Deep Cleaning Records With Steam?

I also got a perfection steamer for 19.99 yesterday in Des Moines but have yet to try it. I have a question for anyone willing to answer concerning water to use in the steamer. Why is it necessary to use anything more pure than distilled water in the steamer? I understand the potential advantage of rincing with ultra pure water. However, when water is boiled what comes off should be pure water vapor. I would think any minute amount of impurity in distilled water would be left behind in the tank. Isn't steam made up of individual water molecules that have gained enough energy to escape surface tension? These moecules condence together to make the "white" steam we can see. Water vapor itself is not visible.
Thanks to everyone who's contributed to this eye opening thread. Nice video Slttrains.

Dan ed,

Thanks for your response. You echo my summation that the biggest difference would be in the amount of muck left in the tank. This is why distilled water seems a reasonable stopping point for the steamer in this application. It appears that Stltrains has reached the same conclusion. Wouldn't you rather occasionally have to replace a $20 steamer than vaporize, for example, Walker's ultra pure water for $80 per gallon. That kind of mark up has to make even Exxon green with envy.

I found a good source of water at a local lab supply shop here in Des Moines. Reagent grade type 1 water (Nerl) at 17.50 per gallon. Also deionized purified water that says it meets type 1 standards at $17 for 5 gallons. I guess I'll renig on my plan to use distilled water in the steamer and use deionized at this price. If we have a place like this in Des Moines I'm sure most of you around more major cities have similar options. It avoids shipping costs and it's probably a better grade than battery water? I wonder if Walker and AI ultra pure waters are similar to type 1 reagent grade.

I'm happy with my results using the perfection steamer on a 16.5 so far. It will probably be a permanent addition to my cleaning regimen. Two questions though, 1.How would I use the steamer without any attachments on a 16.5 without tipping it too far to be safe? 2.Has anyone ever seen water damage to a label?(so far I have not). Some have mentioned covering labels. What works best for this? I am also anxious to possibly see a video by Crem in the future.

Jj24688
I'm not covering my labels at all(as in the video by Stltrains on u-tube) Provided you don't steam directly on them and blot them off with a soft cloth right away when done I'm not sure there's really much of an issue. I have yet to damage one.

I know I'm in the minority here but(possibly along with Stltrains) I feel like the paranoia over chemicals in the cone attachment is a little over the top. It's hard for me to see how a significant amount of contamination could occur from this. Using a steamer with the 16.5 as Stltrains and I (among others) do would be impossible or very hard to do without this attachment. The steamer would have to be tipped more than would be safe. Also, I would think that the ultra pure water rinces and vacuuming should take care of those deposits should they be there. I realize this is not scientific by any means but all I'm noticing is cleaner and better sounding vinyl. I'm not worried about the attachments.

Rsrex,
I think it can be debated whether plain distilled water is good enough for the steamer. It probably is. As far as the rince goes though, I think it's best to stay as pure as is feasible. I accidently splashed some of my reagent grade water on my bathroom mirror, didn't wipe it off and when it dried it left no trace of water mark at all. This little incident gives me the peace of mind that after a double rince the residual water after vacuuming is leaving as little residue on the surface as it dries as possible. Try leaving some of your RO water on glass to dry and see if it leaves a residue. If it doesn't it's probably as effective as the reagent grade for the purpose of cleaning records. Of course, the sonic effects of any residue left by water may be another area of debate.

All valid arguments Rsrex. Just stating the logic behind my particular regimen. More than one way to skin a cat.

I don't want to downplay peoples concerns over lead but I think this is another fear possibly being blown out of proportion. Did you know that the same warning is posted on the little Christmas lights most of us hang on our trees.(also made in China) The recommendation to wash your hands following use should be adequate to protect from any slight dander this may pose. The situation is more serious in the children's toys we've all heard about recently because kids often have their fingers in their mouths while playing with the same toys. Walgreen's wouldn't unload a dangerous product at reduced prices and risk class action law suite. They would issue a recall if they thought it was warranted. Until this happens I'll continue using my Perfection steamer unless something more effective is found.
I agree that for some time now this thread has been seeming to take a somewhat paranoid or delusional turn. I've occasionally questioned my own state of mind for participating as well. I would urge all to refrain from personal attacks on any one person's sanity though. I have yet to meet anyone who couldn't be considered crazy in some way. We all spend our spare time obsessing over records after all.