Vaccuum record cleaners are beyond the pockets of most normal people. The Keith Monks machine was a couple of thousand quid last time I looked. Not sensible, particularly when you can get results just as good with one of these things. I read through lots of reviews before ordering, many of which were mixed or frankly poor, and was uncertain whether it would work, or indeed whether it might ruin my entire record collection. I needn't have worried - the results have been spectacular so far, and previously unplayable records now sound great, whilst ones that were unscratched but a bit grubby and crackly have now become silent and really vibrant and dynamic. The records come up looking like shiny virgin vinyl once they've been cleaned and in a sad sort of way, it's a really satisfying process. If the records are badly scratched to start with, they're a lost cause though, and they'll be just as bad once they're clean.
This thing scrubs records perfectly - the record fits on a spindle and then slides between two brushes - these can be removed and are really well made with high density soft fine bristles. The cleaning solution supplied looks horrible, though - it's thick gloopy stuff and there were enough comments about left over residue on dried records, both here and on other forums, that I chucked it straight in the bin and didn't even attempt to use it. I've been using tried and tested methods researched from the forums at vinyl engine and would suggest the following technique which works brilliantly:
Before you start you'll need - a supply of distilled or deionised water (can buy a 5l bottle on Amazon for next to nothing), a bottle of distilled (clear) malt vinegar (I use Sarson's straight off the shelves at Sainsbury's), a bottle of fairy liquid (or similar), a new hand held garden spray gun (few pounds from B&Q), and some new large microfiber cloths (£2.50 for 5 at B&Q). Set some time aside to clean a batch of records - I've been doing 8 at a time.
1. Fill the tank with distlled water up to the top of the brushes and add one cap full of vinegar and 3-4 drops of fairy liquid
2. Tighten the record onto the spindle enough to form a seal but not too tight as it can cut into the label.
3. Place the record in the tank and give 50 quarter rotations one way and then 50 the other
4. Hold the record by the spindle over the sink and spray with distilled water to rinse the cleaning mixture and residual debris off
5. Place record on a flat microfiber cloth and use a second cloth to wipe the remaining fluid off around the record in the line of the grooves. The cloths are really soft and don't scratch. Turn over and repeat on the other side. The cloths will get wet quickly and can be dried and reused.
6. Leave to dry for 15-20 minutes and then put the record in a new poly-lined sleeve (can buy a pack of 50 from Amazon or e-Bay pretty cheaply). I hadn't realised but this one doesn't come with the drying rack which you have to buy seperately. I just use our dish rack which works well enough for me.
The people who've posted bad reviews have obviously just used the supplied cleaning solution and manufacturer's instructions. It may not look that impressive straight out of the box, but if you use it right this really does work.
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