Generic Record Cleaning Solutions

First of all soap is an anionic surfactant by definition. That is, it has an negative electrical charge in water which enables it to reduce the surface tension of the water which in turn enables it to break down the grease, oil, and dirt molecules.

Secondly, alcohol despite smelling like it does something and accelerating evaporation, serves no actual cleaning function. It DOES NOT break down the surface tension of the water.

Most record cleaning solutions are 99.5% water, a small amount of surfactant, and then whatever fu fu dust, alcohol, or special ingredient is added to justify the seller's $35/pint price.

Remember folks, we're cleaning plastic here not cashmere.

You don't need to mix your own alcohol-based cleaning fluid. Try vodka. If it doesn't work you can still find a use for it.

uhmmm . . . Eldartford, what brand of Vodka is best for record cleaning? (I know which I prefer for "other" uses)

Bdgregory...After a few shots they all sound the same. But, for Bluegrass, you must substitute moonshine.

Using Vodka to clearn records is a bad idea. All vodka sold in the U.S. is charcoal filtered. This is good for taste, but bad for our purpose, because charcoal-filtering loads the vodka with hydrocarbons.

Best regards to all,
Paul