Steam cleaning records 2

George , Thanks for being a part of the a evolving & interactive group that will change the way we care for our valued LPS.

It is my opinion that the weak link(s) are water quality & heat. I have a 350A Hot Shot that is a finely crafted machine made in Italy. The water heating tank is made of solid brass , Michael Fremer swears bye his. However, early on I used tap water in mine that I learned is the death knell of a steamer. In time those mineral deposits from tap water just clogged it up and that was that. No cleaner I could locate made any real difference. I still have it and continue to fiddel with the Hot Shot w/o sucess. I agree with your view. But besides us who is willing to pay the retail cost for a lifetime steamer. Enjoy the evening. Charlie

George and all using a 16.5 i've started putting folded paper towels on the back of the unit between the glass top and back wall, to collect over spray and fluids that spill on the top of 16.5. This will help keep from getting fluid inside of the unit. I have discovered this happening when draining the reservoir by tilting and seeing small amounts of water coming from the bottom of the unit. When done the paper towels can be used for a good wipe down of your 16.5 and accessories.
Also using Perfection and i would think any of the constant flow steamers just the smallest push of the trigger is needed to get positive results.

The paper sounds like a good idea. After cleaning two records with the MC1235 there was about a 1/4 cup of water inside the RCM below the platter. I assume that the inside is treated with some type of waterproofing but I don't know that for sure. I want to prevent the RCM from de-laminating, so thanks for the tip.

In the alternative, put on a protective glove to hold the LP, have the steamer in the the other hand. Steam clean ,then put the LP on the VPI for a scrub ,vaccum,lite steam (final rinse)& a final run on the VPI. I support Stltrains view that "just the smallest push of the trigger is needed to get positive results".

Thats an alternative method Crem but i dont think you can get the best effort or result by holding a lp in your hand steaming. A lazy susan would be a better idea. That way you would get a even spray while spinning with the other hand.

Now that i've been using paper towels to absorb the spray off and spilled water/cleaner no more drips from the bottom of my 16.5.