Ultrasonic Record Cleaning with Custom Built System

Ultrasonic is the single most effective way to clean records. My custom built system is based on years of Audiophile tweaks and R&D as popularized on the Audio Nirvana forum. A rotisserie spindle slowly rotates the records in a medical grade ultrasonic tank with sweep and pulse functions to vary cavitation and get at both the surface of the record, and deep in the grooves. The water and cleaning solution are continuously pumped through a 0.35 micron filter to prevent the dissolved contaminants from returning to the records before they are removed from the tank. After a 20 minute bath they are then air dried and placed in a brand new poly sleeve. 

I have found this method vastly superior to commercially available ultrasonic units which only allow for a 5 minute cleaning cycle, and re-circulate dirty water throughout the unit. In addition, there are no moving parts that touch the record surface during the cleaning cycle, simply water and air. For detailed information on the process, the best source is TIMA’s series of articles at The Vinyl Press, which I am greatly indebted to.

Vacuum Cleaning with VPI HW-17

Typical vacuum cleaning involves a two step process of brushing with enzymatic fluid and then a water rinse (for extremely dirty records I will add an additional water rinse as the first step). The first pass consists of applying the cleaning fluid and scrubbing firmly, but gently in both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations. The solution is left to sit for a few minutes to fully dislodge stubborn particles from the grooves. This solution is then vacuumed off.

Then a second pass of brushing in the same fashion with distilled water is designed to collect the remaining particles and rinse the grooves clean. I use two different vacuum wands for each pass, switching out to avoid cross contamination.

Combination Vacuum and Ultrasonic Cleaning

Vacuum cleaning with enzymatic fluid delivers great results, but is best used on old and dirty records as the initial step before ultrasonic cleaning which can penetrate deeper into the grooves and reach the particles that brushes alone cannot. This combination offers the best of both methods for the greatest possible cleaning: the use of enzymatic cleaning fluids breaks down a great deal of particles during this first step, allowing the ultrasonic bath to concentrate on the remaining particles, leaving your records as clean as they can possibly get.

Record Flattening with Orb DF-01iA+

Japan-based Orb enjoys a reputation for continually developing and improving its unique treatment process. The DF-01iA+ uses a high-tech, automated process whereby heat is applied evenly on contact to only the outer edge (for warping) and inner label of the record (for dishing). The most important and delicate part of the record–the groove architecture–remains nearly unaffected by the process. The result attempts to remove warps while preserving the sonic output of the record, and is considered by many to be the gold standard for warp reduction and elimination.

Unlike record cleaning, flattening is not without risk. Click here to read more about the process to decide if a flattening treatment is right for you.