Stylus Cleaner Solution

[audiobliss]

Ok, so hearingimpared is just such a nice guy that he's sending me a stylus brush for free (thanks, man!!) while I'm gathering funds for a ZeroDust. Seeing as how I'm gathering funds for a ZeroDust (and am now broke!), I can't see spending ~$25 on some cleaning solution. So, what are some homebrew recipes I might could put into use for the time being?

Any input? Any advice on technique for using the brush is welcome, too.

[Dean guitar pla]

Most any commerical lp cleaning fluid works well and kills static to boot

[miner]

My DIY cleaning solution is 4 parts distilled water, 1 part 91% isopropyl alcohol and 3 drops of ivory soap for a half gallon solution. ALWAYS brush your cantilever/stylus from back to front so as not to break the cantilever.

[audiobliss]

My DIY cleaning solution is 4 parts distilled water, 1 part 91% isopropyl alcohol and 3 drops of ivory soap for a half gallon solution. ALWAYS brush your cantilever/stylus from back to front so as not to break the cantilever.
Thanks for the info!

How long will a half-gallon last? How do you apply it to the brush, and how much? Seems to me that a half-gallon solution would last a life-time! :eek:

Oh, and should the Ivory soap be anti-bacterial or not? :D

[miner]

I would just 'dip' the brush into the solution. For cleaning LPs I have put some solution inot a spray bottle, spray the LP generously (careful to keep liquid off of label), scrub with a Mobile Fidelity brush, wipe with a microfibre cloth. The I follow up with the Orbitrac2 cleaner. Basic stuff but it keeps my albums pristine.

Plain ivory, no additives - very important!

Others have claimed that the Mr. Cleam Magic Eraser is a great stylus cleaner - lower and raise the stylus on the eraser.

[Loud & Clear]

Some say not to use cleaning solutions for the stylus. They say that it corrodes the cantilever and adds microscopic films and crystals that impede successful playback. The local turntable guy in my town suggests the use of a record cleaning machine to keep records clean, and aside from blowing on your stylus, that you can occasionally dip your stylus gently into basic Silly Putty a time or two using the arm lifter. Just passing along what I heard.

[jm1]

The attached document contains more information on using the Magic Eraser.