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I have a few records I want to clean, most are just dusty. What would anyone suggest cleaning them with and how?

There is another thread on the forum about cleaning 78s. Basic rule, don't use any type of alcohol, since shellac dissolves in that, leaving you with a record that is totally ruined. Second rule, be careful with laminated pressings because they can swell and crack. Also be careful not to wet the label. Wiping with a moist cloth is probably the safest option. I've washed hundreds of records in a Disco Antistat and never lost one, but be very very careful with that special one that you found after years of searching. And let them dry in the open air for at least 24 hours.

Peter.

I use a bit of mild washing up liquid with a soft bristle toothbrush. Get a glass, fill it with lukewarm water then dip your toothbrush in and start cleaning the record with it. It's important to go in the direction of the grooves and you should see the dirt being pushed out of them.

Don't get the label wet at all. Some can withstand it a bit, but I find it easier to just avoid getting them wet as they are likely to bubble and it ruins their appearance. After you've done this, swill the soap suds off under the tap, pat them dry and leave to air dry for 24 hours. Works a charm for me

Depending on how many you have, you might want to look at Disc Doctor; I've used their brushes and cleaner on hundreds of records, and the do a good job. Very basic & simple.

"Basic rule, don't use any type of alcohol, since shellac dissolves in that, leaving you with a record that is totally ruined."

Hmmm... I expect we all have a short list of records that might be improved by the alcohol method!

Nat

Nat wrote:Depending on how many you have, you might want to look at Disc Doctor; I've used their brushes and cleaner on hundreds of records, and the do a good job. Very basic & simple.

"Basic rule, don't use any type of alcohol, since shellac dissolves in that, leaving you with a record that is totally ruined."

Hmmm... I expect we all have a short list of records that might be improved by the alcohol method!

Nat

Alcohol -- taken internally -- is an excellent scratch reducer!

In case any new-bee stumbles upon this post string, it should be stressed that while alcohol should not be used to clean a shellac based standard 78--and water soluble cleaners are preferred--a major exception is the Edison Diamond Disc record, which some people new to the hobby might mistake for a "thick 78."


Unlike conventional 78s, Edison Diamond Disc records should NEVER be exposed to water. A preferred cleaning method is described on this page:

http://www.lagparty.org/~wyatt/ddcleaning.html

Also - be careful when cleaning Columbia and other kinds of laminated discs (with paper layer underneath shellac). If they are slightly cracked or chipped, the water can sometimes swell the paper underneath and make the damage worse. Sometimes, I make a "dirty" transfer (with only a dry velvet wipe-down) before I attempt a cleaning. That way, if something goes really wrong, then I still have the transfer.

- Martin

JohnM wrote:[Alcohol -- taken internally -- is an excellent scratch reducer!

Or, to quote WC Fields, "pain killer."

WowWEir thanks guys for all your help
picked up 2 boxes of nice orthophonics brunswicks and viva tonals today for 20 bucks
they were stored in a attic for many years and dusty
the otherdsy I ended up getting 7 royal blue columbias in a lot I found for 10.00
have lots to clean and sort through
5 of the royal blues were Benny goodmans

martinola wrote:Also - be careful when cleaning Columbia and other kinds of laminated discs (with paper layer underneath shellac). If they are slightly cracked or chipped, the water can sometimes swell the paper underneath and make the damage worse. Sometimes, I make a "dirty" transfer (with only a dry velvet wipe-down) before I attempt a cleaning. That way, if something goes really wrong, then I still have the transfer.

- Martin

The broad wisdom is sometimes expressed as laminated records shouldn't be wet washed, but I have, with quite a number of Columbia and the like. Trick is to make sure the surface is absolutely sound, as you said, no hairline cracks, chips, etc. I have laminated Columbia discs I wet washed years ago, and they're still fine.