So I was lucky enough to find a nice soul acetate a while back but have been worried about cleaning it. It's currently covered in plenty of dust and could use a nice bath. How does one properly clean acetates?

thanks

Distilled water and a very soft brush.

Don't use any form of solvent / acetone or even alcohol (IMO)

adding a method from I was given from a long time acetate collector.

The waxy white exudate is not uncommon with these acetates / laquers. Sometimes a mild (10%) solution of ammonia applied with a COTTON pad will clean up the haze, followed by decanted water.

Whoops! I've been using hot soapy water...

Whoops! I've been using hot soapy water...

Luke warm soapy water is okay providing you use a soap containing no detergents, like Dove, and a very soft sponge, a baby sponge is best. By that I mean one used on babies.

I've been using that combination since 1970 and have never had any problems whatsoever.

Not sure just how deep the above method will clean records but a combination of that plus playing the record immediately after drying it helps lift any dirt and grime inside the grooves. A second wash is sometimes warranted on really dirty records.

As with these acetates you can never be sure wether there is not already a small area where the vinyl has lost its contact with the metal I would never ever wash any acetate...the risk that some water gets between the vinyl and the metal is just too big to take IMHO. Once the the process of the vinyl loosing contact with the metal has started there is nth to stop it..

As with these acetates you can never be sure wether there is not already a small area where the vinyl has lost its contact with the metal I would never ever wash any acetate...the risk that some water gets between the vinyl and the metal is just too big to take IMHO. Once the the process of the vinyl loosing contact with the metal has started there is nth to stop it..

Thanks for the pointers guys.

As with these acetates you can never be sure wether there is not already a small area where the vinyl has lost its contact with the metal I would never ever wash any acetate...the risk that some water gets between the vinyl and the metal is just too big to take IMHO. Once the the process of the vinyl loosing contact with the metal has started there is nth to stop it..

THAT'S INTERESTING, DIDN'T KNOW THAT. THANKS.

As pikeys dog said, don't use any solvent or alcohol on acetates, especially old ones.

Old acetates are very easy to damage.

Distilled water and a very soft brush.

Don't use any form of solvent / acetone or even alcohol (IMO)

Agreed. I once melted one when I was `under the influence` many moons ago. Almost took the groove right off.