Machine Oil and Vinegar To Clean Shellac 78s

[Tpapp54321]

I recall that I posted a topic about vinegar cleaning right here on this very forum. I decided I agreed with the opinion that the acidic content of vinegar is probably not great for shellac.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=42103&hilit=vinegar

That’s another point I’ve been thinking about with why this might not be the best long term. Besides the 5 or so records I’ve done the vinegar/oil method to already, I think I’m going to probably just stick to soap. But I’m going to see how those 5 records hold up to consistent play and compare audio files in audacity down the road.

And I especially like the idea of using baby soap instead of dish soap that Orchorsol touched upon. I’ve had some records in the past that were pretty worn that dish soap seemed to do more harm then good to.

[Curt A]

Reviving this shellac record cleaning thread brings me back to my 40 year tested and non-destructive method: WD-40 - a small amount on the record, rubbed around with the grooves, then wiped off and played with a new steel needle... works for me. Since this has been discussed before on the Forum, please, no speculations that this will damage shellac records or other nonsense, because it absolutely doesn't... So, either try it - or not... I have records that were cleaned this way 20, 30 and 40 years ago, with zero problems and it tends to revive worn and dried out records.

[dzavracky]

Reviving this shellac record cleaning thread brings me back to my 40 year tested and non-destructive method: WD-40 - a small amount on the record, rubbed around with the grooves, then wiped off and played with a new steel needle... works for me. Since this has been discussed before on the Forum, please, no speculations that this will damage shellac records or other nonsense, because it absolutely doesn't... So, either try it - or not... I have records that were cleaned this way 20, 30 and 40 years ago, with zero problems and it tends to revive worn and dried out records.

I have to say I am skeptical of this method, but nonetheless I will try it out on a junk record and see how it goes.