WD40 for LP cleaning

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Friends,
Today I committed an audiophile blasphemy and cleaned a record with WD40. A record, which was presented to me after a stage performance in Kolkata by the organisers, was in an abysmal condition. One is suppose to hear crackle behind music in old records which have not been taken care of? Well in this case I heard music behind crackle. previous 3 cleanings had not brought any satisfactory results. So with nothing to lose, I tried Cleaning it with WD40. I had already seen a Japanese video of the same, which I am certain almost everyone present here would have seen. I followed the procedure to the T. Though the experiment requires a few things. Just a soap water wash at the end, I thought, would not suffice. As I have a GEM DANDY at my disposal, I thought it would come in handy at this point. So after applying the WD40 on the record (just one small spray on the lint free cloth for one side and then rubbing it on the whole side) and cleaning it throughly with a lint free cloth, I put the record on the machine and applied the solution and let it soak for 3 minutes. GEM DANDY is a RCM which just blows the dirt away from your records. There is nothing sophisticated about it. But it brings you the results. The result... is astonishing to say the least. A good 95% improvement in the playback. There is no fidelity loss as far as I can tell. As I know the adverse effects of WD40, I also used an old AT95 cart for playback. Though it is a great cart, I know that if anything went wrong with the stylus, it would be easier to replace than the MP500. I am listening to the LP as I write to you. Well...at times it is better to have some music than no music at all. would it have adverse effects in future, I would not know as yet. But for starters, the results are exhaulting.
 
Mr. Varun you are banned from the Analogue Section of the forum with immediate effect. All your records and any mechanical contraptions (mechanical or electronic) which help black discs to be rotated and played are confiscated (Including following items if you have any. Cleaning brush, Protractors, Sleeves, Magnifying glass, stethoscope, etc.). However you will be pardoned; if you dispose off WD40 and promise in writing on paper that you will not do so in future and give each forum members couple of records of their choice.

Just Kidding : ) Poly vinyl is resistant to most things except solvents. Effect of WD40 can be seen with some experiments. You can put few drops on some 45 rpm disc and wait for few days if any reaction happens. I dont have spare disc which can be sacrificed. But will get one and do the experiment soon.

What you see as an improvement may be because of significantly lower friction and removal of static. I have done so with pure water wet running. after 5 to 6 plays some dirt accumulates on the stylus tip. So wet play or cleaning with unknown substance would not be recommended. However the record was disposable and we learn something. isn't it ?
Keep enjoying vinyls.
best regards.
 
I guess the only thing that would save me from going completely musically bankrupt is, if my choice of music does not match the choice of other FMs. Which would not be the case I know. Oh god, I should have shown restraint. The key here is the cleaning method. The GEM DANDY that I mentioned, came with a lube groove. Though it does wonders on clean records, it does little to improve on really dirty ones. The RCM itself has brought back a few of my LPs back from dead. But I made lab mouse of LPs which were hopeless. Even after applying groove lube, one does see a lot of gunk accumulated on the stylus. The record does improve over time I feel as the lube keeps the dirt slightly wet and thus easier to pull out. I read extensively about WD40 and its effects on vinyl. A few chemical engineers in the family never hurt. It has taken me 44 years of my life to understand their worth. They are nice guys after all. So the hopelessness of the records was the only thing that prompted the experiment. We throughly decided on the amount of liquid to be applied. Though I must add here that this should be seen as the last resort. Unfortunately US cleaners are so expensive that one does get desperate at times.
 
Mad Scientist experiments does take my fancy. So I did what I had to do. I took a 45 rpm record, a nylon washer, Fevicol, Zorrick 88 (same as WD40). I put a thin film of Fevicol on nylon washer stuck it on vinyl surface, let it dry, put ample amount of Zorrick 88 liquid in the washer cavity. Sealed with tape so it does not evaporate. And have kept it where it can not be disturbed. Will update in approx. seven days. Lets see what happens. Would be fun. :)
Regards.
 

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Though I had heard a lot about using fevicol for LP cleaning but found the results to be more superficial. I don't think it reaches the bottom of the grooves. Did you ever try that?
 
No Varun. I have not tried that. I used it here so as liquid does not leak. So far it is holding.
 
Though I had heard a lot about using fevicol for LP cleaning but found the results to be more superficial. I don't think it reaches the bottom of the grooves. Did you ever try that?
If one dilute the favicol with water,it reaches the bottom of the groove.It takes more time to dry out.But the results are better.
If you do not want to wait for a long time,you can use cosmatic Orange peel off pack on the LP.I have used it and likes the results .
 
Though I had heard a lot about using fevicol for LP cleaning but found the results to be more superficial. I don't think it reaches the bottom of the grooves. Did you ever try that?

I did try fevicol on LP once.

Again LP was already a goner so no sweat.

The results were not extraordinary but the LP was both worn n dirty. Yet to try on good but dirty LP.
 
I can testify I have used Fevicol (you need to make sure you get the wood glue type, the regular one will damage the LP), and I have had fantastic results. Not all records though, the ones which have groove damage cannot be fixed. However if there is deep embedded dirt, the glue pulls it out. I have had records which were extremely noisy and unlistenable that have become almost dead silent after glue treatment. But like I said, it depends on record to record. You will just have to try your luck.
 
I can testify I have used Fevicol (you need to make sure you get the wood glue type, the regular one will damage the LP), and I have had fantastic results. Not all records though, the ones which have groove damage cannot be fixed. However if there is deep embedded dirt, the glue pulls it out. I have had records which were extremely noisy and unlistenable that have become almost dead silent after glue treatment. But like I said, it depends on record to record. You will just have to try your luck.
Have you followed any specific method or YouTube video?
Did you make a video or take any pictures of yourself doing it?
 
Have you followed any specific method or YouTube video?
Did you make a video or take any pictures of yourself doing it?
it's been a few years since I have done it - primary reason for stopping was a) i buy more new records now that don't require much cleaning b) it is extremely time consuming. You need to let the glue dry which takes a good 6-8 hours, usually used to keep it overnight. But that is just for one side, so it used to end up taking 2 days to clean one record properly. So I would only use it for records that seemed beyond help.

I didn't follow any video (however there are plenty on Youtube), but I recommend you spread the glue across the surface in an even coating. It should not be too thin or it will be hard to remove, nor should it be too thick or it will take long to dry. You can experiment with the thickness yourself. Chances of damaging the LP is not too much as the wood glue does not stick permanently to the vinyl, and can be removed. It took me a few tries before I figured out a proper technique. I do recommend, however, that after you have done the glue treatment you clean the record with a record cleaning solution, as some remnants of the glue can be there and will get picked up by your stylus, which can damage it and your other records.
 
hee hee :) just to make reading interesting

MSE LOG ENTRY No. : Z88
Date :
19th August.
Environment : High Humidity 87 %, Temp 28 deg. C
Psychological evaluation : Experimenter is In OK mood but attempting humor may affect his final conclusion. :p
Subject : to evaluate effects of solvents like Zorrick 88 or WD 40 on vinyl record.
Process and observation : A small portion of vinyl record was placed in constant intimate contact with solvents like Zorrick 88 (Same as WD40) for seven days. Pictures were taken before and after to see groove damage. It was noted that even after seven days of intimate contact the solution like Zorrick 88 containing mineral oil, Alkanes and hydrocarbanes didn't do any significant damage. Kindly see pictures attached. left side is solution still remaining after 7 days. right side is groove closeup. If time permits will digitally record and see with more scrutiny. But it is hassle to connect my turntable with computer in my office.

Remarks and conclusion :
1) Zorrick 88 had no effect on vinyl record.
2) Fevicol unless dilutated doesn't reach the bottom of the groove. I saw leaks on 2nd day. So new ample amount of Zorrick 88 was put again which held for remaing days.
3) The combination of Fevicol and solution made it difficult to remove. Soap water and little alcohol helped remove it. Anyone attempting cleaning with fevicol dilute it with distilled water. There is one australian company which makes specialised glue to clean vinyl record like people do with wood glue.
4) Vinyls are precious so it is not recommended to use it unless you have spare cartridge and vinyl of no importance.
5) The lubrication helps in decreasing friction and so a slight decrease in antiskate along with reduction in noise is also possible. So for archiving purpose of rare songs it is recommended that you wash the record with distilled water solution + mild soap (2 to 3 drops) with small portion of Iso propyl Alcohol and if possible Photo flo liquid drops. Then let it dry. apply very thin layer of WD40 or zorrick 88 and digitize that rare song. Results will be good.

Disclaimer : This is fun experiment. Usual disclaimer apply. Do not do such thing on your precious or rare record and stylus.
cheerio :)
 

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haa haa. I will give them to myself. I need them for experiments and listening.
 
I can testify I have used Fevicol (you need to make sure you get the wood glue type, the regular one will damage the LP), and I have had fantastic results. Not all records though, the ones which have groove damage cannot be fixed. However if there is deep embedded dirt, the glue pulls it out. I have had records which were extremely noisy and unlistenable that have become almost dead silent after glue treatment. But like I said, it depends on record to record. You will just have to try your luck.
Are you using Fevicol MR which comes in small tubes for pasting and crafting works. Other products like Fevicol SH, Fevicol Hi-per etc comes in large containers.
 
@varunbadola1974 .
Surprised to find that you are a member.I joined this forum very recently .
I have stumbled across a huge stash of LP’s .. was lying in my wife’s place and it belonged to my late father in law.I may need your help for some basic gyan on buying a turntable..will catch up offline
 
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