How do you clean your stylus?

sdcoomber

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Apr 14, 2020
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I understand that IPA or Methanol will/may do damage to the cantilever mounting. But is there any reason why I cannot suspend a stylus in an ultrasonic cleaner (40Khz) using just distilled water to get some long term crud off?
 

jfrech

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I understand that IPA or Methanol will/may do damage to the cantilever mounting. But is there any reason why I cannot suspend a stylus in an ultrasonic cleaner (40Khz) using just distilled water to get some long term crud off?

What if that water somehow vibrates into the coils? I think the risk here isn't worth it. Plenty of years tested stylus cleaning methods and even some good fluids. I use a Onzo Zerodust and occasionally Lyra Stylus Performance Treatment every 10-15 LPs...the brush that comes with the Lyra SPT works great dry. I use that every LP side or two.
 

jn229

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Jul 23, 2012
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Interesting thread. I have used an old dependable brush from an electric razor I bought in the early seventies, a carbon fiber brush from Discwasher (yup I am an old fart), an Ortofon carbon brush, Onzow and Magic Eraser. My hands are not steady therefore I do not like any cleaning method that is free hand. The ME is cut thin, glued to a washer for weight, to hold it steady, set on the platter and the cartridge lowered into it. The ME is my everyday cleaner.

Reading this thread I made another pandemic (boredom) purchase and bought the thin DS Audio ST-50, like the idea of it resting on the platter and the stylus lower in.
 

DasguteOhr

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Sep 26, 2013
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Hello,
for hard dirt tpyewriters cleaner,and daily use dirt erasers work good.
Best Things in Live are cheap..






Cherrs,Stephan
 

DetroitVinylRob

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Kick’in it ol’ school… remember DiscWasher?
Never quit liking this thing. Horsehair brush with a magnifying mirror.
FD8EDA75-FE24-4894-A298-1F5666D78D16.jpeg
D5625F32-E72D-4DF0-908D-124DDAC5D2B0.jpeg
[|;^)>
 

twitch

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I put it in the dishwasher on the 'gentle setting' ........ :eek:
 

abeidrov

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WOW, this is rather disturbing:
 

Ron Resnick

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Is it too old school to clean the stylus just by gently sweeping the hard bristle brush from back to front? And occasionally a bit of Last Stylus Cleaner?

Does it have to be any more complicated than this?
 
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abeidrov

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Is it too old school to clean the stylus just by gently sweeping the hard bristle brush from back to front? And occasionally a bit of Last Stylus Cleaner?

Does it have to be any more complicated than this?
It’s probably an easy task for experienced vinyl die hards like yourself, who have done it for many many years:) But I am afraid to touch my stylus with a brush. It’s much easier to use the DS Audio cleaning pad.
 
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jfrech

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WOW, this is rather disturbing:
I am glad you posted this. Wow. I think I better stop using mine.
 

mulveling

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Jul 6, 2017
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I'm still skeptical of claims that the stylus goop was caused by the gel pads alone. Look how filthy the pictured cantilevers are, encrusted with particles - it looks more like a case of bad vinyl hygiene, over time, on the user's part. Gel pads alone were never adequate cleaning. They are good as a lazy shortcut to bust fuzz during a listening session. But your main regimen should incorporate other tools, like brushing and ME - these will not allow goop to accumulate, even if it does come from the gel! And you should brush up & down the cantilever and front plate, as well as they stylus. As with teeth, brushing is a must! You can choose ME or stylast (only occasional use) or whatever else to complement it, but brushing should be a core part of your regimen.

Anyways, I use the DS Audio when I'm being lazy during long sessions (used Onzow before that), and I'm not scared off of it, yet.
 
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abeidrov

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Do you think Flux ultrasonic stylus cleaner can replace a brush and is safe to use?
 

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