NEW vinyl do most people Wet Clean or Dry Clean them?

Many thanks! I shall try this

 

I’ve got a Nitty Gritty machine. Before that I did it by hand with the excellent Disc Doctor brushes and cleaners, and still use them to supplement the RCM for seriously trashed LPs.

 

Wet Vacuum Clean

Mine is a "Nitty Gritty" brand manual machine

 

↑ This is exactly what I do as well (except that my machine is a Nitty Gritty)!

 

What do you think of the bath type RCM similar to the spin clean but automated like the ultra sonic?

 

On all records that are reasonably clean and don’t need the Spin Clean, I do a few spins with the carbon fiber brush. Then I spritz the brush very lightly with a spray bottle of water, push the brush guard past to work the water into the bristles, and do another pass or two. Most records are then immaculate.

 

I own a Loricraft too.

You are right, no problems with static.

Pricey, but built like a tank and gives excellent results.

 

If a new LP doesn't sound new, i'd return it not clean it. Not that cleaning it will make much difference....

 

Does this method you use make them static free? On old album inner sleeves they had instructions on how to clean it ,they used to say use a barely damp cloth to wipe the record,of course these days it would be distilled water used.

 

I just play new records, don’t clean them.

 

always wet clean all new-to-me vinyl

 

Ya, I should have said simply wet clean to be more clear. I built my own vacuum-based cleaning machine, which obviously dries my records after I've given them the wet clean. It's become the most important part of my enjoyment of vinyl. I love it because it's quick and really effective. It saved albums that I thought were destined for the landfill.

 

All LPs get a Spin Clean before first play, not cleaned again unless it looks like it needs it. Most inner sleeves replaced with new poly sleeve.

 

I think it pretty much does make them static-free. “Barely damp” would describe what I do. The water gets rid of the line of dirt left by the brush.

 

I'm glad you have a cleaning method that costs nothing,the manufacturers of cleaning products are making a lot of money on the resurgence of vinyl records,and people are spending too much money on it.

 

Why would cheaper price bother you ?You said you already have a ON RCM and they are much better than the spin clean.

 

Companies have been making quality RCMs since the late 60s early 70s.
You just have a few more options today.
It's nothing to do with the vinyl resurgence.

 

I wet clean all new LPs.

I used to use a Keith Monks Classic Discovery One which gave great results. I now use an Audio Desk ultrasonic RCM which has been a revelation and one of my best Hi-Fi purchases.

Richard

 

I'm in the process of selling the OKKI NOKKI,I don't like it, I buy New records and most play well with a few zaps with a zerostat gun followed by a dust with a carbon fiber brush and a stylus cleaner.I am thinking of an ultra sonic type cleaner next or I would use a Loricraft or a simple spin clean for used Vinyl.

 

But you already have an Okki Nokki that’s a far more effective record cleaner than the Spin Clean or Knosti. Why do you want take a step backwards now when you already have a very well functioning solution? DIY is sometimes a nice solution but in this specific case you’re beyond that point since you already have a semi automatic vac RCM.

 

Why don’t you like your Okki Nokki? If the main problem is static build up then you maybe have to take a closer look at your record cleaning flow chart- IMHO I believe you’ll find the answers there. I’ve had my Okki Nokki for more than 7 years and I’ve during this time improved the cleaning procedure considerably. In the beginning I sometimes had problems with static build up during the cleaning but I then experimented a bit with the number of revolutions during the vacuum process until I found the ideal number of revolutions. Since then I’ve rarely had any problems with this and if I sometimes get problems it’s because of me and not the machine. IMHO the Okki Nokki (and similar RCM’s like VPI 16.5 and Pro-Ject VC-S) is an effective machine that really gets the job done with excellent results.

 

Wood glue for me if I am not happy with the sound. Otherwise just play.

 

However, I only use distilled water to clean records. No tap water or harsh chemicals.

 

I always bring my new clothes and new vinyl to the dry cleaner.

 

I only wet clean when new vinyl requires it. Mainly for static control.