Mid-Month Virtual Series: All Things Record Cleaning
John Hughes | Published on 7/7/2025
Mid-Month Virtual Series: All Things Record Cleaning
Kurt Morgan of the YouTube Channel “Let's Clean a Record” shared his experiences of the best way to care and clean for your precious records. Hosted by Jim Bird.
Here is summary of the topics in the video, created with assistance from AI.
Record Cleaning Methods
- Dry Cleaning: Compared brushes and air blasters (e.g., Gato Blaster) for removing surface dust; discussed static generation.
- Manual Wet Cleaning: Covered budget options like Spin Clean and Studebaker, and praised Disc Doctor brushes for deep manual cleaning.
- Suction Machines: Highlighted VPI Cyclone and similar devices as effective, especially for very dirty records.
- String-Type Machines: Described Loricraft and Keith Monks machines as finicky but capable of deep cleaning using a moving string and suction.
- Ultrasonic Machines: Reviewed models like Degritter, KL Audio, Kirmuss, and Humminguru. Emphasized their effectiveness and discussed differences in frequency, transducer placement, and cleaning cycles.
Record Cleaning Fluids & Ingredients
- Stressed the importance of using pure water (distilled preferred).
- Reviewed various commercial and DIY fluids, noting the role of alcohol, surfactants, and enzymatic formulas.
- Recommended AIVS as a versatile brand, with L'Art du Son and AIVS #15 as top choices for different needs.
Brushes & Accessories
- Recommended Disc Doctor for manual cleaning, Osage for suction machines, and specific stiffer brushes for string-type machines.
- Emphasized using different brushes for different fluids and processes.
Special Topics
- 78 RPM Records: Avoid alcohol; use dedicated cleaning fluids and equipment.
- Stylus Cleaning: Advocated regular dry brushing, periodic deeper cleaning (liquid, putty, or ultrasonic), and cautioned against overuse.
- Cleaning Metal Parts: Use isopropyl alcohol or DeoxIT for plated connectors; polish solid metal AC plugs for audible improvements.
Static Control
- Discussed grounding, anti-static mats, and tools like ZeroStat and Humminguru Orbit, with the latter found more effective in tests.
- Static generally causes pops and clicks, not sound degradation.
Sleeves & Storage
- Recommended avoiding plain paper and PVC sleeves; preferred high-density polyethylene and rice paper-lined sleeves (e.g., MoFi, Acoustic Sounds, Kirmuss, Japanese rounded sleeves).
System & Record Maintenance
- Suggested microfiber cloths, Swiffer dusters, and gloves for cleaning equipment surfaces.
- For flattening warped records, recommended Vinyl Flat (with Groovy Pouch), Furutech, and careful use of heat and pressure.
General Advice
- Cleaning regimen depends on record condition, equipment, and personal standards.
- Not all visual blemishes or noise can be removed by cleaning—some are due to permanent damage or manufacturing issues.
- Encouraged contacting Kurt for further questions and shared willingness to provide resources and presentation slides.
Partial List of Products Mentioned
Below is a simplified and organized list of the products, with direct links (where available) and no unnecessary redirect or tracking parameters.
Manual Wet Cleaners
Suction-type Machines
String-type Machines
Ultrasonic
Static Removers
- Milty Zerostat 3
Available at various retailers