty records does not do your stylus or LPs any favors. Clean records sound better and last longer. No, the stylus is not a cleaning tool.

I wet clean mine with a 50 / 50 mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol using a spray on method and rubbing it into the grooves with my bare fingers which I have just cleaned with alcohol. Then I use a soft cotton cloth and wipe up the excess. I do this twice. Then I place it on the turntable and wet it again by using a Discwasher wet with the same spray enough to get the record wet again pretty good.

Then I wipe it down again with a very soft dry cotton cloth until dry and then play the dried record. It takes a minute or two per record but the results are worth it as they are clean clean and newer records make virtually no noise at all even on the outer bit where the stylus first lands on the record.

The best method more than likely is hand cleaning in the sink using dish liquid and distilled clean mineral free water but it takes so long.

I am very extremely happy with my results although i do have to be careful not to get the record label wet as the alcohol can be harsh on the paper label. I have a technique I am used to that does not make contact with the label.

These cleaning rituals are sort of like an art form within themselves no?

In any case after the first deep heavy cleaning I am lucky if I have to clean it ever again that much as a regular light damp wipe with a Discwasher keeps it clean from regular use.

I use this method here I mentioned after buying new used records. You know those mint records that may have basement mold spots or just dirt.

[crofk]

I've never wet-cleaned a record before so I really don't think it'd be a good idea. The only means of cleaning I've got is a velvet brush from the 70's called "Metrostatic" that turns records into dust-magnets. I'm thinking about buying a "double brush" (carbon fiber and velvet in one) but I don't know which one to buy; there are so many to choose between and I don't want to buy a low-quality one.

You really should learn to, it is well worth it and not hard to do nor very expensive. With some very inexpensibe things (distilled water, alcohol, and micro fiber cloths) you will do wonders in a short time. And if you are worried about learning, use and old record first, just keep the label dry.

kc

[Alec124c41]

For minor dust, get a carbon fiber brush, 2 rows, no velvet. The Audioquest is a bit better than the others that all look the same, being stiffer.
On a turning record, lay the brush across the grooves, touching one end to the spindle, and slowly pull the brush off the side of the record.

Cheers,
Alec