[Dixielandjazz] Re: Cleaning very dirty 78s.

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Mike,
The following method was demonstrated to us here in Sydney many years ago at
a lecture given by a visiting Finnish audio archivist.
I use it all the time, with very satisfactory results.
All that is is needed is medium-warm soapy  water (dish-washing detergent is
fine) and a (new) half inch wide stiff (house) paint brush with the bristles
neatly trimmed (with a 'Stanley' type knife) to within about half to
three-quarters of an inch from the metal handle binding.
Cushion the disc on newspaper (about 5-6 sheets) on a very firm bench top or
table.
Flood the disc surface with the warm soapy water, keeping it away from the
disc label to avoid possible water staining. Let it soak for a minute or so.
Then, with the bristle brush held vertical to the disc surface, gently but
firmly clean out the grooves in a circular motion, working from the centre
to the edge of the disc.
Rinse off the soapy water with a clean cloth and fresh warm water and dry
the surface thoroughly with a soft lint-free cloth (tea towel).
Make sure that there is no soap residue left on the disc.
Repeat for the reverse side.
Depending on the dirtiness of the disc, it may be necessary to repeat the
operation.
This method also works well with 45s and LPs, but do NOT use the bristle
brush. 
NEVER use solvents, WD40 or the like.
Very kind regards,
Bill.
PS: For some reason 45s are more susceptible to dirt than LPs.
They respond well to the above cleaning method.