Maybe?
Many around here know that I use Windex. I will admit that it seems too simple and there is some controversy over it's use. I have been using it since I needed to clean my old records starting somewhere back in the 1960s. My techniques have evolved over time. I now use it as the first step cleaning solution.
I have never seen any negative side effects on vinyl. 78s are another issue. It is certainly better than playing dirty dusty records. So the point is ANY solution that cleans a record is better than grinding the groove and stylus with dirt and gumming up the cantilever with accumulated crud. I my experience, Windex can get you a long way from damaging conditions. I even soaked a warped throw-away over night and did not see any negative effects the next day. Vinyl and Windex do not seem to have any co-existence issues that I can find?
I started using this stuff when I needed to clean some old rock records (Ventures) that were visibly dirty before putting them on my folks new Packard-Bell console stereo. I noticed that they sounded good. Could not tell if it was the new machine or the record? I assumed it was the machine. But, when I took them back to my room to play on my old Wards Airline portable, they played better too. I never looked back.
I found it a challenge to get others (friends & neighbors) to clean their records. I could usually find a bottle of Windex at their house and few old clean towels, so I'd clean their records before we played them at a party or whatever. It became the universal tool for me cause it was/is everywhere. Just getting my family and relatives to clean records was always a challenge - still is. trying to get them to use some esoteric solution would mean more dirty records.
I'm sure there are much better solutions both in terms of process and liquid mixes. But, in my experience this stuff does a good job of getting most of the dirt out of thrift store vinyl and other unknown records. So it has become the first step solution for me. After previewing a record, I'll decide to keep it or recycle. If I keep it, it'll get a more thorough job before being played for tape transfer, etc.
After reading all the positive comments on the boards for RCMs, I'm planning on building one this summer. I have a vac source and a modest shop so it's not going to be that tough. I'm on the scrounge for a suitable TT to build it on. One will turn up. Then all the record cleaning & preview process can go out to shop. That will help with the WAF :yes:
She likes records and helps with the shopping for deals at the thrifts. She's just is not into the cleaning part yet. I'll convert her. Using a better solution will require a dedicated process and place. Neither are readily available inside the house right now. A temp set-up and Windex is about all I can manage with all the other stuff going on.
Maybe some of you have the same situation? I think it's better to teach the kids (and grandkids) that cleaning a record is really the only way to prolong its life and that of the "needle". What I (or they use) is up to them as long as it does the job.
