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I find that cleaning used records very difficult

Hi
I buy many used records from thrift shops and used Records Stores. I ussually play them 1st if they are decent. I'm finding out that many times that eaven thought the records looks like it needs cleaning. I play it and it actually has the true Vinyl sound ( Thats great but it looks dirty)and as soon as I wash it with my $500.00 record machine and distilled water, it seemes to lose that deep bass on guitar or other instruments.
Its like it leaves a layer of something that takes away the highs and lows.
.
I even had a few records cleaned on much more Expensive machines like $4,000.00 machine and it also seems to do the same thing.

Has anyone one else experienced this and does anyone have a better way of cleaning records.
macallan25

Showing 2 responses by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I just rinse the record grooves off in tepid water in the kitchen sink. I rotate the record slowly about three full revolutions, letting the water run across the grooves.
Then i wipe dry that side with Viva paper towels (they are soft) and use my ordinary vacuum cleaner nozzle brush attachment to finish dry .. Then do the other side.
Works great. Near zero cost.
I always play right after washing too.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I keep a brush just for the vacuum cleaner I have slightly modified. i first 'softened' the bristle ends of the vacuum attachment with a bit of emery paper. By wearing out the ends, they are softer/no sharp ends). Then i added a trace of silicone (some folks hate this stuff, but i am happy with it in the brush) to the bristles.
It makes them even softer, and totally cuts the static.
(Just one treatment, then wiping any excess off with papaer towels worked fine.) I keep that attachment separate, and i never use it for regular cleaning.
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