What is the best way to clean a 78?

[StarTMachine]

After my latest purchase of 78's and having noticed Mooperator's miraculous tidy collection of records stacked in his new storage unit, as in picture he posted here. It truly put me to shame and made me think it's about time I put some order to my own collection. However, I've just been looking through a handful of 78's and noticed that there is even mold present.

So, what is the best way to clean and store my 78's? Or is there a link already here that you can direct me to?

I know that this may be a really basic question but who knows who is browsing through these days. It could be someone who is a complete novice (like myself) to a gramophone/phonograph guru. It's good to go back to basis sometimes, and with the wealth of knowledge here anyone can learn something new. Don't forget, I'm new here and to all this so all thoughts welcomed.


Charley

[Ian]

Hi Charley,

Needless to say, much has been written about this and quite a number of internet articles will turn up upon searching. In particular, try YouTube with a search on the phrase clean 78 record. You'll get to see how it's done in practical terms, but also take the time to read comments from posters, some of whom will highlight any problems with methods advocated.

Hope this helps!

[StarTMachine]

Hi Ian

Thanks for the information. I've just looked and found some really interesting sites that include cleaning with wood glue; cleaning with steam; exfoliating or there is even a 'spin clean record washing system' ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD7CnjA7brE )

What do people think about this method? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF85G8TLwZQ

Thanks again!

[52089]

What I do:

Regular 78: 1 drop of dish detergent in a 6 ounce glass of water, apply to record surface with soft toothbrush, rinse under room temp water, do not get label wet. Air dry on dish rack. Some will tell you not to do this with laminated records (e.g., early Columbias).

Edison diamond disk: wet cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, apply to grooves, changing cotton ball frequently. Do not get paper label or edge wet. Air dry on dish rack.

Storage: vertically, in new clean sleeves available online from several companies.

You will find other methods and opinions on this board and on the net.

[StarTMachine]

Some will tell you not to do this with laminated records (e.g., early Columbias).

Thanks 52089. I have some Columbia records. How early, and how do you tell the difference between laminated and shellac resin. See, something new I've picked up today already. I'll be going to inspect my Columbia's in a sec or two.

Cheers

[Harold Aherne]

So, what is the best way to clean and store my 78's?

With regards to storing 78s, it's better to keep them upright than to stack them on top of each other -- they're a lot easier to access and it lessens the risk of accidentally knocking over a stack.

If stacking records is unavoidable, keep the stacks small to lessen the pressure on the discs near the bottom. Also, don't stack them on a soft surface -- the bottom record(s) will develop a warp from the weight of the discs on top.

When storing discs upright, keep them as straight as possible. If the records lean excessively, it's much more likely that they'll warp or crack. Books or bookends of a similar size to the 78s can be used to fill up a shelf and keep the records straight. Ideally, 10" discs should be stored with 10" discs, 12" with 12", etc.

-HA

[Viva-Tonal]

Hi Ian

Thanks for the information. I've just looked and found some really interesting sites that include cleaning with wood glue; cleaning with steam; exfoliating or there is even a 'spin clean record washing system' ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD7CnjA7brE )

What do people think about this method? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF85G8TLwZQ

Thanks again!

Cleaning records with wood glue (or Elmer's Glue-All etc) is OK ONLY for vinyl or styrene discs. Not at all recommended for shellac or other older types of discs.