VinylBug record cleaning system User manual

Thank you for purchasing the VinylBugTM record cleaning system! We have designed the Vinyl-
BugTM family of products to be easy to use and maintain. If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact us at one of the methods listed at the end of this manual, or visit our
website at www.vinylbug.net.
Lets Get Familiar with VinylBug!
VinylBug Components:
1- Cleaning Arm and Neck
2- Microfiber Locking Plate
3- Replaceable Microfiber Cloth ( 100mm x 100mm )
4- Neck Baseplate
5- Plinth
6- Feet
7- Vacuum Adjustment Valve
8- Vacuum Port ( 1 1/4" )
9- 45 RPM Record Adapter
10- Platter
11- Record Clamp
12- Threaded spindle 1
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2- Record Cleaning solution in a small spray or squirt bottle ( see section below on recommendations )
3- Optional: Record Brush or pad for wet "scrubbing". A microfiber towel can be used for the wet scrub-
bing step. However you might find you want something with a handle. There are many options that will
work for this, with the main goal being to spread record cleaning fluid around on the record, and to
loosen debris. Good options that we like are:
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What do VinylBug owners need to supply?
1- You will need a small Wet / Dry vac with a 1-1/4" hose connec-
tion. Small 1 to 2 gallon units work very well, and have a low cost
investment. (See figure 1). You may already own one of these wet
/ dry vacs, and if not, they are commonly available at many retail-
ers. We do not recommend using a larger wet / dry vac! The
higher powered unit will have too much suction. The hose connec-
tion to VinylBug is not permanent, so you are free to use the
vacuum as a regular vacuum when not using the VinylBug.
A. Small painters pad ( Various sizes available in
the paint section at home improvement stores.)
B. Soft bristle paintbrush ( Natural fiber brushes
work well and are relatively inexpensive )
C. VinylBug SoloTM (available from Apples &
String ). This handle has user replaceable micro-
fiber on its cleaning surface. It can be used wet
or dry on its own or in combination with the
VinylBug system.
D. Other wet cleaning brushes available from
Mobile Fidelity and other brands (not shown).
Figure 1
A
B
C

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How do I use VinylBug?
(Pro Tip: Before starting, you may want to protect your work area with a towel, just in case you spill some cleaning fluid.)
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Step 1: Plug in your wet / dry vac and connect
it's 1 1/4" hose to VinylBug.
Step 2: Make sure Vinyl bug's cleaning arm is
rotated out of the way. The cleaning arm has
slots that lock into the base at 90 degree
angles. So to rotate the arm, you need to lift up
the arm slightly before you can rotate it out of
the way.
Step 3: Remove the threaded record clamp by
turning it counter-clockwise. You may need to
keep the platter from turning with your other
hand as you turn.
Step 4: Place your record onto the platter.
Step 5: Replace the threaded record clamp by
turning it clockwise. You may need to keep the
record and platter from turning with your other
hand as you turn.
Step 6: Spray your record with cleaning fluid.
Don’t be afraid to thoroughly wet it down. We
will vacuum off the dirty fluid later.
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Step 7: Gently scrub the record grooves with
your brush, turning the record as you go.
Step 8: Rotate VinylBug's cleaning arm into
place, and onto your record. Turn on your wet
dry vac.
Step 9: Rotate VinylBug's spindle until all of the
dirty cleaning fluid is sucked up and out of your
records grooves. Side one is done!
Step 10: Flip over and repeat for side two! It's
that easy!
Step 11: (optional ) Repeat Step 6 through
Step 9 using distilled water only for the ultimate
clean!
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Pro Tip: The vacuum adjustment port can be
slid open or closed for more or less suction
depending on your preference. The proper
amount of suction will hold your record flat
against the cleaning arm and leave your records
dry.
- Smaller 1.0 to 1.5 hp vacuums will have the
port almost fully closed
- Larger vacuums will have the port more open.

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How do you replace the microfiber pad on the
cleaning arm?
Step 1: Remove the cleaning arm from VinylBug
by lifting it straight up.
Step 3: Position a new pad by wrapping around
from the bottom and up into the top cavity. Hold
the fabric while replacing the rubber clamp.
Step 4: Replace rubber clamp, starting the clamp
on one end, and work your way to the other end.
Adjust the fabric as needed to keep in nice and
tight.
Step 2: Pull out the rubber clamp holding the
microfiber fabric in place. Review how the fabric
is held in place, so that you can position a new
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What kind of record cleaning fluid do you recommend? You can use your own record cleaning fluid
of choice. There are many formulations available for purchase, and recipes for making your own. Every-
one has their favorites for different reasons. Currently there are three types that we like to use for large
volume cleaning.
1. Basic Cleaning Solution (no alcohol): Super Simple: in a 32 oz sprayer, add distilled water and 1
drop of Dawn liquid dish soap. Dawn dish soap is mild, and acts as a surfactant. Try cleaning with the
minimal amount of soap possible. You should see very little foaming, maybe a few bubbles here and
there. Add another drop or two if its not working well enough for you. (option, add 2 oz of isopropyl alco-
hol (90%+).
2. Advanced (alcohol): in a 32 oz sprayer add 2 oz of isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and 4 drops of a chemi-
cal grade surfactant (Tergitol 15-S-7 or Triton X-100. Tergitol is recommended by the Library of Congress
for archival purposes. But X-100 has similar properties and is a bit easier to get.) Shake well, then fill
remaining volume with distilled water. (option: add 1 drop of a Quaternary Disinfectant (Hepastat256 or
Zep DZ-7) for anti-static properties)
- Alcohol will damage shellac records, so be sure to not use it when cleaning those 78's!
3. Clean water rinse: Distilled water only. This is used as a final rinse step, to remove any leftover dirt
and cleaning fluid.
When do you replace the microfiber pad? This greatly depends on how dirty the records are that you
are cleaning. Replace the pad when the microfiber looks worn or very dirty.
Where do I get more microfiber pads? We sell packs of pads at our Etsy store. However you can cut
your own replacement microfiber pads from a microfiber towel of your choice. Just make sure it is of high
quality, so that it will not scratch your records. Cut to the provided pattern with a sharp blade. High quality
microfiber can generally be found where car detailing products are sold, and are available in many
colors.
How do I clean and maintain Vinylbug? You can gently clean all surfaces with a soft cloth and water
as needed. Using harsh chemicals could damage the plastic components. We suggest rinsing off the
microfiber pad after your cleaning session is over. Use only warm water. Very hot water could damage
the 3d printed components of VinylBug. You can also rinse out and wipe clean the vacuum port as
needed. When not in use, we recommend unhooking your wet / dry vacuum and let VinylBug dry out.
VinylBug's spindle bearing does not need lubrication, however if for some reason the spindle bearing
needs lubrication, apply only 1-2 drops of a household oil safe for bearings.
If you have any questions, concerns, need replacement parts, or just want to chat, please feel free to
email us at: [email protected] or contact us through our Etsy storefront at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/applesandstring
Thank you for supporting our small family business. We truly appreciate your patronage!
Sincerely - Jessica and Matt @ Apples & String
CONTACT US:
www.vinylbug.net
[email protected]
or contact us through our Etsy store at: https://www.etsy.com/shop/applesandstring
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Microfiber Cutting Pattern
100 mm
min
104 mm
max
100 mm
min
104 mm
max
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Pro Tip: For most microfiber you can cut to a minimum size of 100 mm x 100 mm.
However, for some thicker microfiber you may want to cut to a slightly bigger size
of 104 mm x 104 mm.
Cutting option: You may want to experiment with adding a few small perforations
or slits down the center of your microfiber. This can help with flow rate if you find
your microfiber pad is very thick, and preventing optimal suction. We have found
this is not required in most cases, but present it here as something that could be
done. Install your pad on the cleaning arm first, and use a sharp blade to add two
or three small slits.
Optional Fabrics: Experiment with other fabrics. While the microfiber does a good
job, you might find it holds too much moisture for your liking. In that case, look for
an open weave nylon or polyester mesh like a thick Tule and your local fabric store.
We are currently offering a drying mesh on our website at vinylbug.net.
Optional Small
perforations or slits: