I've read that the best way to cheaply clean records is to use a 1:3 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. For some reason, I feel like this would damage your records. Have you or would you ever use rubbing alcohol for this purpose?
gofar99 Messages: 1951 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, There are several formulas that use alcohol. I use 1 part alcohol to 10 parts water (distilled). I add a few drops of unscented dish washing soap and a few drops of wetting agent for dish washers. This mix goes into my ultra sonic cleaner. They need to be rinsed after the time in the cleaner (it rotates them for 5 minutes). The mix is not harmful to LPs. Vinyl is rather immune to most common chemicals. It can be harmed by many solvents though. Stuff like acetone, strong acids etc. There is a lengthy thread on the vinylengine.com forums on this subject. It is under the section for records and care at the top of the opening page. To view any photos though you will have to register...it is free and it is a friendly and helpful forum. A must IMO for anyone into records.
1 part alcohol to 10 parts water makes a lot more sense to me than 1 to 3. Even though I know that vinyl can handle a lot, I always seem to underestimate it. What kind of ultrasonic cleaner do you have? Thank you very much for all of the information. That forum looks great too.
gofar99 Messages: 1951 Registered: May 2010 Location: Southern Arizona
Illuminati (5th Degree)
Hi, Mine was a diy one. Pretty simple....a commercial tank that is heated. I got my off the web for just over $100. That and a BBQ battery operated motor and a little work making a few brackets for the motor and zoom. I am traveling right now and don't have access to the photos of it. There are similar builds on the vinylengine.com site though. You will need to register to see the photos. It is a friendly site.