THE HUMAN RECORD WASHING MACHINE-cleaning-vinyl LP -DIY under $20

THE HUMAN RECORD CLEANING MACHINE

ethically and logically cleaning-vinyl LP 

DIY under $20

watch the how-to instructional video below





This is a favoured method of cleaning vinyl,
Even when I have access to a cleaning machine!

BONUS IS IT IS NOT NOISY AND REQUIRES NO POWER

Light on the budget, easy to set up, easy to put away
easy to clean and this method is FASTER than
a machine once you get used to it.



COST OF MATERIALS -

brush - $2.00-$5.00
dr.bronners soap - $5.00-10.00
chamois - $2.00
good paper towels -$2.00
cotton towels-$5.00


Soap is eco-friendly, is anti-bacterial and is anti-fungal on top of
SUPERIOR GREASE GRIME DEEP REMOVAL.

Soap washes off EASILY with grime at temperature above 78degrees.

My method outlined includes simple materials


CLEANING SOLUTION NFO -

See bottle in video.
See container / spray method.
If you have a spray bottle that holds around a 750ml - 1000ml (1 litre)
all you need is 1 capful of Bronners soap. You can add 1/4 extra cap if
you feel you want super suds.

1 Capful Dr.Bronner's soap
( I recommend peppermint or unscented)

Fill the rest of the bottle with your water you choose.



The BRUSH -
it's a white wash brush - made for painting .
It has the important tapered off ends that go ULTRAFINE
and very very soft.
It's excellent for painting on the soap into the grooves.
Paint in manner you feel comfy but go in direction of
grooves for best effect.
The greasier the record (hand prints from DJing, edge marks ect)
the more time you might have to spend.
The best thing about this method is you get very good at
judging how much you need for each record and the control
factor is great.

YOU SPRAY A COUPLE DUSTINGS OF SOAP ON EACH SIDE OF THE LP.




WET THE BRUSH UNDER THE WATER BEFORE YOU
BEGIN - tap the brush of excess water in sink. (don't want it dripping, just
wettened)


LABELS - BE CAREFUL!

IN MANY CASES MOST LABELS ARE WATER PROOF TO A POINT!
you won't have to worry about many labels getting bubbled or damaged
but this is something you have to LEARN about.
Some lables, the color bleeds, the label will warp , it will bubble
many things can happen when water is applied. If you do not know
take care to first Spray the soap on the BRUSH FIRST and then
apply it to the vinyl taking care not to go onto the label.

CLEAN RECORD ON LEVEL SURFACE!!!

IN the video you can see I elevate the record on what is a Drum practice
pad that is circular. It has rubber edges and I can flip the record and keep the soap
on.
Alternative method is just to do it on another clean towel or similar.



WATER FOR RINSING NFO -

In my case after evaluating the water supply I can use the tap water
for the rinse.

NOT EVERYONE CAN USE TAP WATER !!!

I tested water PH and it's just slightly acidic , PH around 7 - 7.5 is optimum.

Tested for heavy minerals and metals.
(simple test is let water evaporate on mirror or glass)
See if there is residuals.

IF THERE IS FLOURIDE OR CHLORINE OR METALS YOU MUST
PROCESS YOUR OWN WATER FOR RINSING.

Lots of info online to process water if you need to
(de-ionized, PH balance, distilled)




DRYING-

Using 2 Large SYNTHETIC Chamois - MICROFIBRE non streak towels.
(the yellow towels)

These are a rubber like feel that SOAK UP WATER
easily and do not cause streaks or residue.
These are available at any dollar store for a dollar each.
(You must wash these thoroughly before you use them for
drying records)
Since they dry out after use very fast, you must also wet them with
warm water, squeeze as much water out before use so they
are flexible and will soak up drippings.

Work with Chamois on top of flat surface with other towels
already laid down.

Once Chamois are used then do a wipe down with absorbent
cloths such as cotton or low-lint, non abrasive paper towel.

TAKE CARE THE WHOLE TIME TO GRAB VINYL WITH
PAPER TOWEL OR CHAMOIS PIECE (you can cut up one
to make a few smaller ones)
YOU DON'T WANT TO GREASE UP YOUR CLEAN
RECORD!

Place vinyl in drying rack of your choice.




If album cover is dirty take to a different area and clean / repair.


NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A NICE CLEAN
INNER SLEEVE
FOR YOUR NEWLY CLEANED VINYL.


ALCOHOL - useful but limit the use -

** alcohol is good for spot removing some things but must be careful
and very controlled.
***a dilution of 1 part isopropol or pure grain alcohol to 30 parts water
is good for light spray on carbon fibre brush or nice cotton brush or
wipe for clearing your vinyl of any dust when it's on your turntable platter.
NEVER SPRAY IT DIRECTLY ON THE VINYL SURFACE.

I'm not here to preach but any recipe that uses automotive products such
as anything containing Glycol, is highly suggested to RUN AWAY FROM.