We get a lot of questions about our products and ultrasonic cleaning in general. This is a summary of the most often asked questions. Please, feel free to contact us at [email protected]! We always enjoy discussing vinyl cleaning!
Question: How does ultrasonic vinyl record cleaning work, and what is the main difference to 'classic' cleaning methods?
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is a completely different approach compared to classic 'brush and wand' based cleaning methods. There is no mechanical interaction between a cleaning tool and the vinyl surface, which means no micro-scratches are introduced by the cleaning process. Instead, microscopic water jets emitted from cavitating vacuum bubbles blast the dirt from the record surface. Read more...
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is a completely different approach compared to classic 'brush and wand' based cleaning methods. There is no mechanical interaction between a cleaning tool and the vinyl surface, which means no micro-scratches are introduced by the cleaning process. Instead, microscopic water jets emitted from cavitating vacuum bubbles blast the dirt from the record surface. Read more...
Question: What is the best spacing between records during the ultrasonic cleaning process?
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is able to penetrate into very small gaps and crevices. This means spacing is not very important as long as the cleaning fluid can get to the surface of the records. Read more...
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is able to penetrate into very small gaps and crevices. This means spacing is not very important as long as the cleaning fluid can get to the surface of the records. Read more...
Question: What is the best RPM or speed for spinning the vinyl records through the ultrasonic cleaner?
Answer: There is a lot of discussion on this topic out in the 'analog audio space'. We recommend trying different RPMs to find the best speed for your particular cleaning situation. Read more...
Answer: There is a lot of discussion on this topic out in the 'analog audio space'. We recommend trying different RPMs to find the best speed for your particular cleaning situation. Read more...
Question: Why should I choose CleanerVinyl products for my ultrasonic record cleaning needs?
Answer: There are many reasons: Ergonomic design and easy use, affordable price, made in the US, don't be locked in with a particular ultrasonic cleaner design, etc... Read more...
Answer: There are many reasons: Ergonomic design and easy use, affordable price, made in the US, don't be locked in with a particular ultrasonic cleaner design, etc... Read more...
Question: Can vinyl records be dissolved by the cleaning fluid during the ultrasonic process?
Answer: There is nothing to worry about. Read why not...
Answer: There is nothing to worry about. Read why not...
Question: Why do CleanerVinyl ultrasonic record cleaning systems not use large spacers with O-rings for protecting the labels?
Answer: Large spacers with O-rings are not necessary. The surface tension of the cleaning fluid keeps it on the vinyl surface. Read more...
Answer: Large spacers with O-rings are not necessary. The surface tension of the cleaning fluid keeps it on the vinyl surface. Read more...
Question: Does it matter where the ultrasonic transducers are mounted on the cleaner tub?
Answer: There is a bit of a discussion on some analog audio blogs and discussion groups about the 'perfect angle' at which the ultrasonic transducers should be mounted on the cleaner tub for best cleaning results. Fact is that (for engineering reasons), transducers can only be mounted flat on the tub Read more...
Answer: There is a bit of a discussion on some analog audio blogs and discussion groups about the 'perfect angle' at which the ultrasonic transducers should be mounted on the cleaner tub for best cleaning results. Fact is that (for engineering reasons), transducers can only be mounted flat on the tub Read more...
Question: What is the benefit of adding a wetting agent to the cleaning fluid for the ultrasonic record cleaning process?
Answer: Wetting agents like Kodak Photo-Flo, Ilford Ilfotol or Tergikleen were developed to prevent droplets on surfaces. They break the surface tension of water promoting the formation of a continuous and homogeneous fluid film on the vinyl record. Read more...
Answer: Wetting agents like Kodak Photo-Flo, Ilford Ilfotol or Tergikleen were developed to prevent droplets on surfaces. They break the surface tension of water promoting the formation of a continuous and homogeneous fluid film on the vinyl record. Read more...
Question: Does the Micron cleaning fluid filtration system remove the wetting agent?
Answer: Wetting agents like Kodak Photo-Flo, Ilford Ilfotol or Tergikleen were developed to prevent droplets on surfaces. They form an ultra-thin molecular film on all hydrophobic (water rejecting) surfaces they encounter. This is possible due to the attraction between their hydrophobic head, which bonds preferentially with the surface. As a consequence, their hydrophilic (water-liking) tails stick out from the surface and that allows water to form a smooth conformal film on the wetting agent coated surface. Read more...
Answer: Wetting agents like Kodak Photo-Flo, Ilford Ilfotol or Tergikleen were developed to prevent droplets on surfaces. They form an ultra-thin molecular film on all hydrophobic (water rejecting) surfaces they encounter. This is possible due to the attraction between their hydrophobic head, which bonds preferentially with the surface. As a consequence, their hydrophilic (water-liking) tails stick out from the surface and that allows water to form a smooth conformal film on the wetting agent coated surface. Read more...
Question: How many records can I clean before I need to replace the cleaning fluid during ultrasonic record cleaning?
Answer: Without a filtration system we recommend to exchange the fluid after a few batches of records. This of course depends on the level of contamination on the records. Read more...
Answer: Without a filtration system we recommend to exchange the fluid after a few batches of records. This of course depends on the level of contamination on the records. Read more...
Question: Why should one use fluid filtration for cleaning vinyl records with an ultrasonic cleaner?
Answer: Fluid filtration results in superior cleaning results. It limits redeposition and makes a 'rinsing step' unnecessary. Read more...
Answer: Fluid filtration results in superior cleaning results. It limits redeposition and makes a 'rinsing step' unnecessary. Read more...
Question: Why do CleanerVinyl ultrasonic vinyl record cleaning products use air drying instead of wiping or vacuuming?
Answer: Air drying of vinyl records has many advantages: It works well, is fast, and there is no risk of damaging the records. Read more...
Answer: Air drying of vinyl records has many advantages: It works well, is fast, and there is no risk of damaging the records. Read more...
Question: How does the ultrasonic cleaner frequency influence the vinyl record cleaning result?
Answer: Most ultrasonic cleaners use 40 kHz, and there is a reason for that. Read more...
Answer: Most ultrasonic cleaners use 40 kHz, and there is a reason for that. Read more...
Question: What is the best cleaning fluid recipe for ultrasonic vinyl record cleaning?
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is different from classic record cleaning methods. It does not need much assistance from detergents and other fluid additives. The ultrasonic cleaning process benefits from... Read more...
Answer: Ultrasonic cleaning is different from classic record cleaning methods. It does not need much assistance from detergents and other fluid additives. The ultrasonic cleaning process benefits from... Read more...