Steam cleaning records 2


Continuation of large thread.
thommas
i started steam cleaning then came across this article on positive feedback. should it be of concern? reproducing the relevant para, note the last line.

Record Chemistry

So while the choice of record inner sleeve profoundly affects the record surface, cleanliness and playback quality, the biggest barrier to maintaining a clean album and extending its useful pop and tick-free lifetime is the record chemistry itself. A primary static charge is created the moment the record surface separates from mold surface. Briefly, records are a complex chemical mixture including 85% polyvinyl chloride (PVC), 15% polyvinyl acetate (PVA), antistatic agents, dyes, stabilizers (heavy metals such as lead stearate), modifiers and lubricants. PVA, the exact chemistry of which varies among companies, both aids in the flow of vinyl during record pressing and as a plasticizer. Plasticizers play a critical role in softening the plastic/resin. Under normal conditions, stabilizers, of which there are enough to last for decades, act to consume HCl. (One fact that many those who want to steam clean their LPs seems to ignore, is that heat and UV degrade PVC; heat causes the release of HCl.)
I've steamed cleaned my lps for well over a year now,
In that time at least 300+ records. Not only new to my
collection also lps I had. My results are better sound
and super quite playback from lps I cleaned with other
methods that I had on hand. I've played these now steamed lps on more
than one occasion with out any noticeable difference in
playback.

Also in this time I have not heard or read any negative
feedback results from this topic.

Though I do and will take all feedback on the subject with a grain
of salt.
Mike
Stevieboy: We are cleaning records of debris , removing gunk that inhibts the reproduction of sound. Using water hydrates vinyl. The compounds that make LPS are proprietory, no one knows the exact formula. Positive Feedback is a great Ez-ine. But keep in mind they publish transcripts submitted with no/little vetting. Should you have misgivings -- Quit steaming. Should your ears discern the difference , whom do you trust ? Your lie'en ears or someone elese ??
04-30-09: Crem1
Using water hydrates vinyl.

Really?

If the compounds that make LPs are proprietary, how do you propose proving this statement?
Tvad, a a Record cleaning fluid designer & I spent a day discussing LP compounds. She related that she interviewed nearly two dozen gentleman in Europe that designed and/or contributed to the formulations that make LP vinyl. Over hours of discussion, I learned that H20(water) was a "secret" to the mix of vinyl. Please read "Tracking Angle" a Ez-ine by Michael Fremer; An excellent article exists there to explain the composition of vinyl . Read it.