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Wrong way to clean a stylus!

First time posting. Have read thousands of comments however. I feel like a complete idiot. I shall explain. I have a Marantz TT-15S1 with the original cartridge without a cover of which the LPs tend to attract dust and dog hair while hanging out between sessions.  There was a tuft of dust/dander on the stylus that I couldn't get off that was creating some serious skips. Dabbed with felt like paper, still there.  Wiped gently with lens cleaning cloth, still there. Got the can of compressed air and tried to blow it off. No luck. Put the straw in the can of compressed air for a more directed shot and wouldn't you know it but the straw flew out of the can like a bullet and took the stylus right off the cartridge. Now, I feel like a complete dumbass and have to spend hundreds on a new cartridge. Thought I would pass along my personal comedy of errors.  Maybe others could discuss theirs so I don't feel so bad?
ricmci
nkonor
605 posts
 
parrotbee,

I have used “green paper” since 1988 when I bought my LP12 and provided by my dealer.  No harm to any of my cartridges. Few but Linnies know of it. 

In lieu of green paper; I have been told the “striker” portion of a cardboard matchbook cover could be substituted.

Have never tied it because I have “green paper” 

Also have tried and used just about all the other methods on the market.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
I remember Linn Sondek suggesting the sandpaper stripe of paper matches is perfect for cleaning the stylus.
swampwalker's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Am I the only one who still uses a small wedge of magic eraser on the end of a toothpick?
reubent
3,587 posts
 
@swampwalker  - I use magic eraser. I just use a small cube of it, no toothpick. How do you use it?
pops
1,847 posts
 
I use ME also on the end of a toothpick.  I use it about every 4 or 5 sides and then lightly brush it.  And sometimes the sticky stuff, can't recall the name at the moment!
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