Do you clean your new records?

I have Nitty Gritty 1.5Fi, Nessie Vinyl-cleaner and an ultra sonic cleaner that does 10 records at a time. The ultrasonic cleaner is used only when I buy preowned records in bulk. I clean them using Simple Green biodegradable cleaner dissolved in purified water (not distilled), then dry them using Nitty Gritty vacuum function. For Nitty Gritty and Nessie, I use OEM cleaning fluids.

When I get brand new records, I clean them using Nessie, and replace the inner sleeves with anti statics by MoFi. Resealable outer sleeves come from Analogue Studio.

1 Like

I use a VPI 16.5. It’s nice. It’s a ritual. I like it.
I emptied it’s ss fluid container contents----what’s sucked up off your records—into a large white bowl. Holy moly the gritty crap that came off the records–mostly new records–is amazing.

5 Likes

Where did you get the idea that ultrasonic cleaners take 10 to 20 minutes per LP? I have been using mine for three years now. It takes five minutes max. I don’t have the one by the mad scientist guy who turns if into a major pain in the bottom. I may get one of those if my bottom gets bored.

1 Like

The last one looked at was 10 minutes run time, plus pre and post prep time, so about 20 minutes, one at a time. So that’s where I got it. Kirmuss, met the man, not my plan. Pass…

That is who I was referring to. I bought another machine before he came out with his. My machine washes and dries with the press of a button and gets it done in just under five minutes. No pre or post processing. His methods and machine would be great for a truly fouled record. But for my records I don’t think his methodology is required. You might want to consider an Audio Desk Glass ultrasonic cleaner or a Degritter. Both are fast and efficient.

2 Likes

Yes the Kirmuss method is OCD record cleaning on steroids. Pre-cleaning, apply the “Kirmuss” method, and then ultrasonic cleaning according to his regimen is quite time comsuming. Thne ther is the post cleaning and drying using a VPI. My estimate, depending on the record condition, is 10-20 minutes for the Kirmuss method. I am aware of the Degritter, Audio Desk, Klaudio, to be released Hummingbird Guru, etc. Should I ever go the ultrasonic route it would be inserted in my current regimen after the initial VPI 16.5 cleaning, then followed by a VPI rinse and dry. I am estimating the time to do this somewhere on the order of 5-10 minutes per side.

I have seen units that can do 5-10 LPs at a time in an ultrasonic bath. I wonder about the spacing with 10 LPs in a bath; 3-5 may be doable. As I said what I do currently is working for me. Glad you are happy with a Degritter, it is just not my thing. I’m sure with time I’ll come around…

Almost bought a $1k cobbled together unit that claims to clean up to 10 records at a time, Isonic if I recall correctly. Seemed rather crude in its implementation, so I spent the cash on jazz records.

image

image
I got this on Amazon a few years back. It allows me to clean either 5 or 10. Also, I can use spacers to do less than 10 or less than 5.

I only use it when buying second hand records in bulk, but the manual says it can clean glasses, sunglasses, jewellery, etc. :grin:

1 Like

…but you also wash and vacuum dry them in a conventional cleaner afterwards, as drying is the week point of every ultrasonic, right? So both runs can take at least 10min I’d say.

That is the one I was looking at, Isonic P4875(II)+MVR10, without a heater. Ten records at a time just seems overwhelming. I did kick around the idea of stacking spacers and doing 3-4 at a time. I like the convenience of the Degritter, but what I remember is Fremmer’s review where the Degritter rep removed debris on the record surface with his hand. I thought it was odd due to the natural oils on one’s finger, seems he’d know better. You guys have me kicking around the idea once again.

image

Hi @weedeewop
Most budget Ultrasonic machines do not dry records. So they need to be wiped using high quality microfibre cloth, which could leave residues after a few records. When doing many, I use the vacuum function of the Nitty Gritty which I found quite effective. These machines can hit 70 or 80db and sound like Cicadas, LOL

Understood, my approach would be to use one of two VPIs for drying. Not a fan of the fan method, counterintuitive to cleaning IMO. I believe the Degritter offers drying, more or less. The HumimnGuru may as well. How effective either is in drying most likely depends on how many records are cleaned in a session.

1 Like

The Humminguru doesn’t dry, think it’s only the real premium models that do.

Edit, it does say it does in the description though, I could well be wrong, I’m very surprised of that, unless they just mean drip dry?

1 Like

Deleted, or what/ It came and when when I was reading it. The kickstarter announcement indicates it does dry, but their website also gives e reason for pause. No way I can find to get a price or how to order. I wonder if it is a valid offer.

The how it works section of the website indicates it drys.

HaHaHa :laughing:

Neat. It has a blower and an air filter :+1:t2:

According to the HumminGuru Kickstarter website the unit is USD$329 prepaid shipped. Hard to believe, or too good to be true?

That is a good price, but what is their user feedback / rating like? They operate from Hong Kong.

Only sometimes do I clean them new. I have a wet clean machine and it takes forever, but so does playing vinyl.

edit: I also have two TTs. One is out of plain sight that is still good/great, but also my go-to for vinyl that’s less than excellent/perfect. Ortofon blue versus a Dynavector 20x2 LOMC. Fluance versus Technics.

It is legit, I’ve been following closely, the Kickstarter closed for backers a while ago, but there’s a proper website now here: HumminGuru all-in-one ultrasonic vinyl record cleaner

The company making it are an established toy company based in Hong Kong, they’ve been around for a while now with a very good reputation. They have their own manufacturing facilities. The company is Happy Well International Enterprise Ltd

The release date to backers was supposed to be September, but I think it may have been delayed to October.

2 Likes

It is a Kickstarter campaign, they have yet to release the product. Suggest you dig into the links I provided if interested in their offering. I’m suspicious. From what I understand about their Kickstarter campaign most people who have invested figure easy come, easy go at USD$329.

1 Like