The Definitive Stylus Cleaner thread.

[stevoz 5,816]

I know this topic has been covered before but I thought it might be good to have an ongoing thread regarding stylus cleaning methods and to showcase any new products/methods that may be released....and of course, to respectfully debate these different methods which are aimed at achieving what we all want....a pristine clean diamond!

My internet research has uncovered a variety of stylus cleaning methods and concepts:

---- Various brush types
---- Audio brand name liquids (usually expensive versions of commonly available and far cheaper chemicals)
---- Gels.....such as Onzow Zerodust, Moongel (an 'oilier' version of Zerodust) and VP DustBuster (all fairly expensive)
---- Iso Propyl alcohol (Recommended by Soundsmith but decried by Expert Stylus)
---- Non alcoholic lens cleaners
---- Ultrasonic cleaners (debatable cost/effectiveness that still relies on a liquid)
---- Green paper (WTF is that? I see Linn sells it's own version of this)

---- De-mineralized water
---- Distilled water
---- Vinegar
---- Vodka!!😵
---- The child's toy - Sticky Hands! (a Zerodust alternative)

Personally and I know some will back this method but maybe not the product used to undertake it......I use 'Sticky Hands'. I will explain why. Back at the start of my audio journey in the '70's, I used to use a Rotel stylus brush for regular cleans with occasional use of a brand name liquid (can't remember the brand). On my return to analogue a few years back, I read about the risk of stylus cleaning liquid' if wrongly used, ie: using too much, entering the cartridge via cantilever and potentially destroying it, so then I stuck to dry cleaning methods, ie: brush only. Realising this was not totally effective in the long term, I started using Magic Eraser and swore by it for quite awhile until I read that it is made of a dense conglomerate of micro fibres which can sometimes end up on the stylus. These fibres are quite abrasive (which makes them so good for cleaning surfaces) and could cause premature stylus wear or vinyl damage if they are still stuck on the stylus during playback. Worse still, some (clumsy, it has to be said) people have extracted their diamond completely off the cantilever using Magic Eraser. I then discovered Sticky Hands, a child's toy made of the same stuff (I believe) as Onzow Zerodust. Super cheap, super effective. Not wet but not dry.....sort of a 'Goldilocks' solution, no fibres, no motile liquid, no abrasion.....and in the hands of the non clumsy, no chance of diamond tip removal. Some may think, 'and no ego boost' but hey, it's actually just about having a clean stylus.....isn't it?

Here's some screenshots taken with my phone of just one of my 'Sticky Hand' results:

Denon DL103 before shot (after playing a newly bought but 'brushed only' second hand LP and obviously, before the LP was treated with Revirginizer!)


The same DL103 stylus after three light dabs of a 'Sticky Hand':


Impressive result, wouldn't you say? I was challenged once on the use of Sticky Hands by someone who said that when you stick one of these toys to glass, it leaves a mark or a 'residue' behind on the glass......good point but I believe Zerodust does the same thing. So, I guess I'm a 'gel stylus cleaner type guy' but I'm sticking with 'Sticky Hands' as the 'go to' product.....it's a no brainer to me at about $2 for five of these things and they're cleanable, just like Zerodust, which costs anywhere from $35 to $70 for a small pot of, what is essentially, the same product.

These gel type stylus cleaners (and Sticky Hands) are made of 'plastisol', a thermal polyurethane (TPU), a melt blend of a mixture of poly (styrine-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and plasticising oils. I have sent an email to a US company called Polyone, whose business is polymers, on what this toy is exactly made of and it's merits or contraindications as a stylus cleaner. I will report their reply.....that is, if they bother to reply.

 

I'm not here to convert anyone or to claim I have found stylus cleaning 'nirvana', just to share my experience and my resulting opinion. Everyone will have a different story/experience or maybe a similar one. Share your opinions and even better, back up your stylus cleaning methods/theories with some before and after shots with a 'scope. The USB type one's that revealed the above images are as cheap as and easy to set up and use......and we all love close up stylus shots, don't we?

Anyway, one vote here to 'Sticky Hands'......laugh if you must but I say 'once you go tacky, you'll never go back-y'😂** but simply let us know what you prefer.....and why.....with pic's if possible.👍

Cheers....and happy 'clean stylus' SQ to all.👌👍

** more appropriate edit....fair point @Hensa 👍


 

Edited June 24, 2018 by stevoz

[aussievintage 4,070]

To take up a couple of things you raised.

 

-   Using a fluid, especially those little bottles with a built in brush, is safe especially doing it 'in place' with the cartridge still mounted on the arm/headshell.  There's no way anyone could apply enough fluid to ever have it wick up the cantilever and into the cartridge.

 

- using Magic Eraser is also safe.  I did a torture test.  I scraped and ripped a stylus through and through a piece of ME, and nothing bad happened at all.  I think the myth about damaging styluses comes from nervous nellies, especially those using ME with the sound still turned up, and hearing the noise that results.  btw. ME does a VERY good job of regular cleaning.  If you have a really gooped up stylus, I think a bit of fluid may help though.

 

- ME fibres on the stylus?  Well I'd like to see proof.  The ME is a cell foam block, and I don't see fibres coming free.  I have never observed any on stylus I have photographed either  (will dredge up some photos later hopefully)

 

- I think the gels are good and work well too.  It annoys me how they collect dust and the lower and raise tonearm  procedure recommended doesn't work on some turntables easily, especially without removing the record and using the platter as a platform.  (I like to clean my stylus just after I put the record on the platter and before starting play - just a habit)

 

- green paper - that's fine grit sandpaper isn't it?   I don't like the idea of that.

 

- ultrasonic cleaners.   My experience of using u/s cleaners to clean drafting ink pens suggests it doesn't work well.

 

 

[metal beat 20,226]

 

Clean your records before play and your stylus will stay very clean.

 

I use Lyra SPT cleaner every now and then and a small brush.  Zerodust is a PITA to use and not convinced it does not leave something behind.

Edited June 24, 2018 by metal beat

[Luc 10,468]

11 minutes ago, metal beat said:

 

Clean your records before play and your stylus will stay very clean.

   Zerodust is a PITA to use and not convinced it does not leave something behind.

Agree. I'm sure there's a residue sometimes.

Tele uses something similar but far cheaper, I have a chunk of it but have forgotten the name of it.

@Telecine

[Guest Hensa]

52 minutes ago, stevoz said:

but I say 'leave the ego's at the door'

LOL - we are talking about stylus cleaners here, right? I very much doubt anybody retains their preferred method of stylus cleaning for the ego boost! 

 

I dry brush the stylus after every few sides. I do have an US cleaner which I use on all my carts once every 12 months or so but don't have any before and after shots and don't own a scope so not sure about the effectiveness but if placebo counts for anything, it does make me feel better.  

 

I agree with Shane though, clean your records and the stylus will need minimal cleaning beyond the standard brushing.

[Telecine 4,034]

18 minutes ago, Luc said:

Agree. I'm sure there's a residue sometimes.

Tele uses something similar but far cheaper, I have a chunk of it but have forgotten the name of it.

@Telecine

A magic eraser although it has been mistaken for one of @djb‘s teeth  

Edited June 24, 2018 by Telecine

[andyr 6,072]

11 minutes ago, Hensa said:

I dry brush the stylus after every few sides.

 

You're lazy - c'mon, it's no big deal to do it after every side! 

 

Quote

I do have an US cleaner which I use on all my carts once every 12 months or so but don't have any before and after shots and don't own a scope so not sure about the effectiveness but if placebo counts for anything, it does make me feel better.  

 

Agreed!  🙂

 

Quote

I agree with Shane though, clean your records and the stylus will need minimal cleaning beyond the standard brushing.

 

Yeah but look at the OP's cart in the 1st pic!  That is the most filthy stylus I have ever seen - and I don't mean that's a good thing (the way I think the young 'uns use the word)!  😁

 

Andy

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by andyr

[Guest Hensa]

8 minutes ago, andyr said:

Yeah but look at the OP's cart in the 1st pic!  That is the most filthy stylus I have ever seen - and I don't mean that's a good thing (the way I think the young 'uns use the word)!  😁

You need to pay better attention, Andy. The OP expressly states the first pic is after "playing a newly bought but 'brushed only' second hand LP". That is not what I mean by "clean your records". Of course, you may find a simple dry brushing of a second hand record purchase acceptable in which case, you should be brushing your stylus after every track rather than after every side.

Edited June 24, 2018 by Hensa

[andyr 6,072]

6 minutes ago, Hensa said:

You need to pay better attention, Andy. The OP expressly states the first pic is after "playing a newly bought but 'brushed only' second hand LP".

 

I missed that, Greg.  👍 

 

But I never play any newly-bought LP (whether new or used) without cleaning it first.  🙂

 

Quote

That is not what I mean by "clean your records". Of course, you may find a simple dry brushing of a second hand record purchase acceptable in which case, you should be brushing your stylus after every track rather than after every side.

 

I used a Nitty Gritty for 20 years:

• new LPs were cleaned once
• used LPs were cleaned twice

... before they were played.

 

Now I have moved up to a 60kHz us tank - so I only clean them once.  🙂  But I still never play an LP without washing it first.  And still I clean the stylus every side. 

 

Andy

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by andyr

[Guest Hensa]

1 minute ago, andyr said:

 

I missed that, Greg.  👍 

 

But I never play any newly-bought LP (whether new or used) without cleaning it first.  🙂

 

 

I used a Nitty Gritty for 20 years:

• new LPs were cleaned once
• used LPs were cleaned twice

... before they were played.

 

Now I have moved up to a 60kHz us tank - so I only clean them once.  🙂  But I still never play an LP without washing it first.

 

Andy

 

My point exactly. Clean your records properly and you will never have a stylus that looks like that first pic!

[andyr 6,072]

28 minutes ago, Hensa said:

My point exactly. Clean your records properly and you will never have a stylus that looks like that first pic!

 

However, I still think a stylus clean every side is a good thing - even if you do clean your LPs properly. 

 

Andy

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by andyr

[buddyev 4,510]

I usually use one of those little round stylus brushes. 

When you say Magic Eraser is it some fancy audiophile miracle product or this stuff?

[Telecine 4,034]

13 minutes ago, buddyev said:

I usually use one of those little round stylus brushes. 

When you say Magic Eraser is it some fancy audiophile miracle product or this stuff?

What you have pictured and available from your local supermarket.

[Luc 10,468]

14 minutes ago, buddyev said:

I usually use one of those little round stylus brushes. 

When you say Magic Eraser is it some fancy audiophile miracle product or this stuff?

It's that stuff.

And you can see the dirt as little black dots all over it but...I'm like Shane, I'm not completely sure that your not leaving a residue of gunk on it.

 

There is also the hassle when cleaning with a brush that you get threads of stuff that fold forward the way your brushing and as you can't brush backwards how do you get it off? I sometimes revert to fingers to pull the offending threads off but I also don't have an expensive cart.

[buddyev 4,510]

5 minutes ago, Luc said:

It's that stuff.

And you can see the dirt as little black dots all over it but...I'm like Shane, I'm not completely sure that your not leaving a residue of gunk on it.

 

There is also the hassle when cleaning with a brush that you get threads of stuff that fold forward the way your brushing and as you can't brush backwards how do you get it off? I sometimes revert to fingers to pull the offending threads off but I also don't have an expensive cart.

Yes, I have been known to use my fingers on those pesky bits when the brush isn’t effective. 

(Not that I’d admit to that in public.)

Edited June 24, 2018 by buddyev

[Wimbo 2,455]

I use a brush to clean my stylus. I do this every side. As a matter of fact, I'm bloody anal about it, especially when using Shibies and the infamous Stereohedrons. I also check the stylus with a small powerful torch and Glasses. (No, not wine glasses). If after cleaning with my brush (No, not toilet brush Andy) and the stylus is still dirty, I now give it a swipe with some fine Emery. Job done and it takes no time at all as my table is sitting around 5 feet off the ground.

[Bass13 1,628]

I'm guilty of not cleaning my new records which I suppose should be done, too.

I used the brush, but it gets a bit difficult after a few wines....hard to see too.

 

So I started using this (DS Audio ST-50) with good results, simply lower it into the gel type substance, a few times and your good to go, imo you can clean it more often without worrying about damaging the stylus, especially if your had a few too many drinks..

 

 

[Wimbo 2,455]

8 minutes ago, Bass13 said:

I'm guilty of not cleaning my new records which I suppose should be done, too.

I used the brush, but it gets a bit difficult after a few wines....hard to see too.

 

So I started using this (DS Audio ST-50) with good results, simply lower it into the gel type substance, a few times and your good to go, imo you can clean it more often without worrying about damaging the stylus, especially if your had a few too many drinks..

 

 

I've done this with Bluetac sitting between two 20 cent pieces so that no dust falls on the Tac. Seems to work ok, but I'm a bit worried about residue.

Edited June 24, 2018 by Wimbo

[Citroen 6,378]

1 hour ago, Luc said:

There is also the hassle when cleaning with a brush that you get threads of stuff that fold forward the way your brushing and as you can't brush backwards how do you get it off? I sometimes revert to fingers to pull the offending threads off but I also don't have an expensive cart.

That's the beauty if the Zerodust or Moongel. It quickly lifts those bits off the stylus.

I used to blow like hell and hope they fell off, rather than put my clumsy mitts near the pointy end.

[andyr 6,072]

26 minutes ago, Wimbo said:

I use a brush to clean my stylus. I do this every side. As a matter of fact, I'm bloody anal about it,

 

I see there's some good in you, yet, W!!  😁

 

Quote

If after cleaning with my brush (No, not toilet brush Andy)

 

Even I wouldn't think you were that "anal", mate! 

 

Quote

and the stylus is still dirty, I now give it a swipe with some fine Emery. Job done and it takes no time at all as my table is sitting around 5 feet off the ground.

 

Perhaps, in addition to your brush, you need to invest in either a 'gel' cleaner (Zerodust or equivalent) or, better, a us stylus cleaner?  😁  (Emery paper is only for Linnies - and we all know how weird they are!  😁 )

 

Andy

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by andyr

[Kaynin 3,830]

30 minutes ago, Wimbo said:

 I also check the stylus with a small powerful torch and Glasses.

 

 

I use this -  a magnifying glass with LED lights and can fold itself to a stand, or be hand held.  And it's less than $5! -

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/16x-30mm-LED-Illuminated-Magnifier-Magnifying-Glass-Loupe-Folding-Stand-Han-B6F6/232795008577?epid=787066604&hash=item3633a9ee41:g:UE4AAOSwxupbGF4A

 

 

[Citroen 6,378]

3 hours ago, aussievintage said:

- I think the gels are good and work well too.  It annoys me how they collect dust and the lower and raise tonearm  procedure recommended doesn't work on some turntables easily, especially without removing the record and using the platter as a platform.  (I like to clean my stylus just after I put the record on the platter and before starting play - just a habit)

Not sure why I don't use the platter as a platform  before putting on the record, when using the gel type pads.

 

Anyhow, I just hold it below the headshell in midair and lower/raise the headshell a few times.

[08Boss302 1,351]

I use a small carbon fibre brush thingy, then check with led light. 

 

when you refer to using sticky hands is this literally the reference?

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/6-pack-sticky-hands/692385

 

 

 

[ABG 2,547]

1 minute ago, Citroen said:

Not sure why I don't use the platter as a platform  before putting on the record, when using the gel type pads.

 

Anyhow, I just hold it below the headshell in midair and lower/raise the headshell a few times.

You'll probably find it sits too high on your platter Cliff.  I use my iPad (in its cover) as a rest just to the side of the platter.  It takes the Zerodust to just the right height to be able to drop the stylus.  I don't trust myself to hold the Zerodust steadily enough by hand. 

 

@andyr you'll be horrified to hear I only clean my stylus about once every 20 LP's or so, unless it's dirty (I check before playing pretty much every LP using the loupe on the Zerodust).  Just about every record that goes onto my TT is US cleaned, so even after 20 LP's the stylus is clean.

 

Every now and then I use the Last sylus cleaner, but more often than not, it's the Zerodust for me.

[andyr 6,072]

12 minutes ago, 08Boss302 said:

I use a small carbon fibre brush thingy, then check with led light.

 

I think you'll find the CF fibres are not stiff enuff to clean the stylus well.  IE. great for records - but not for styli.

 

Andy

[aussievintage 4,070]

1 minute ago, andyr said:

 

I think you'll find the CF fibres are not stiff enuff to clean the stylus well.  IE. great for records - but not for styli.

 

Andy

There are purpose made CF brushes that are stiffer

 

http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/carbon-fibre-stylus-cleaning-brush

[Hergest 5,016]

23 minutes ago, aussievintage said:

There are purpose made CF brushes that are stiffer

 

http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/carbon-fibre-stylus-cleaning-brush

That's a poor stylus brush unfortunately. The best is Ortofon as it's really stiff. I tried the Decibel Hifi one as it looks identical but the bristles are very soft and do no more than remove fine dust from the stylus which is fine if that's all you need to remove but not much good for dirt or stuck hairs.

 

As regards definitive stylus cleaner as per the original post, I'm firmly in the camp of having pristine records before anything and then all you have to concern yourself about is light dust. A stiff stylus brush before each side just after brushing the record is how I do things. It has become such a habit-brush for a couple of rotations as the platter reaches speed then stylus brush then lower the arm onto the record that I have the muscle memory built into my arm and it feels odd to miss part of the process.

Edited June 24, 2018 by Hergest

[08Boss302 1,351]

37 minutes ago, andyr said:

 

I think you'll find the CF fibres are not stiff enuff to clean the stylus well.  IE. great for records - but not for styli.

 

Andy

It’s this one, prob should’ve explained myself better

 

[Wimbo 2,455]

1 hour ago, andyr said:

Perhaps, in addition to your brush, you need to invest in either a 'gel' cleaner (Zerodust or equivalent) or, better, a us stylus cleaner?  😁  (Emery paper is only for Linnies - and we all know how weird they are!  😁 )

I know and some are weirder then others. Check this out. 

[andyr 6,072]

2 hours ago, aussievintage said:

There are purpose made CF brushes that are stiffer

 

http://www.decibelhifi.com.au/carbon-fibre-stylus-cleaning-brush

 

Aah, OK.

1 hour ago, 08Boss302 said:

It’s this one, prob should’ve explained myself better

 

 

You've been 'sucked in'!  Yes, CF bristles conduct - so they're good for removing static from record surfaces (as well as removing dust) - but diamond styli do not hold a static charge.  And, as Hergest posted, they're not much good for dirt or stuck hairs.

 

Use the "Disc Doctor" stylus brush which is also on the Decibel HiFi link you gave, instead.

 

Andy

 

Edited June 24, 2018 by andyr

[andyr 6,072]

42 minutes ago, Wimbo said:

I know and some are weirder then others. Check this out. 

 

 

"Senses working overtime", indeed W!!  👍 

 

Well done for retrieving that pic - that's a pic of my SkeletaLinn which is about 5 years old - so just after I developed v1.

 

Attached is a pic of the current v2 - with 2 motors.  😁  And no Linn felt mat!  And an Edward Chan composite inner platter.  And a 'Tranquility' mag-lev bearing lift.  A big step forward!  🙂

 

Andy

 

[Guest Misterioso]

I have a very soft record brush (Thunderon, sold by @Hensa on the forum a while ago) that I also use to clean the stylus. I also clean all records with a RCM. 

[Addicted to music 7,155]

6 hours ago, aussievintage said:

 

-   Using a fluid, especially those little bottles with a built in brush, is safe especially doing it 'in place' with the cartridge still mounted on the arm/headshell.  There's no way anyone could apply enough fluid to ever have it wick up the cantilever and into the cartridge.

 

I disagree with ANY liquids in a bottle and even if you are so friggin careful...

liquids left without drying will find its way anywhere including defying gravity as certain materials will assist for it to "creep". This can be shown with uses of paper towels;  if dropped a paper towel or cleanex on liquid you can demonstrate that it will creep into the fibres and flow against gravity to be absorbed.   I've seen a MC cartridge with its coil totally corroded away hence the reason why there's no sound in one channel, reason of the use of stylus cleaning fluids.  When you have $0000 invested stay away from fluids.

[t_mike 8,284]

I clean all records with US and vacuum when I first get them. I wet vac EVERY time they're played. I use a CF brush which is plenty stiff enough. The purpose of CF in this case has nothing to do with antistatic characteristics. It is the only material financially viable which is both fine enough and strong enough to capture and hold dust and grit without wearing away quickly. The many fine bristles will hold the contaminates better than a more coarse brush. If your stylus needs a scrub, it's probably too late. It gets VERY hot in operation and causes gunk to varnish to a hard layer, much like a saucepan. For this reason I don't trust oily gels either. My stylus brush has a convenient magnifying mirror on the reverse side.

 

[Wimbo 2,455]

8 hours ago, t_mike said:

I clean all records with US and vacuum when I first get them. I wet vac EVERY time they're played. I use a CF brush which is plenty stiff enough. The purpose of CF in this case has nothing to do with antistatic characteristics. It is the only material financially viable which is both fine enough and strong enough to capture and hold dust and grit without wearing away quickly. The many fine bristles will hold the contaminates better than a more coarse brush. If your stylus needs a scrub, it's probably too late. It gets VERY hot in operation and causes gunk to varnish to a hard layer, much like a saucepan. For this reason I don't trust oily gels either. My stylus brush has a convenient magnifying mirror on the reverse side.

 



The old Discwasher stylus brush. In regards to the heat, that is why I use a very fine Emery or Wet and Dry. The stylus cops a greater hiding playing records then what the emery can give it.

[aussievintage 4,070]

10 hours ago, Addicted to music said:

I disagree with ANY liquids in a bottle and even if you are so friggin careful...

liquids left without drying will find its way anywhere including defying gravity as certain materials will assist for it to "creep". This can be shown with uses of paper towels;  if dropped a paper towel or cleanex on liquid you can demonstrate that it will creep into the fibres and flow against gravity to be absorbed.   I've seen a MC cartridge with its coil totally corroded away hence the reason why there's no sound in one channel, reason of the use of stylus cleaning fluids.  When you have $0000 invested stay away from fluids.

The MC cart you saw might have had heaps of excess fluid applied when upside down.  The tiny brush supplied with the fluid just won't apply enough for it to climb up the cantilever when in normal position.

[andyr 6,072]

1 hour ago, aussievintage said:

The MC cart you saw might have had heaps of excess fluid applied when upside down.  The tiny brush supplied with the fluid just won't apply enough for it to climb up the cantilever when in normal position.

 

AIUI, it depends whether the cantilever is an (aluminium) tube ... or a solid (boron/ruby) rod.  You will get wicking with an ally tube.

 

Andy

 

[stevoz 5,816]

19 hours ago, Hensa said:

You need to pay better attention, Andy. The OP expressly states the first pic is after "playing a newly bought but 'brushed only' second hand LP". That is not what I mean by "clean your records". Of course, you may find a simple dry brushing of a second hand record purchase acceptable in which case, you should be brushing your stylus after every track rather than after every side.

I prefer to Revirginize second hand records before play but sometimes I'm just too curious to do that first. Once RV'd, I believe a brush will do and I 'gel dab' my stylus before every side anyway......👍

[stevoz 5,816]

17 hours ago, Citroen said:

That's the beauty if the Zerodust or Moongel. It quickly lifts those bits off the stylus.

I used to blow like hell and hope they fell off, rather than put my clumsy mitts near the pointy end.

As does 'Sticky Hands"......it comes down to whether you want to pay $30 to >$100....or....$2 for a product that is essentially identical and just as effective. NB: Warning to all on Moongel....I have read that it is an 'oilier' version of Zerodust and is far more likely to leave an oily residue on one's stylus......but I don't find 'Sticky Hands' oily at all.👌

[stevoz 5,816]

17 hours ago, 08Boss302 said:

I use a small carbon fibre brush thingy, then check with led light. 

 

when you refer to using sticky hands is this literally the reference?

https://www.kmart.com.au/product/6-pack-sticky-hands/692385

 

 

 

They're the ones......Zerodust in the shape of Donald Trump's hand!😁 Are you game enough to try them?