Last week, our CEO Uku had a great chat with SoulDisco on their stream about Degritter and the world of vinyl records and ultrasonic cleaning. We highly recommend you check out the entire talk for yourself, but if you are in a hurry, here is a summary of all answers to the audience’s questions. Some questions may surprise you!

⊙ Can I put the water tanks into the dishwasher?

Yes, but choose a cold water programme. The tanks are made of plastic that doesn’t like high temperature washing. Washing machines may also leave scratch marks on the tanks, but that is simply a matter of aesthetics. Use common sense!

⊙ Can you make a video on how to clean the whole machine?

We are already on it! The video will be released soon. 

⊙ How much of 99% alcohol can my Degritter Mark II handle in the full tank (just water and alcohol)?

When it comes to alcohol or other flammable cleaning chemicals, there are things to consider: impact on the machine and dangers that can arise when using them.

First and most importantly, we strongly advise you to NOT USE flammable cleaning solutions with the Degritter record cleaning machine. 

All commercial ultrasonic devices, Degritter among them, are not compatible with flammable cleaning solutions. It is absolutely not an acceptable industrial or commercial process. This is all because a considerably low mixture of flammable liquid can have a hazardous flash point. 

Ultrasonic cleaning machines convert acoustic energy into hotspots and are considered to be an ignition source according to many international standards. A faulty transducer or even a minor spark can start a fire if you use a high mixture of flammable cleaning chemicals. Thus, our record cleaning machine is not designed to be used with any flammable cleaning agent or in hazardous environments.

Additional dangers arise from the ultrasonic cleaning process, in which ultrasonic sound accelerates evaporation on top of natural evaporation. Depending on the cleaning fluid used, toxic aerosols may be created.

Do not put yourself at unnecessary risk! DO NOT mix flammable liquids with the cleaning water.

Impact on the machine:  The machine itself is rather chemical proof. The washing tank is made out of stainless steel – alcohol does not do anything to it. The plastics used in the machine (O-rings, EPDM seals and gaskets and washing tank seals) are alcohol-proof at the Degritter operating temperatures. Though if you use a lot of alcohol over a long period of time, it may start having a negative effect. 

⊙ When cleaning multiple batches at a time, is it possible that the dirt removed from the first record can end up on the next record?

Some residue is left in the cleaning water. If you do not use a separate rinse tank and clean very dirty records, it is possible that some residue ends up on the next record. The machine filters water during the wash, but we still recommend that you change water every 10-15 records you wash if they are very dirty.

Using two tanks solves this issue, but if you only have one keep an eye on it. If the water in the tank does not pass a visual test, since it is clearly soapy or dirty, change the water.

⊙ How long can I use the Degritter?

The official warranty is two years, during these years we take the responsibility for any manufacturing defects. We offer support even after the warranty period is over. We can fix or service your machines and if necessary, we can ship replacement parts along with repair manuals. Other than that you should be able to safely clean thousands of records for years, as long as you take care of your Degritter.

⊙ If the effect of cleaning a record is so significant, how dirty must the record have been beforehand? Does this only apply to really old or very dirty records?

When you are first getting into cleaning records, the effect is so noticeable. Obviously, really dirty records pop and click, but even new records straight from the factory may start clicking when played. This can be caused by static electricity from the packaging or simply dust from the pressing facility that’s left on the record surface. So, an effect can be felt and heard on even new records.

⊙ When will we see Degritter Mark III?

Currently we are working and focusing on the Fonoteek. Only after we are done with it, we may start thinking of our next project. Still we are open to suggestion on what features you would like to see. 

⊙ Does the record cleaning fluid leave a new residue on the record?

All record cleaning fluids on the market leave a residue on the record if not rinsed. Our cleaning solution is easily rinseable, and it leaves an anti-static protection on the record.

⊙ Compared to other machines, is there a huge difference in cleaning quality with the Degritter?

Ultrasonic cleaning brings out the details from a record much better than mechanical cleaning and Degritter’s ultrasonic cleaning technology is the most advanced on the market. Degritter can bring out the smallest details that really enhance the listening experience, which you may not get with a quick mechanical cleaning for example.