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Cannister VAC DIY Record cleaning...?

I had a thought today of using my cannister VAC for record cleaning, and a couple of question occurred to me.

First, is there any reason that a small, hand-held type cannister VAC (Oreck) would not work for this purpose? Is there any problem with vacuuming the liquid into a home VAC? I wouldn't think there's enough fluid to be any concern.

Second, if I purchased Disk Doctor replacement pads used on the RD cleaning pads, and fit them onto one of the cannister VAC's hose attachments wouldn't this work effectively...and suction the lquid without harming the vinyl?

The reason I'm interested in a DIY solution is that I don't own enough records to warrant the purchase of a record cleaning machine, and I like the idea of keeping the clutter down in the house.

Thanks in advance.
tvad
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Hdm is probably right. If you do have trouble with the house vac it might get you in trouble with the cleaning persons and cost you a lot to replace or repair. I've been using the motor and vacuum from an old Hoover upright for about 3 years now. However, if it ever is damaged by vacuuming up the liquid I'm not really out anything. From what I can see, the liquid is exhausted too quickly to reach the motor. That's probably due to the design of this model. The motor is horizontal with the vacuum chamber and the shaft from the motor is above the exhaust port. So in this case, there is not much chance that the liquid can reach the motor.
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
I'll look into the small 1X1 (1HP, 1 Gallon) Shop Vac. Online reviews are dismal, but it might be fine for record cleaning.

I found a 2-pack of Coralite Ultimate Sponges (generic version of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser) today for $1.19! Talk about a bang-for-the-buck audio tweak.
stltrains
845 posts
 
Tvad the small shop vac works and before my KAB 1 i taped a 100% cotton wash cloth over the small attachment no need for cutting the cloth as it is porous enough for air flow. it works very well i used a lazy susan to spin the lp easy while vacing and cleaning,
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Tvad,

I used that 1HP Shop Vac for about two years before buying a RCM. It works okay, but I'd expect the KAB to work better and be easier/faster to use. Also, the Shop Vac is LOUD!!! You'll certainly annoy everyone in the house. You might even annoy the neighbors.

As the partner of the materials scientist who first researched and recommended the Magic Eraser for stylus cleaning, I can vouch for its safety and effectiveness. As long as you don't eat it, snort it or ignite it there is no danger to you or your stylus. And it works...

Doug
tvad OP
9,467 posts
 
Since I already have $50 invested in Disc Doctor record cleaning brushes, I don't intend to switch to a RCM in the near future.

Thanks for the input, everyone. I have some really good ideas to work with.
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