Pathé vertical record cleaning

[Torjazzer]

I have a few Pathé Frères black label vertical-cut records that are very dirty. I want to clean them but afraid to; knowing that different composites demand special treatment. As with Edison DDs, do vertical Pathés require something special or can they be cleaned as if they are Victors?

[OrthoSean]

You can clean them the same way as a Victor.

Sean

[estott]

Just one word of warning- do not use hot water. I don't know if the french pressings differ from the american ones, but I washed one of the Ca. 1918 red rooster label ones in very hot water from the tap and it went limp in my hands.

[VintageTechnologies]

Use lukewarm water and mild dish soap to clean Pathé records. They are more heat sensitive than regular 78s, and I imagine the European Pathés are even more so. In some extreme cases, I have sprayed a soft cotton undershirt with original formula "Armor All" vinyl cleaner and wiped the record with that. Then wipe completely dry with a clean cloth. Besides removing stubborn gunk, the silicone in "Armor All" will temporarily give the record a deep black shine. It will also give a worn record enough lubrication that a weak motor won't bog down.

[Torjazzer]

Once again this forum has come through. Thanks very much, everyone.

[Orchorsol]

Reviving a very old thread which I was glad to find, as I have some very old Pathé verticals to clean, and wanted to consult the oracle, having had issues with cleaning the earliest types before - the etched/infilled label-area ones (no paper label; centre start). I too use soapy water, but will do so sparingly in future, as I was upset to find some years ago that the white or yellowish infill material in the etching is somewhat water soluble.

[CarlosV]

Reviving a very old thread which I was glad to find, as I have some very old Pathé verticals to clean, and wanted to consult the oracle, having had issues with cleaning the earliest types before - the etched/infilled label-area ones (no paper label; centre start). I too use soapy water, but will do so sparingly in future, as I was upset to find some years ago that the white or yellowish infill material in the etching is somewhat water soluble.

Yes, the etched label Pathé has a water soluble ink, so when cleaning it you need to mask the label area. But if eventually the ink dissolves, you can replace it with a crayon of the same colour, I did that on some records with good result. Just apply the crayon on the title and remove the excess with a cloth. I do that with Blue Amberol records as well.