wrote:
wrote:
There are several things about vinyl cleaning that I don't understand
and
would appreciate expert help.
Firstly how can one tell dirt from faulty pressing? I had some brand
new LPS straight out of the jacket which had and still have lots of
clicks and pops. Some had Nitty Gritty- no better.

I think the answer is in your statement. Unless they rub the records in
a pigpen at the factory noise on a new record is probably there to
stay.

Secondly, is it research-proven that alcohol bad for vinyl?

The problem is alcohol (especially methanol) is a moderately agressive
solvent. It will leach out the plasticizers, which function as a
preservative. Without plasticizers the vinyl will become brittle. The
effect won't be immediate. It may only effect a thin layer on the
surface so the record won't feel any different in the hands. However,
playing wear will be greatly increased.

could it be just a legend that helps to sell the proprietary
concotions which surely have detergent chemicals of their own.

There's a big difference between a detergent and a solvent. Try pouring
a little gasoline in a styrofoam cup. You don't have to buy expensive
proprietary fluids. Kodak sells "Photo-Flo" which is basically
glycerin. Glycerin is a pure wetting agent that works like a mild soap
and leaves no soap scum. I'd guess it's a main component in those
record cleaners. Photo-Flo is used as a last step drying agent when
developing B&W negatives. A 16oz bottle is $7: http://tinyurl.com/8zx27
You dilute it perhaps 100:1 to clean a record so a bottle goes a long
way.

TB

Thank you. Informative, to the point and helpful.
Ludovic Mirabel