Record cleaning - what's your method?

[dansomeone]

What's the verdict on cleaning fluid? I'll probably run out of the fluid that came with the Project VCS soon, I think it's really good but is there anything better out there?

Also, any tips on brushes, how often do you need to replace them? Can you clean them easily? is the standard project one as good as it gets?

Chisto Easy Groove works really well and there's a great deal here, $25 for enough concentrate to make two gallons:

Update on Chisto Easy Groove- the Ukrainian concentrate I’m trying out. This stuff rules! Zero static electricity and uber quiet surfaces.

I like it enough that I placed a second order while they still have it on sale at 75% off.

Chisto Easy Groove Concentrate

For record cleaning machines. For all types of records from LPs to ancient 78 RPM shellacs. Quick and convenient way to keep your records at its best.

highend-electronics.com

 

[Andy]

Chisto Easy Groove works really well and there's a great deal here, $25 for enough concentrate to make two gallons:

EDIT: I just noticed you are in England, so I don't know if the offer above is available to you. I think @The Denmarkian Wonder found it in England, but had a less than stellar experience. And, I see he managed to order four bottles shipped free to Denmark from California. What a time we live in!

Thanks, I will have a look atEasy Groove

 

[Poly-Rythmo]

Quick question - I just changed my cleaning fluid to L'Art du Son. I have v amateur sounding ears but to me it seems like a. it has gone a great job in making the records sound better but b. it has also made both the v beginning and end of the discs much noisier (particularly the run out groove). Does that make sense? I'm wondering whether I should add a second clean as some seem to do with just distilled water...

 

[AnthonyI]

Quick question - I just changed my cleaning fluid to L'Art du Son. I have v amateur sounding ears but to me it seems like a. it has gone a great job in making the records sound better but b. it has also made both the v beginning and end of the discs much noisier (particularly the run out groove). Does that make sense? I'm wondering whether I should add a second clean as some seem to do with just distilled water...

Are you using a Spin Clean, RCM?

Spin Clean - I would probably add a rinse cycle
RCM - Make sure to keep the velvet strips clean, the "whatever" it may pick up tends to work its way to the run out groove. I typically clean them before each session.

 

[Poly-Rythmo]

Are you using a Spin Clean, RCM?

Spin Clean - I would probably add a rinse cycle
RCM - Make sure to keep the velvet strips clean, the "whatever" it may pick up tends to work its way to the run out groove. I typically clean them before each session.

Okki Nokki. I'm thinking about replacing my velvet strips. I keep them clean but I've had them a while. Last two records I played have rather quiet starts to each side and they were more crackly too. I think I'll wash them again to be sure.

 

[HiFi Guy]

Quick question - I just changed my cleaning fluid to L'Art du Son. I have v amateur sounding ears but to me it seems like a. it has gone a great job in making the records sound better but b. it has also made both the v beginning and end of the discs much noisier (particularly the run out groove). Does that make sense? I'm wondering whether I should add a second clean as some seem to do with just distilled water...

Some have success with LDS, some don’t, which Is why I’ve avoided it. Your experience isn’t uncommon.

LDS is also known to grow mold/algae. Make sure to keep it in a dark bottle away from any sources of light.

In your position, I’d definitely try one or more distilled water rinses. If you don’t have an extra pad/spreader, make sure to clean the one you have first.

If you continue to have issues, give Chisto a try. The stuff is amazing. I’ve got no idea what’s in it, but I do know it’s alcohol and perfume free, unlike the Okki Nokki fluid that came with your machine.

 

[Rowan]

Some have success with LDS, some don’t, which Is why I’ve avoided it. Your experience isn’t uncommon.

LDS is also known to grow mold/algae. Make sure to keep it in a dark bottle away from any sources of light.

In your position, I’d definitely try one or more distilled water rinses. If you don’t have an extra pad/spreader, make sure to clean the one you have first.

If you continue to have issues, give Chisto a try. The stuff is amazing. I’ve got no idea what’s in it, but I do know it’s alcohol and perfume free, unlike the Okki Nokki fluid that came with your machine.

I've had a hunt around but it doesn't seem to be available in the UK. Audio Affair stocked it at one point but seem to have pulled the range.

 

[Joe Mac]

I've had a hunt around but it doesn't seem to be available in the UK. Audio Affair stocked it at one point but seem to have pulled the range.

Analogue seduction stock it

Chisto Easy Groove Record Cleaning Concentrate

Chisto Easy Groove Record Cleaning Concentrate Quick and convenient way to keep your records at their best and prolong lifespan of your cartridge. Cleans all types of records from Lps to ancient, but lovely 78 RPM shellacs.Quick and convenient way to keep your records at its best and prolong...

www.analogueseduction.net

 

[Andy]

I nearly bought some from there yesterday but went down a rabbit hole of what to get, I've narrowed it down to a couple of brands

Christo
Nitty Gritty
Hannl
L’Art du Son
Project wash-it

 

[HiFi Guy]

I nearly bought some from there yesterday but went down a rabbit hole of what to get, I've narrowed it down to a couple of brands

Christo
Nitty Gritty
Hannl
L’Art du Son
Project wash-it

I’ve used the following which I’ll rank in order based on performance. Chisto is head and shoulders above the others:

Chisto

Todd The Vinyl Junkie Enzyme

MoFi Record Wash
Nitty Gritty Pure 2
Okki Nokki

Disc Doctor

I’ve put spaces in to put them in “groups”.

Note that Nitty Gritty and Okki Nokki contain alcohol- Nitty Gritty some and Okki Nokki a lot.

 

[kvetcha]

I'm trying to polish off an old bottle of mediocre MoFi fluid, then back to my TTVJ mix. I guess once that's done I'll give Chisto a whirl, since it seems considerably cheaper.

We all just line up behind @HiFi Guy on these things.

 

[Andy]

I’ve used the following which I’ll rank in order based on performance. Chisto is head and shoulders above the others:

Chisto

Todd The Vinyl Junkie Enzyme

MoFi Record Wash
Nitty Gritty Pure 2
Okki Nokki

Disc Doctor

I’ve put spaces in to put them in “groups”.

Note that Nitty Gritty and Okki Nokki contain alcohol- Nitty Gritty some and Okki Nokki a lot.

Thanks for this. I'll definitively give Chisto a go, it is expensive in the Uk though.

One I missed off the short list is 'The Right one'. Has anyone tried this?

The Right One Record Cleaning Fluid

MCRU are the only authorized seller of this fluid which we regard as the best there is. Available in 500ml, 1 litre and 5 litre containers. Starting at £15+ VAT for 500ml.

www.mcru.co.uk

 

[dansomeone]

Analogue Seduction is not very good at packing stuff. I also decided to check Highend Electronics again (thanks @HiFi Guy) and saw they had gotten it back in stock (figures) and still have the "buy 1 get 1 free" deal. I added a bottle to see what the shipping cost would be and it was free so i added another bottle for a toal of 4 bottles for $50. I most likely have to pay customs for two of them, at least, but that's still a great deal!

I have a question, though. On the product page, it says mix 100 ml into 1 gallon but on the box it says mix 100 ml into 0,9 liters. That's gotta be a mistake, right? Mixing the entire bottle of concentrate into just 0,9 liters won't produce a whole lot of cleaning fluids.

Hey UK/Euro record cleaners, If I am reading this post correctly, @The Denmarkian Wonder was able to order Chisto concentrate from HighEnd in California, shipped FREE to Denmark. I ordered from there with no issues, shipped safely in a box, albeit domestically.

Chisto Easy Groove Concentrate

For record cleaning machines. For all types of records from LPs to ancient 78 RPM shellacs. Quick and convenient way to keep your records at its best.

highend-electronics.com

 

[HiFi Guy]

Thanks for this. I'll definitively give Chisto a go, it is expensive in the Uk though.

One I missed off the short list is 'The Right one'. Has anyone tried this?

The Right One Record Cleaning Fluid

MCRU are the only authorized seller of this fluid which we regard as the best there is. Available in 500ml, 1 litre and 5 litre containers. Starting at £15+ VAT for 500ml.

www.mcru.co.uk

Look at the bottom of the description. Not for use with 78s/shellac means it contains alcohol.

Chisto really isn’t that expensive. Remember it’s a concentrate that will make 1 US gallon. That will last a long time.

Edit: Look at the above post. You can get enough concentrate for 2 gallons for $25.

 

[Andy]

Hey UK/Euro record cleaners, If I am reading this post correctly, @The Denmarkian Wonder was able to order Chisto concentrate from HighEnd in California, shipped FREE to Denmark. I ordered from there with no issues, shipped safely in a box, albeit domestically.

Chisto Easy Groove Concentrate

For record cleaning machines. For all types of records from LPs to ancient 78 RPM shellacs. Quick and convenient way to keep your records at its best.

highend-electronics.com

Awesome, I'll give that a try. If they ship cheaply not makes a huge difference, that's probably a 1/4 of the price that I can source in the UK.

Edit - ordered & free shipping to the UK - anything under 4lbs apparently. It seems to good to be true

 

[Andy]

it was too good to be true

Hi Andew, I'm sorry to inform you that we currently can't ship this product overseas. During the pandemic we only can use DHL Express for shipments to Europe and the costs for this package are too high. I'm send you a refund shortly. Sorry!

 

[Corycm]

Note that Nitty Gritty and Okki Nokki contain alcohol- Nitty Gritty some and Okki Nokki a lot.

This is no joke. After accidentally liberating a half gallon of TTVJ into my kitchen cabinet under the sink, I thought maybe I’d just make do for the time being with the Okki stuff that I had a bottle of. About knocked myself out when I opened it.

 

[The Denmarkian Wonder]

Hey UK/Euro record cleaners, If I am reading this post correctly, @The Denmarkian Wonder was able to order Chisto concentrate from HighEnd in California, shipped FREE to Denmark. I ordered from there with no issues, shipped safely in a box, albeit domestically.

Chisto Easy Groove Concentrate

For record cleaning machines. For all types of records from LPs to ancient 78 RPM shellacs. Quick and convenient way to keep your records at its best.

highend-electronics.com

I was and the order (4 bottles in total) landed in customs yesterday so i should have them by the end of next week.

it was too good to be true

Hi Andew, I'm sorry to inform you that we currently can't ship this product overseas. During the pandemic we only can use DHL Express for shipments to Europe and the costs for this package are too high. I'm send you a refund shortly. Sorry!

Lame. I got a shipping confirmation for my order a few hours after placing it and they used USPS First Class International. I wonder if it might be a UK thing as i think Amazon.com doesn't ship to the UK either.

I don't know what the shipping cost is but their website has it for €49.99:

Easy Groove Concentrate | logo chisto

thevinylcleaner.com

You could also check dealers and see if anyone has a better deal then Analogue Seduction:

Chisto Audio Cosmetics Dealers

thevinylcleaner.com

 

[Andy]

I was and the order (4 bottles in total) landed in customs yesterday so i should have them by the end of next week.



Lame. I got a shipping confirmation for my order a few hours after placing it and they used USPS First Class International. I wonder if it might be a UK thing as i think Amazon.com doesn't ship to the UK either.

I don't know what the shipping cost is but their website has it for €49.99:

Easy Groove Concentrate | logo chisto

thevinylcleaner.com

You could also check dealers and see if anyone has a better deal then Analogue Seduction:

Chisto Audio Cosmetics Dealers

thevinylcleaner.com

Sometimes it depends on the person processing the order, someone may have had an issue. I expect if they have sent it to Denmark they can send it to the UK. If the issue is due to Covid it's likely a changing situation from week to week

 

[The Denmarkian Wonder]

Sometimes it depends on the person processing the order, someone may have had an issue. I expect if they have sent it to Denmark they can send it to the UK. If the issue is due to Covid it's likely a changing situation from week to week

Place a new order every few days until it goes through