A brief breakdown of how I use the Spin-Clean record washer and what I think. Do you love playing records? Check out Needle Drop on Facebook! Members get to post what they're playing, as well as discuss all things vinyl!
Good video, I just got back into vinyl after 30 years. And with how expensive everything is I was expecting to have to spend at least $400 on some sonic wave record cleaner lol. I was suggested a few $2k+ machines by some audiophile record geeks, apparently if you're not using ultrasonic waves you might as well not even be cleaning your vinyl. One person said I didn't need to drop $2-4k and proceeded to recommended a "budget" $899 model. The deluxe model here's $129 which is right up my alley, so I'll take probably 99% as good as sonic and be happy. Appreciate the demonstration man.
Hey, Stacey! Gary here again (Scotch under the sink!). Over the past few weeks, I've cleaned nearly 1,000 45s and, boy, does the Spin Clean do an impressive job! The shine on my Near Mint 45s look like they're fresh off the 1950s and '60s record-plant press! (It's amazing how dirty the records suddenly looked "before" compared to "after" they were cleaned! I had no idea they were so filthy.) Anyway, I couldn't be happier! However, I want to address something I've yet to see discussed anywhere. As I was preparing to wash my very first 45, I had filled the Spin Clean reservoir with distilled water up to the molded "fill line" which all of the Spin Clean video demonstrators are instructing us to do. When I finished washing that first 45, I noticed that only 1/2 of the playing grooves were wet (the lead-in groove up through and including only half of the song). I then tried adding distilled water up to the 7" 45 roller line. The result was perfect! Now the record's entire playing surface was wet -- up to and including the close-out groove but not the label itself. I wasn't 100% sure I was doing it right, but I continued filling it up to the roller line and every record's results were excellent. Only once since then have I heard one -- and only one -- Spin Clean video demonstrator instruct first-timers to fill up to the roller line, which, to me, was a confirmation that I'm doing it right. (I had to take a few weeks off due to other commitments, but I'm now gearing up to begin cleaning my original Near Mint Philles LPs as well as all of the reissues associated with them -- all of which totals about 100 LPs. I'm looking forward to it, and, once again, I'll fill the reservoir up to the roller line. (NOTE: If you try filling to the roller line, be sure to pour the record-cleaning fluid over the brushes first BEFORE filling the distilled water up to the roller line, as the brushes will now be totally submerged.) All in all, I'm surprised that the Spin Clean instructions didn't point out that the fill line is actually the roller line. Everybody's (including my) natural instinct is to fill up to the horizontal line which, I think, is merely a molding to hold the bottom half and top half of the reservoir together. I was wondering, Stace, do you have any thoughts or comments on this? Or has anyone else ever brought this to your attention?
Gary S. - So glad everything is working out for you! In regards to your question with the full line and your 45’s, I haven’t had anyone say that to me, it that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. Heck, I may have had the same issue myself. I cleaned all my 7” singles in one weekend, but that ways years ago and I honestly can’t remember if I had to add more water! Regardless, if you needed to add it, go right ahead. It isn’t going to hurt anything!
Hi Stacey, I simply want to thank you for this fantastic video, I've followed every step of your cleaning process, with the big microfiber towel and the two for drying the disc and the final results I've reached on my LP were/are absolutely great! I don't use the same cleaning machine, but it's absolutely identical to your, my model is a Auna made in Germany, if you would like to search it on the web, you'll see that the cleaning systems are pretty the same. So, your video is simply the best on the web about how to use this records cleaning system. Thanks again and a big "ciao" from Italy. I've subscribed your channel.
That's awesome! Thanks for the kind words. I know everyone out there has their own ways and methods, and after years of messing around with techniques, this way really seemed to work best for me with the Spin-Clean. Glad it helped, and thanks again!
good first start. i do have some suggestions and of course, you realize everybody thinks his method is the best one. step one, i suggest the $125 package. i use their cloths (essentially cloth diapers) as the pad i lay the record on after the wash and short draining time. distilled water is good but so is reverse osmosis filtered water from the spigot installed by the reverse osmosis guy OR you may have installed it yourself. before i put the brush pads in, i start the water from its spigot. i add 15cc of their fluid using a plastic med cup from the pharmacy (i got mine at the hospital where i worked). after the water reaches the fill line, i turn the water off. then i use one of the pads to stir the solution and the slide the pads and rollers into place. . before i put in the rollers, i use a qtip with vaseline on it to lubricate the axles of the rollers. this keeps them from wearing prematurely. i then rinse any record that looks like there is any dust on it in the sink on both sides of the record. i avoid much of the silt from getting into the bath. i then put the record in the slot and turn it 3-5 times in both directions. i then remove the record and place on one of the ten lucite photo frame tripods that i get at walmart for $3 each. then i lay the record on a double thickness the white cloths supplied with the unit. i use a microfiber cloth which i source from harbor freight folded int fours and firmly wipe the disc off following the grooves. then the record is set on another tripod (i set up a total of ten for mass cleanings). after about 15 minutes, i can put the disc back into its jacket. ultimately, the best way to clean records is with the ultrasonic. or cavitation cleaning machines such as KL Audio ($4k) or the Audio Deske ($4500), the KL being my choice. the ones that vacuum the disc off aren't my idea of the best. ...hifitommy
Thanks! I just figured since I enjoyed this so much that I should make a video on how I use it. I know everyone has different ideas, methods and equipment for cleaning records, and this one works great for me.
Hello, thanks for posting this great video about the Spin Clean. Been on the fence for a while and you really helped dispel many questions regarding it. I was just curious because you use large micro fiber towels as the surface when using your drying method. You have a recommended towel to use? I’m worried if I get the wrong one it will scratch the surface of the record directly touching the towel when using the circular drying method shown.
Glad you liked the video Anthony! The small white towels I use to wipe the records off with come with the Spin Clean. They don’t scratch the records and work quite well. I’ve been using the same ones for years. The only towel I added was the brown microfiber towel that I set the record down on. That just made it easier for me to dry them off. Did that answer your question?
Thanks for the video demonstration, Stacey. I just bought the super-deluxe version of the Spin Clean machine. Instead of the yellow-colored base, it has the clear, see-through base which allows you to see an up-close-and-personal view of the record as it's being cleaned. You can supposedly witness the dirt AS it's falling to the bottom of the clear, see-through reservoir. I'll be trying it out tomorrow (Saturday) for the first time. Wish me luck!
@@NeedleDropRules Well, Stace, I've been making it a point to clean 50 like-new 45s at a time in my new Spin Clean Record Cleaner. In fact, tonight (night #4), I finished cleaning record number 200 out of 850. As you can see, I still have a ways to go, but the Spin Clean is really easy to use and I love it! I also invested in some bigger microfiber cloths (from Amazon Basics) which come in a package of 24 (in light blue, yellow, and white) -- making sure that they're the NON-scratching type. I also bought an inexpensive dish drainer to hold the records vertical/diagonal while the 45s are thoroughly drying directly under my ceiling fan. The records look absolutely shiny-clean and I'm very pleased with the results! My only concern is that I haven't tested them on my newly restored 1949/1950 RCA 45-EY-2 Record Changer yet. Tonight, while watching other Spin Clean demonstration videos, a few of the Spin Clean customers are leaving written comments that one additional step is necessary -- to RINSE the Spin Clean soap off the record and wipe it dry. They're reporting that if the soap isn't rinsed off with (once again) Distilled Water, it will cause surface noise.. Have you noticed any surface noise with your records following a Spin Clean treatment, Stacey? I followed my trusty Spin Clean instructions -- step-by- step -- to a tee. If this additional step is indeed necessary, I wish they had told me that before. This means that, if it's true, I would have to back up to the beginning of 45 record box #1 and start over. Please let me know what you think based on your experience so far. Thanks!
Gary S. I’ve seen some people say they have to rinse. And I think that’s because they’re still wet when done. When I’ve used my method like in the video, I have everything dry to the touch when I’m done, and there’s no deposits left on the records themselves. Doing it this way I’ve never noticed any sound issues regarding deposits because they aren’t rinsed. Glad you’ve been enjoying it!
@@NeedleDropRules Whew! Thanks for easing my mind! And you're absolutely right about proper drying. I used to wash my vinyl under the kitchen sink using Dawn liquid dish soap. I quickly learned that, if records aren't dried thoroughly before playing or before being put back in the album cover, the vinyl will sound like a crackling campfire -- worse than it sounded before I cleaned them! It stands to reason that the same would apply to the Spin Clean. Like you, I enjoy the whole Spin Clean experience. You enjoyed a beer throughout, and I had a Scotch-On-The-Rocks while cleaning mine! Now, that's what I call therapeutic!
I use the spin clean system as well and really like the results. I did however find I did not like the drying cloths so I bought the vinyl vac. It works wonderfully in conjunction with the spin clean system. I'm trying to buy an ultrasonic cleaner and would love someone to do a video shoot out between the sound quality of the spin clean versus the ultrasonic. Thanks for the video.
I’ve talked to several people who have purchased a vinyl vac to dry their records after using the Spin Clean, and were happy with the results. I didn’t like the cloths at first, but I like them more now after they got broken in as for the ultrasonic cleaner, I’d love a comparison of results as well!
Sorry for the late reply. I never got a notification of your comment! It’s definitely and underrated record, and a good solid rock album. Ace’s is my favorite of the four solo albums, but Paul’s is definitely my favorite!
Thanks for this video! I'm trying to find one demonstrating the difference in sound before and after cleaning. Do you find that Spin Clean is effective in reducing pops & clicks substantially? I am using it the same way you've shown, except I dry excess water off with the provided towels the record the factory recommended way, but not all the way dry, and then let it air dry for a while after (I have a rack). But I've been disappointed by the amount of surface noise still present after they're dry.
Darin, I have heard a significant difference in the surface noise before and after cleaning...that is when that surface noise was due to the dirt, oils and contaminates within the grooves. However, sometimes a lot of that surface noise will stay no matter what because it's not dirt, but damage to the grooves, often caused by abusive physical mishandling of the record or a poorly set up turntable and or cheap stylus. I've got some records that look like they've never been played, but have a lot of surface noise and inner groove distortion. Most likely there's nothing else you can do to improve the sound after a cleaning, unless you try the wood glue cleaning method. I have done that method as a last resort, and some of them come back to life because the glue got out some contaminates that were just not able to be removed with other cleaning methods. I kind of rambled on that reply. Hopefully I answered your question!
I don’t know for sure. I have no idea how much impurities that removes. If I was in that situation, I’d rather be safe than sorry and use the distilled water. It’s super cheap, and lasts for multiple wash sessions.
I don’t know exactly what is in mine. It’s the cleaning solution for the Spin Clean record washer. I’ve been using that since I have multiple bottles of it. But you can use any cleaning solution, whether it’s a pre-made solution like mine, or a homemade batch or water, dish soap and isopropyl alcohol.
I will say that the Spin Clean solution has something in it that is supposed to make the dirt fall to the bottom of the tank, so that it doesn't just float around when you're cleaning your records. I don't know what that is, but it does seem to work. When I clean a lot of dirty records, there is always a lot of crap at the bottom of the tank.
Any carbon fiber brush works well. There’s a ton to choose from on Amazon at low prices. When I’m a pinch, a clean microfiber hand towel works great as well. Hope that helps!
Hi Gary i’ve got a spin clean system and have an issue when spinning vinyls in 12” or 7” slots. The rollers tend to not spin properly , either making a noise or jumping. Have you any issues like this before. Also in your experiences how many moderately dirty records can be cleaned in the water before changing it? Cheers pete
I have heard some people mention the issue with the rollers. I have never had that problem. I don’t know if it’s the way you’re spinning them, or if it’s a manufacturer defect. I’d try contacting them and tell them of the issue. They’re pretty good about responding, especially on their Facebook page. As for how many records you can clean, it totally depends on how dirty the records are. I’ve cleaned easily 50 records with the same water with records that didn’t look to bad to begin with, then I’ve had times where I was lucky to make it to 20 records because they were absolutely filthy. I usually judge the water by how murky it is. The solution provided by Spin Clean makes the dirt settle at the bottom. But when it starts to get murky, there’s more dirt than solution, and it’s time to change it out.
There really isn't a technical name for it. It's commonly referred to as a 7" single adapter or 45 single adapter. It has some nick names, one of them being "spider".
I literaly have grab each record and force it about 1/8 of a turn to get it to spin. Mine spins nothing like that. Wonder if i am doing something wrong?
If you’re breaking records because it spins so tightly, something is wrong for sure. I’ve never heard that before. I didn’t know if it’s set up wrong, or if there’s a manufacturing defect.
They are the rags that come with the Spin-Clean system. I wash them thoroughly after each use. I’ve been using the same rags for almost 6 years I think, and they’ve never harmed the records in any way at all.
@@NeedleDropRules How do you wash them, do you use detergents, in the washing machine? Fabric softener? Thank you for the video - I am about to buy this system
April, you can wash them with hot water and a little bleach, but they recommend you to not use fabric softener. I’ve been following their directions for years, and have had no issues!
April, when I clean I dry them like I do in the video, they are dry and ready to be put back in the sleeves right away! You may find that if you clean a lot of records in the same sitting, the rags may get too damp and they may need to sit for a minute or two before putting them back in the sleeves. I avoided this issue by getting extra rags, which are available on the Spin Clean website or Amazon. Hope this helps, and that you experience the same great results I have!
It should loosen up the more you use it as the pads get a little wear and tear going. And the newer 180 gram records are tighter since they are thicker. The one I show in the video is from 1978, and is a lot thinner. And just so you know, if it's tighter, the brushes are getting into the grooves better doing a lot more cleaning, which is a good thing!
Depends on how many records you cleaned and how dirty they are. If you only clean a handful and they weren't too dirty, you save and reuse the water in the tank. If you do this, the only thing you'll need to do is remove the brushes when putting it back in storage, so that the water doesn't break down the adhesive holding them in place. After using it enough, you'll know when it's clean enough to reuse, and when it's too dirty and you'll empty it. I myself only keep it in the tank for about a week give or take though. You could run the possibility of getting mod in there if you leave it for too long.
@@carbogarbo1897 As for the solution, it should still be floating around in the water within the tank. When getting ready to reuse the water, I dip the brushes in the solution first before inserting them in place, just so that they're wet from top to bottom.
