RCM Cleaning brushes

labjr1

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Jun 18, 2020
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I just cleaned 200 albums. 100 I used the VPI brushes that come with the HW1. The other 100 I used the Mofi brushes. My results were interesting. I found the Mofi brushes much easier to use and control to protect the record labels. However of the 100 cleaned with the Mofi brushes, I had to re-clean 18 due to noise level - 3 did not improve. With the VPI brushes I had to re-clean 6 and of those 6 only 2 made significant improvement with a second cleaning. I realize it is not scientific, but the sample size was big enough to point to the VPI brushes doing a more thorough cleaning job than the Mofi brushes - which is a disappointment to me because I fund the Mofi's easier to use (although threads coming loose on the Mofi brushes seems to be a problem). Has anyone had a similar experience? If not how do you improve on the results with the Mofi brushes? (all 200 albums were thrift store buys and all were cleaned with the AIVS 3 step system).
 

labjr1

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Jun 18, 2020
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See message #2 in your own thread with a review link where a recommendation and the use of brushes with AIVS is covered.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/thre...ng-system-for-use-with-rcm.30925/#post-657354
I am using that AIVS 3 step methodology with dual ultra clean water rinses (resorting to the 4 step if a 2nd cleaning is needed) but rather than using the Osage brushes I am using the VPI brushes (which at least appear to be very similar in design). Both are made of anti-microbial nylon bristles. By pointing me to the link are you stating the Osage brushes are markedly better than the VPI brushes?
 
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tima

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Mar 3, 2014
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I am using that AIVS 3 step methodology with dual ultra clean water rinses (resorting to the 4 step if a 2nd cleaning is needed) but rather than using the Osage brushes I am using the VPI brushes (which at least appear to be very similar in design). Both are made of anti-microbial nylon bristles. By pointing me to the link are you stating the Osage brushes are markedly better than the VPI brushes?

No. I was pointing to the article because it discusses the soft MoFi / Disk Doctor type brushes and the Osage audio brushes, along with techniques for using them. By their design the soft microfibre type brushes are meant to be held flat against the record and they can collect dirt particles. So different techniques for different style brushes - that might be an explanation for your different results. From pictures the VPI brushes look similar to those from Osage Audio but I vaguely recall the VPI brushes were not available at that time. That style brush will not collect dirt as easily.

I find brush technique more important than brush brand as long as the brush used is of the same basic style. Jim Pendleton and I had a discussion on the use of brushes and we agreed that using a brush to lightly agitate the fluid with the brush against the record surface helped keep residue particles suspended. Scrubbing is not viable because the bristles are too big to fit into the groove. The idea is to let the cleaning fluid do its job. That takes time - ime that time was often longer than what AIVS suggests, hence the need to keep loosened particles suspended in fluid as the enzymes do their work. Ymmv.

How long do you leave the various AIVS fluids on the record before rinsing off?
 

labjr1

Member
Jun 18, 2020
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Thanks for the wonderful explanation. I typically go with 5 minutes of soaking with the 1 step enzyme cleaner of the 3 step AIVS process. I will distribute the fluid on the record, give it a good scrub (5-6 rotations in each direction) and let it soak for 5 minutes. I then give it a second identical scrub to agitate the fluid and suspend any particles so they can be picked up by the vacuum process. I do not soak in step 2 or the rinse (I rinse first with distilled water and then again with the ultra-pure water. If I am using their #15 Enzymatic cleaner I have repeated the scrub / soak cycle for up to 30 minutes (scrubbing after 5 minutes and adding cleaner to replace what evaporated). I then proceed to the 3 step system for final clean up. I just ordered a Degritter that I intend to add to the process as I keep hearing that the Ultrasonic method is more consistent in removing background noise - which I can only assume is the ability to get down into the groove more effectively than the brushes can.
 

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