To Clean or Not to Clean (New Vinyl)

I have been told to clean all vinyl, including new. In fact, I have heard that cleaning new vinyl is in many ways more important than cleaning used, because of the factory gunk in the grooves.

But with the new Bowie box I cannot go through the time, trouble, and expensive fluid to clean every LP before listening. I want to be sure I don't have any bad pressings before cleaning, so I'm listening to them. And guess what? They sound amazing! So, why have I been cleaning my new records? These look and sound perfect, and there's nothing left behind on my needle.

What gives?

 

I only clean vinyl if it's dirty.

I own a RCM, but I resist the urge to get all OCD and overclean everything. Relax and enjoy the Bowie set.

 

Clean it, there is mold release compound on those discs.

 

Which is bad for ... ?

 

That sounds scary. Any links about this phenomenon you could hip us to?

 

I find a dry brushing is usually all that's needed. If I'm getting excessive dust or something looks lodged in the grooves, then I'd probably opt to vacuum.

 

It's not the kind of "mold" that grows.
It's a "mold release" meaning a chemical that releases the vinyl pressing from the stamper.
You shouldn't have a problem with it on most records.
But every record is different.

If your Bowie records and stylus look and sound fine, just keep the dust off and don't worry about it.
Until you want better sound. Then clean 'em.

 

What WOULD the effect be if this chemical were present?

 

Which is a foreign substance on the disc, now in your disc (driven in by the pressure and heat produced by the stylus) and now on your stylus. If you think record cleaning fluid is expensive then you shouldn't be buying LPs. Record cleaning fluid is cheap compared to the records you use it on.

http://www.discogs.com/group/thread/671397

 

The chemical is always present.
It should be just fine the way it is.
Removing it will give you clearer sound.
How much clearer depends on your equipment.

 

So it's a foreign substance. Not so foreign if it's on every record, but still. So what? What problems does it cause? You still haven't answered my question.

 

I bought a bunch of new RCA Living Stereo LP's from the guy in Kansas and they sounded awful (pops-clicks-etc) until I cleaned 'em. After that, they sounded absolutely pristine.

 

I clean all new records first before I play them, much in the same way I wash a new coffee mug before drinking out of it.

Probably, most of the time it's not "absolutely" necessary in either situation. But modern conveniences like dishwashers and record cleaning machines make it so easy .

 

Depends on what kind of machine you have. My VPI 16.5 is great and all, but it's still a 15-20 minute ordeal to clean a record properly.

 

I wouldn't use the VPI either. Maybe just a quick wipe down with a damp cloth.

 

15-20 minute ordeal?

I have a VPI and I just cleaned three used records in no more than five minutes. At this point they are plenty clean to play. Listening right now...

Now, for really dirty records I might spend ten minutes on a record, or if using a two step process with multiple fluids. But that's only for special records.

 

I agree
If it takes someone 15 to 20 minutes to clean a record with a 16.5 then something is definitely wrong
2 or 3 minutes tops to do each side once
The mold release compound that everyone is so worried about is an integral part of the vinyl lump itself, it's not some separate topical chemical like Pam cooking spray or flouring a cake pan, or the wax used to prep a mold for fiberglass parts.
The best argument for cleaning new vinyl is to remove all the tiny bits that do occur and cling to the playing surface of new records as a result of the manufacturing process, from multiple discs being stamped one after another (they don't clean the stampers between every pressing) and just the normal debris following the step one of loading the press to sticking the finished disc into a paper sleeve.
Even in a premier facility it's still filthy when compared to a clean room for making silicon chips and the like, where everything is cleaned with acetone between steps.
I always clean new records.

 

I am pretty crazy about record cleanliness and I often skip cleaning new vinyl. It is partially because my RCM is inconvenient to my record player and partly because I buy and play records for fun so anything that takes away from the fun of buying a new record and going for it gets skipped.

That said, if a new record is noisy or obviously dirty then boom straight to the to be cleaned pile.

 

I only have a Spin Clean and after cleaning new records there is black dust on the bottom of the tank. I assume it is vinyl dust that was from the manufacturing process. I can't imagine how leaving that on the record could be an improvement.

That being said, it isn't far from being a critical step in vinyl playback.

 

New vinyl is always dirty...clean it. Your stylus will thank you.

 

I clean everything. I have bought a lot of new vinyl that is dirty.

 

Put cleaning fluid on = 30 seconds to make sure it's fully in the grooves
Let sit 4 minutes to do it's work (I use Audio Intelligent solution, which requires at least 3 minutes to sit)
30 seconds to jostle the fluid in the grooves after it has sat.
Rinse cycle #1: 1 minute or so
Rinse cycle #2: 1 minute or so
About 7-8 minutes per side x2 = 15-16 minutes, but sometimes it takes a minute or two to wipe off extraneous dirt before starting.

 

Clean new vinyl, check, always. Vinyl 101. Obviously you don't have to, that's always up to the individual.

 

Also I find cleaning a new record gets rid of the static. All my old records cleaned and in anti static sleeves are no problem. My new iron maiden book of souls has that crackly sound as I get it out of the sleeve. Need to clean it.

 

Dry brush only.