Cleaning Records

Posted by: What's My Name on 15 May 2012

Recently cleaned some records, new ones. Noticed after that they are very crackly after. I used the SpinClean and only part of the instructions I didn't follow was I used tap water instead of distilled water. The brushes were new so I don't think there is a problem there.

 

Having trouble finding distilled water in Singapore though. I saw some battery water in the hardware store but didn't say it was distilled. My understanding is battery water needs to be very pure so anyone think this might be a problem if I use it ? Guys in the shop don't have a clue.....

Posted on: 15 May 2012 by mutterback

The crackly sound is almost certainly static which builds up as you brush the record.

 

I use a VPI record cleaning machine, and it always causes static. (was a recent thread about record cleaning as well) Before I remove the LP from the cleaner, I use a Milty ZeroStat on it, which removes the static. Not sure about Singapore, but they are widely available online.

 

Tap water vs. distilled water *may* make a difference, though I doubt with static. I've never heard of battery water - ask if its been boiled. Depends what's in your tap water; any minerals are probably drying on your records. Distilled water is available in every pharmacy in the US, but I'd think that you could get it at a home medical supply store or a lab supply distributor.  ZeroStats are also used in labs - so maybe you could do a one stop shop.

Posted on: 15 May 2012 by Steve J

The other and most probable cause for the noise is concretions of dirt left behind when the LP has dried out. In my experience this can only be avoided by using a vacuum type cleaner. I had the same experience as you and it was for this reason that I bought a KMRCM. If you have a decent sized record collection it is a worthy investment and there are a number of products out there to suit most budgets e.g. Moth, Nitty Gritty up to premium cleaners like Loricraft or Keith Monks. Or, find a dealer or record shop that have a machine  to clean the records for you.

 

You should use the best quality distilled or de ionised water whatever way you clean your records as tap water is likely to leave residues especially if you live in a hard water area.

 

ATB

 

Steve

Posted on: 15 May 2012 by Gale 401
Originally Posted by mutterback:

The crackly sound is almost certainly static which builds up as you brush the record.

 

I use a VPI record cleaning machine, and it always causes static. (was a recent thread about record cleaning as well) Before I remove the LP from the cleaner, I use a Milty ZeroStat on it, which removes the static. Not sure about Singapore, but they are widely available online.

 

Tap water vs. distilled water *may* make a difference, though I doubt with static. I've never heard of battery water - ask if its been boiled. Depends what's in your tap water; any minerals are probably drying on your records. Distilled water is available in every pharmacy in the US, but I'd think that you could get it at a home medical supply store or a lab supply distributor.  ZeroStats are also used in labs - so maybe you could do a one stop shop.

mutterback,

You must be doing something well wrong?

If you are ending up with static charged records after cleaning them with a VPI RCM??

Stu.