Ultrasonic record cleaners are a type of cleaning machine that can make your vinyl records sound almost as good, if not better than the day they were recorded. But the ultrasonic system is more efficient than a brush. The ultrasonic system calms down the surface of your vinyls during washing to prevent damages. As for cleaning solutions, it should be done before, during and after washing.
At first the initial purchase of the ingredients might seem expensive, but overall it will save you a lot of time by not having to constantly purchase cleaning products. It’s often praised as a novel and thorough cleaning method for vinyl records, but there’s just some nerves about whether or not ultrasonic cleaning can harm vinyl records. With good reasons.
Ultrasonic cleaners are precise and thorough with the grooves of a vinyl record. However, cleaning down to such a precise level suggests that the same forces used to push out stubborn dirt and gunk are also being used on the intricate grooves of your vinyl records. When you’re buying an ultrasonic cleaner, you might be intimidated by all the controls and settings that it has. But if you don’t calibrate it correctly, your records are ruined! Start with a few easy steps and go from there.
If you’ve done some research on the topic, you might be intimidated by the rigs that people have online. But if you set them up correctly, they can be used very well. You might not even know where to start! Worry not, because we’re here to help you get started and set up a filtration system right so you can make sure your record cleaning process is as good as can be.
Why Filter Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluid in the First Place?
As each record you spin through the bath passes, more dirt gets collected and added to the bath. In record-cleaning, manufacturers first mix the detergent solution and blast it with high energy sound waves that create tiny bubbles. These bubbles capture the dust and chemically cut through oils and film from older recordings within seconds. But a lot of the gunk ends up in your solution, which makes it challenging to use.
Some ultrasonic record cleaning fans advise that you just throw out the solution after a few rounds of cleaning, but we’ve found that might be fairly wasteful, especially if you find it hard to get a hold of the right supplies. Get an ultrasonic filtration system so you can save on cleaning supplies in the future and use each bath longer.
Filtering your water is never a guarantee that it will be clean or infinitely reusable. While filtration systems can remove the larger particles from its solution, smaller substances or chemicals that dissolve in water can still affect you. We recommend replacing the cleaning solution after cleaning 25 records. When done for the 1st time, we recommend using filtered water for up to one or two more batches of 25.
How to Set Up the Ultrasonic Cleaning Solution Filtration System
There are 2 methods to filter your cleaning solution:
- Making a DIY rig with filter paper (e.g. coffee filters)
- Attaching a Modular Water Filter
Method #1: Diy Filter Method
This is our simplest DIY project, so far! All you will need is a form of filter paper or filter that can handle large particles. One way to get the most out of filters is by filtering a lot or a little at a time. Coffee filters are especially good with this, but you might find other filter sheets work better for some occasions. They are often quite cheap and easy to pick up, so it isn’t unreasonable to grab them for certain uses.
First, you’ll want to set up a set of filters on top of each other in the jar and pour the used ultrasonic cleaning solution through them. Then stack them back again in the jar and put it back into your basin. This method is easy to use and will not interrupt the cleaning process while you wait for the solution to pass through the filter paper. The next method, however, will filter your water in tandem with the vinyl record cleaning process.
Method #2: Attaching a Modular Water Filter
Buying a separate filter can cost more than just using paper ones. You’ll also need to add a water-filtration system, which will cost a bit more. You can find ultrasonic filters in places like pet stores or with dedicated rigs used to clean dirty vinyl records. These models range from cheaper aquarium filters with a rotating tip to much more expensive ones that use motors and more sophisticated systems.
Personally, I think that they all do a good job most people would rather trust a filter than an aquarium filter. This method uses PULACO Hang On Filter, which is inexpensive and easy to use. It can be attached on ultrasonic cleaning baths like the type you see in the Groove Clean machine if needed.
You just have to attach or mount your filter to the machine. That’s all there is too it. A few things to consider when looking into AI writing assistants is that you’ll also need to connect it to another socket in your rig. They have more requirements than paper filters and require a bit of extra energy.
We recommend articles like this to get a better idea of the kind of maintenance you’ll have to carry out when using a water filter machine. Water filters can save you time and effort, but you need to make sure that they are clean and dry to prevent bacterial or mould buildup inside. You may have a mess of old records, which you can’t properly process, and so new ones might never materialize.
Basics of Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is a process by which a fluid bath has sound waves passed through it. When using this bath, you will notice that there are little bubbles that start to form on the surface of the solvent. This can be troublesome for dust particles and other debris but it stills work. There are a number of benefits to the use of cavitation, including deep cleaning and how it has the ability to remove microorganisms.
There are some pros and cons to using ultrasonic cleaners for cleaning vinyl records. Some of the benefits include their quick retrieval of dirt, their ability of breaking down grease, and the fact that they don’t depend on water to work. The vapour bubble system is perfect because it can fit into the same grooves as records that are clean out.
Risk of Record Damage From Ultrasonic Cleaning
The question you might ask here is how would water, of all things, ruin your record? There are actually a few ways to damage an ultrasonic record in a rig.
One of the ways that ultrasonic cleaning machines work is with temperature. Some can heat up the water they use. Don’t clean your records with warm water, unless you want them to get damaged – 35 degrees Celsius possibly damaging soft materials. This solution range contains the temperatures inside those folders of your walk-in archival refrigerator. Keep in mind that temperatures may change though, so always check before running your record through too long.
Another reason vinyl records are protected by this process is because of the ultrasonic frequencies used during it. They need to be at a certain level for your records to actually play. But, if anything’s too low, it can damage your vinyl records without you realizing. The frequency of records being used at work is 40kHz, but that doesn’t mean you should only get those types. Make sure the numbers you see are what you want! Sometimes it can be hard to pay attention to time and keep everything going in a smooth seamless manner. This is why it is important to have neat advance planning or scheduling on your docket!
You can have your record or anything else in the ultrasonic cleaner running for a long time with no problem. The only caveat is when the effect might actually wear down the grooves on it. It’s best to mount your records into an ultrasonic machine for 3 consecutive rotations, giving you enough time to remove any dirt without damaging them.
Other Possible Cleaning Issues
If you’ve dug around the internet to see if there are any other concerns you should have about ultrasonic cleaning, chances are that you may have found a few forums that surfaced popping issues after using ultrasonic machines. Some claim that their ultrasonic cleaners have damaged them, while others say they’ve won the battle and are squeaky clean.
But static charge isn’t a problem that is just on records – it can mess up other equipment as well. Running records through a bath solution that isn’t deionised or has some level of charge will cause static charges to build up on your record. And when played, these charges can pass on to your record player stylus and give off pops when playing music.
Any method to clean your textile material can result in static charge transfer. This includes brushing and rubbing the fabric with cloth. You can avoid the problem of build-up by using the proper cleaning solutions or materials. One option is to use a Boundless Audio Record Cleaner Brush or even a Record-Happy Cleaning Kit with an anti-static cloth. You can also use a spray like Sprayway to clean your clothes after wearing them. The product is non-toxic and promotes a healthy living environment for clothing, linens, bedding and other garments.
Vinyl records are typically removed and cleaned off in machines that also generate a lot of small bit particles. Users might find some of these bits on their vinyl after the process, but it’s usually not significant. This isn’t really a concern for many, but can be intimidating for beginners. If you’re not sure about this device then first read up on how to use it. Follow our directions in the previous section and you’re “in the clear” as long as you’ve stuck to them. If your vinyl has started to turn a green or blue color, your records may be contaminated. So your machine should be checked for defects and the contamination removed before continuing production.
Magic Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaning Solution
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this DIY Cleaning solution:
- Triton X-100
- 91% Isopropyl Alcohol – It’s possible that you may need to source for these from local pharmacies
- High Purity Water
This solution was modified from a common recipe when searching for DIY Ultrawave Record Cleaning Solutions. Most vinyl forums with experts recommend getting something called Hepastat 256, but this cleaning solution recipe does not use Hepastat 256.
We’ve decided to remove it since, especially in the past year, it’s been difficult to find. Many places that offer them will sell small amounts of high quality disinfectant (Hepastat 256) at a high price. We don’t think you need to go through so much effort when buying disinfectants and money could be better spent elsewhere.
When you use the stuff with other ingredients like Triton X-100 solution, it prevents static charging that can ruin your record. If you need to pick up Hepastat 256 for your project and can’t find it in local stores, then some vinyl collectors have suggested that you ask around at other shops as others may have a similar solution.
To make the solution, simply mix Triton X-100 with isopropyl. Store the solution (as well as the leftover Triton X-100) in a refrigerator rather than high temps, to prevent bacterial growth that will reduce the efficacy of the solution.
When cleaning records, put 750ml of high purity water in your ultrasonic bath, add 30 ml of the mixture and then top up with another 400ml of isopropyl. When cleaning your vinyl records, you have to be careful with the amount of the solution and how often you need to use it. You may need a smaller one if you do more often or a larger one less so.
Additional Ultrasonic Record Cleaning Tips
When you use ultrasonic cleaning machines on your vinyl records, be sure to keep an eye out for the water temperature so it doesn’t burn the grooves in them. To properly clean your vinyl records and keep them in good condition, make sure that the water temperature is at 30 to 35 Celsius. This ensures that the floating gunk in the grooves of your records is easier to remove and doesn’t begin building up.
The bummer about using high-quality water and ethanol to clean your records is that it’s not even necessary, as plenty of vinyl collectors think that the br ightness of their record can be maintained after cleaning.
Final Words
Ultrasonic cleaning might damage your records. It will probably do a lot less damage than other methods like contaminating them with chemicals and dropping them on the floor by accident. “Records are sensitive items, and cleaning them is both vital and risky at the same time.” When you clean your cassette tapes, be sure to take great care not to accidentally scratch the stylus. A scratched grooved might cause sound quality to diminish significantly as well as ruining your favourite songs.
And that’s all you need to know about filtering your ultrasonic cleaning fluid! It is a simple process which saves you a lot of time and effort. And as far as cleaning other things, it’s also cheaper in the long-term to choose this option over buying more cleaners or cleaning fluids. It can be pretty pricey to collect, or actively seek out records so coming up with ways to streamline this process makes it a bit more manageable.
If you know any tricks to lowering the cost when cleaning your ultrasonic baths, please share them in the comments!
FAQ for How to Filter Ultrasonic Cleaning Fluid
What is ultrasonic cleaning fluid for vinyl record?
Ultrasonic cleaning fluid is a liquid that is used to clean vinyl records. It uses ultrasonic waves to remove dirt, dust and other debris from the record. The fluid can be applied with a brush or sprayed on the surface of the record.
Ultrasonic cleaning fluids are often made for specific types of vinyl records like black vinyl, white vinyl, and colored vinyls.
How to filter the liquid for ultrasonic cleaning of vinyl records?
The most common way to clean vinyl records is by using ultrasonic cleaning. However, there are instances where the liquid used for cleaning may not be suitable for this process. In such cases, it is important to filter the liquid before it gets mixed with the cleaning solution.
It is important to filter out any solids or debris that might be in the liquid prior to mixing them together with the ultrasonic cleaning solution.
What is the best way to store ultrasonic cleaning fluid of vinyl records?
It is important to keep in mind that ultrasonic cleaning fluid should be stored at a low temperature. Without proper storage, the fluid might freeze and damage the records.
The best way to store it is in a refrigerator. This is because it has a low-temperature setting which will prevent the fluid from freezing and damaging the records.
What are the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning for vinyl records?
Ultrasonic cleaning is a process that uses high-frequency sound waves to clean and disinfect vinyl records. It is an effective and efficient way of cleaning records.
The benefits of ultrasonic cleaning include:
- Cleaning in a short period of time
- Preventing the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria
- Reducing dust particles on surfaces
How does an ultrasonic cleaner work of vinyl records?
An ultrasonic cleaner works by using the power of sound waves to remove dirt, dust, and other particles from a surface. This is done by vibrating the surface at a high frequency, which causes the particles to be agitated and dislodged.
Ultrasonic cleaners work on vinyl records by vibrating them at a high frequency that causes dirt and dust to be agitated and dislodged from the surface.
How often should an ultrasonic cleaner be used for vinyl records?
Vinyl records are a labor-intensive and time-consuming way to store music. They are not cheap, but they also give you the best sound quality.
The answer to this question depends on your personal preference. Some people would clean their vinyl records more often than others, while some would only clean them once in a while. The frequency of cleaning depends on factors like how much you play the record, how often it is played and how long it has been since the last cleaning.
What is the difference between ultrasonic and traditional cleaning of vinyl records?
Ultrasonic cleaning of vinyl records is a process of cleaning records by using ultrasonic waves. It is a very effective way to clean records but it requires some special materials and equipment.
Traditional cleaning of vinyl records is the process of using a vacuum cleaner to clean them with compressed air. It is usually done in the same way as it was done before the advent of digital music.
The difference between these two methods comes down to the fact that ultrasonic cleaning uses high frequency vibrations to remove dust and dirt from records, while traditional methods use low frequency vibrations to dislodge dust and dirt from records.