How to Clean Vinyl Records and Cartridge Stylus with GrooveWasher
About the GrooveWasher System
The GrooveWasher Record Cleaning System has four unique characteristics:
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The GrooveWasher walnut handle is shaped to accommodate specially designed, velcro attached cleaning pads for heavy cleaning and for fine cleaning, intended to clean one record at a time, just before play.
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The G2 record cleaning fluid is formulated to clean vinyl records with outstanding activity in removing sound degrading microdust, fingerprint oils, manufacturing compounds and mildew, without residue or any harm to the record’s surface.
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The GrooveWasher cleaning pad fabrics have been tested in the GrooveWasher laboratory and plant. Split microfiber, one of our cleaning fabrics, is many times more effective than other record cleaning fabrics.
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The G2 fluid solubilizes contaminants and the GrooveWasher cleaning pad quickly removes them.
Properly used, the GrooveWasher System will make these four sophisticated features work for you. GrooveWasher record cleaning products are effective, convenient and affordable.
How to Deep Clean Records Off the Turntable
Step 1
Carefully place the record on a soft cloth on a firm surface. Pump 4 or 5 or 6 mist sprays onto the record to completely cover the record’s surface. Wait. Allow 10-20 seconds or more for the G2 fluid to dissolve the dust, dirt and mildew in the record’s groove.
Step 2
Gently use the leading edge of the pad to wipe around the record in concentric circles, in line with the grooves. Avoid wiping across the grooves.
Step 3
Rock and rotate the pad to gently dry and groom the surface. If visual inspection shows a problem area, spray it with the G2 Fluid, wait a few seconds, and use the pad to gently scrub the area, again in the direction of the grooves.
Previously cleaned records can be groomed on the turntable just prior to playing.
Even clean looking records can have microdust in the microgroove. Records exposed to room air attract dust particles due to static electricity charges on the record surface. Playing a dirty record can press the dust and dirt to the walls of the delicate microgroove, reducing sound quality.
The G2 fluid and cleaning pad are designed to work together to remove microdust and neutralize static.
Step 1a
For a previously cleaned record, spray a light mist of G2 Fluid on the leading edge of the cleaning pad.
At this point you can either power up your turntable, or turn records using a finger on the label. The turntable should be in neutral.
Step 1b
You may also apply the G2 Fluid to the record using the turret spout, found on the 4 oz refill bottle.
Step 2
Holding the handle with the left hand, lightly touch the leading edge of the pad to the record. This will spread the fluid around the record’s entire surface. Hold the pad in this position for at least 3 revolutions. Microdust, solubilized in the G2 fluid, will be removed by the pad’s leading edge.
Step 3
Next, gently rotate the pad to the center and rear of the pad to remove the excess fluid and groom the record’s surface. Important: Remove the pad from the surface before the record is completely dry.
Air Dry
Allow the record to air dry for at least 30 seconds before applying the stylus will reduce the build up of static electricity, which can occur any time a dry fabric is rubbed on PVC vinyl. G2 fluid is made with five ingredients including purified deionized water which eliminates static charges on contact. Playing the record wet is unwise and can reduce sound quality. (Avoid the fad of playing a record wet with water or oil.) To maintain the condition of your records over the long term, audiophiles recommend fine cleaning before every play. This is a good habit.
How to Clean a Cartridge Stylus
Use Dry
The SC1 Brush can be used dry or wet to clean a stylus. To clean, pull the brush from the back of the cartridge to the front.
Wet Clean Step 1
To wet clean, with a gentle squeeze place 1 or 2 drops of Stylus Cleaning Fluid on the SC1 Brush.
Wet Clean Step 2
Pull the brush from the back of the cartridge to the front.
Allow 10 seconds for the stylus to dry before playing a record.
Removing and Washing the Cleaning Pads
Important Notes
Vintage records in less than mint condition often have scuffs and scratches. The GrooveWasher System does not fix scuffs or scratches. The GrooveWasher System cleans the record’s surface and microgroove to release the honest sound of that particular record. If the record is flawed, if the recording or pressing are not high fidelity, the GrooveWasher System will not improve it.
A vintage record may have been cleaned by its previous owner with a soap or detergent or silicone that has clogged and adhered to the record’s microgroove. With the pressure of the stylus, these “cleaners” may have been layered to the walls of the microgroove, which reduces sound quality. G2 Fluid may loosen these difficult to remove layers and the grime can build up on the stylus. Use your SC1 Stylus Brush and Stylus Cleaning Fluid to quickly remove this gunk.
If this continues, clean the record side again because it isn't truly clean yet. Please keep in mind that the accumulation of grime on the stylus is not G2 Fluid. It is the grime in the groove that G2 Fluid has loosened but is difficult for the microfiber pad to remove.
Several cleanings using GrooveWasher G2 Fluid may be required to remove these difficult contaminants.
GrooveWasher does offer G3 Fluid for heavier cleaning needs. G3 is a more powerful formula that does require a rinse with GSR Super Rinse or distilled water.
WARRANTY and LIMITED LIABILITY
GrooveWasher guarantees its products against any defects in materials or manufacture. If a purchaser is dissatisfied with the product and returns it to the Company within 30 days of purchase GrooveWasher will refund 100% of the purchase price.
Due to the individual consumer’s unlimited capacity to use or misuse the products the company will not be liable for any claims of specific performance. The Company’s sole financial liability is the refund of the purchase price.
GrooveWasher offers its products with an implied mutual good faith with the consumer that the products will be used according to the instructions and will perform within reasonable expectations.
Copyright 2022, GrooveWasher, LLC