ArtLoving.net

If you are a vinyl collector, you’ll realize  what I mean when I say that modern digital media just can’t yield the same natural sound as a vinyl can. The classic vinyl sound is in part produced by  the slight imperfections in each groove. Yet, even if you are really thorough about handling and storing your vinyls, time will gradually fill the grooves with dirt and grease. Not only does this modify the quality of the sound you’ll be getting, it will also lessen the life of your treasured record collection; something that can’t be replaced easily or cheaply!

Cleaning a vinyl compilation can eat up your time and doing it often will eventually use up the record’s surface. Currently ultrasonic cleaning provides a cheap alternative which is not only a time-saver, but is a lot gentler to boot.

Ultrasonic cleaning was originally developed around half a century ago for cleaning surgical instruments and apparatus in biomedical centers. Now, it is also widely used by heavy and hi-tech manufacturing, and by hobbyists of all shades.

So how does ultrasonic cleaning work? To start with, an ultrasonic cleaner is a tank filled with water and often with a mild detergent as well. Connected to the container is an ultrasonic generator which translates mains electricity into high frequency ultrasonic energy, and an ultrasonic transducer which then converts this to ultrasound. As the ultrasound travels across the liquid in the tank it causes microscopic bubbles to implode and send out tiny shockwaves; these are what do the actual cleaning.

For cleaning the grooves on vinyl records, ultrasonic cleaning imparts an outstanding alternative to manual cleaning.They produce tiny bubbles and shockwaves that they will certainly get right into the grooves,  gradually lifting the grime out without being abrasive to the vinyl exterior. While this process consists words like “ultrasonic” and “shockwave” it is a very mild mode of cleaningversus manual cleaning. Sure there are shockwaves, but they’re so tiny that they won’t damage your vinyl. 

There’s a wide selection of ultrasonic cleaners on the market, ranging from ones which will only contain limited vinyls in at a time to serious bulk cleaning machines. In this size range you’ll do fine at something that  will easily fit on a work-surface or on the garage floor. Besides, ultrasonic cleaners in this day and age are well within the price range of the typical vinyl collection-owner.

Remember , however, that you start off  the cleaning gently and use a mild detergent; washing up liquid or even tap water should be adequate. A terrific first step would be to test it out with a record that you won’t miss. Once you are done with ultrasonic cleaning make sure to rinse your vinyl in clean water and let it dry off before packing it away. All in all, an ultrasonic cleaner will not only conserve you time but will let  you to  preservethe quality your vinyls than you would using the usual cloth.