Cannister VAC DIY Record cleaning...?

Hi Tvad!

First, something like an Oreck might work well. It comes done to having a practical attachment to reach the lp surface. Yes, a home VAC could work if it is practical (as far as attachments and convenient outlet goes) if there is sufficient suction. I agree that the amount of liquid volume should not be an issue.

However, more vacuum is always better with DIY RCMs. It's easier to relieve vacuum than create it.

Second, you could buy the pads but if you check out the local Lowes or Home Depot you should be able to find a crevice tool and if you check out the local WalMart you should be able to find some velvet material that you could use on this tool. It's only used for protecting the vinyl and velvet seems to not soak up the fluid. You would just want to change the velvet often enough to avoid cross-contamination.

Get the Mobile Fidelity brushes to use for the application of the fluid and light scrubbing. Soaking and vacuum will do most of the work.

Extra credit. Get some Magic Eraser for cleaning the stylus or go for some Zerogel stuff.

A good LP cleaning and cleaning the stylus after each lp side will greatly improve playback of all of your lps. Yeah. This simple regimen will improve and eliminate the rice crispies.

Thanks, Dan_ed. I'm presently using the Audio Intelligent Two step cleaner with Record Doctor brushes, and then drying the LPs with a lint free cloth. Using a carbon dry brush before each play, and using an "old school" Disc Washer stylus brush before each play.

I'll look into the Magic Eraser. What's the procedure for using the sponge?

Good idea for the crevice tool and the velvet material. I'm sure I can find something perfect at a local fabric store.

BTW, here's some very interesting background about Melamine foam (the material Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is made from).

As someone who sold vacuums for a living almost 30 years ago I will tell you to NOT use any home vac not designed for wet use (ie. not a shop vac) to vacuum even the smallest amount of fluid. You can buy small shop vacs (I can't really vouch for their effectiveness) for $30 or so.

Before my KAB EV-1 arrived, I couldn't resist and simply used a shop vac with the upholstery attachment covered in felt with a slice cut into the felt along the opening of the upholstery tool. Worked fine but the suction was heavy duty-a hole drilled through the attachment would have allowed me to regulate the suction by varying coverage over the hole, but my KAB was on the way so I didn't bother.

If you feel your commitment to vinyl is going to be permanent, buy the KAB for $160 and use it with a top quality vacuum and decent fluids. Short of Loricraft or Monks it will give you the best quality cleaning there is, be easier on the ear than any of the Nitty Grittys or VPI's and be hundreds cheaper.

Found a couple of procedures for the Magic Eraser in this thread.

Hdm, what's the reason for not using a home vac? I see the KAB EV-1 is used with a home vac...

You can use any vac, wet or dry, with the KAB, because the KAB traps all the fluid. Vacuuming any liquid directly into a machine not designed for wet use is going to kill it; the fluid will end up in a motor which is not designed to handle fluid. Unless I misinterpreted your post and your statement that "I wouldn't think there's enough fluid to be any concern", I was taking you to be vacuuming the fluid into a home vac designed strictly for dry use. Just pointing out that this is definitely not adviseable.