What sort of cleaning solution do you use with a vacuum record cleaning machine to clean 78s?

I have MFSL cleaning fluid right now (Record Reserach Lab "Super Record Wash"), but I've heard that some solutions can ruin 78 rpms. Anyone know if the MFSL stuff is OK of 78s? If not, what would you recommend?

Also, a bunch of the 78s have some mold in the grooves - could you recommend some cleaner with this in mind?

thanks!

Avoid anything with any alcohol content. It'll ruin the shellac. I clean mine with a warm solution of water and a bit of Dawn detergent, rinsing with clear water. I haven't run into the mold problem, hopefully someone will chime in with their experiences.

Any solution with alcohol is a no-no for 78's.:nono: Nitty Gritty make Pure 1 solution designed for 78 rpm records. I presently do not have a RCM therefore I can't give first hand experience, but I hope that will change in the near future.

Regardless of the solution used, be cautious of Columbia and other discs that are laminated. It is common for those records to have lamination cracks. Any moisture allowed to enter those cracks can cause the record to swell and delaminate.

I've used the Nitty Gritty that's safe for 78's with no adverse results. I was also talking to someone recently about 78's and he told me to be really careful using a water/soap washing technique as some platters are pressed around a cardboard center which can absorb moisture if there's any openings.

Windex OK on some, not others. I use a terry cloth dampened with the test solution (Windex or Soap/water) and rub it along the edge. If it gets a bit dirty, OK. If it starts turning black, it's lifting the shellac - STOP. I've also tried Lemon Pledge on 78's that were very nasty. Seemed to clean and "lube" the surface enough for a test play - Use at you own discretion - this is not a recommendation -just a jee wizz, how am I going to clean that?

I've used the Nitty Gritty that's safe for 78's with no adverse results. I was also talking to someone recently about 78's and he told me to be really careful using a water/soap washing technique as some platters are pressed around a cardboard center which can absorb moisture if there's any openings.

I believe material shortages during the war was the reason for that. I had many 40's era Capitol 78's that began to rot by the 60's.

What sort of cleaning solution do you use with a vacuum record cleaning machine to clean 78s?

I have MFSL cleaning fluid right now (Record Reserach Lab "Super Record Wash"), but I've heard that some solutions can ruin 78 rpms. Anyone know if the MFSL stuff is OK of 78s? If not, what would you recommend?

Also, a bunch of the 78s have some mold in the grooves - could you recommend some cleaner with this in mind?

thanks!

I was told by the manufacturer of RRL Super Record Wash some time ago that his products were safe on 78s. You may wish to call and double-check.

John

Thanks everyone! It seemed like the RRL stuff was totally alcohol free, so I tested it out on a few cracked throw-away records. Seems to be doing OK, so I'm thinking it will be good.

Before cleaning the nice stuff, though, I'll definitely give a call to the manufacturer.

Thanks everyone! It seemed like the RRL stuff was totally alcohol free, so I tested it out on a few cracked throw-away records. Seems to be doing OK, so I'm thinking it will be good.

Before cleaning the nice stuff, though, I'll definitely give a call to the manufacturer.

As far As I know Judge, none of the older Mo-Fi Products contain Alcohol of any sort. I think you'll be safe as far as that goes. Mo-Fi supposedly is in Beta testing with new products, haven;t heard if they hit the market as of yet, but these new products, the cleaner anyway may contain alcohol.

Next time around, I'd consider trying Audio Intelligent Cleaners for your 78's. The Enzymatic, Archivist, and Pure Water Rinse would be my personal top choice. Mark