Can I use Pro-Ject Wash-IT II on 78 RPM shellac records?

Yes, because the formula is alcohol-free, it is safe for use on shellac records. Many other cleaners contain alcohol which can permanently damage shellac, but Wash-IT II is specifically designed to be safe for this material.

Do I need to dilute this fluid before use?

No, Wash-IT II is a ready-to-use solution. It is already mixed with an optimum proportion of demineralised water, so you can apply it directly to your records without any preparation.

Which record cleaning machines are best suited for this fluid?

While it can be used with various methods, it is specifically designed for use with Pro-Ject vacuum cleaning machines, such as the VC-S and VC-E models. These machines help vacuum the fluid and dissolved dirt away efficiently.

Is the fluid toxic or flammable?

No, the manufacturer describes the fluid as both non-toxic and non-flammable. This makes it safer to store and handle in a home environment compared to solvent-based cleaners.

Will this fluid leave a residue in the record grooves?

No, Wash-IT II is designed to leave zero residue. It is formulated to evaporate quickly after the cleaning process, ensuring that only the clean vinyl surface remains.

What kind of dirt does this fluid remove?

It is designed to dissolve a wide range of impurities. This includes common dust as well as tougher contaminants like fat, grease, and fingerprint oils.

What bottle sizes are available for Wash-IT II?

Pro-Ject offers the fluid in three sizes to suit different needs: 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml bottles. This 500ml version is the mid-sized option.

How does Wash-IT II differ from the original Wash-IT?

Wash-IT II is the 'new generation' formula. The main difference is that it comes pre-mixed with demineralised water, whereas some previous versions required manual dilution by the user.

Is it safe for the environment?

The fluid is described as non-toxic, which generally makes it more environmentally friendly than harsh chemical solvents. However, users should always follow local guidelines for disposing of used cleaning liquids.

Can I use this fluid with a simple microfibre cloth?

Yes, you can use it manually with a cloth, such as the BAM Microfibre Cleaning Cloth. However, for the most thorough deep-clean, using a vacuum machine is recommended to lift the dissolved dirt out of the grooves.

Does this fluid contain isopropyl alcohol?

No, it is strictly alcohol-free. This is a key design choice by Pro-Ject to ensure compatibility with shellac and to prevent the potential long-term brittleness some associate with alcohol on vinyl.

What is the typical price for the 500ml bottle?

The typical price for the 500ml bottle of Pro-Ject Wash-IT II is approximately £11.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Gear article

Pro-Ject Wash-IT II Vinyl Cleaning Fluid

The Pro-Ject Wash-IT II is a ready-to-use cleaning solution designed for the maintenance of vinyl and shellac records. Formulated as a pre-mixed blend of demineralised water and cleaning concentrate, it is specifically optimised for use with Pro-Ject vacuum cleaning machines to remove impurities without leaving residue.

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Overview

The Pro-Ject Wash-IT II represents the next generation of record cleaning fluids from the Austrian hi-fi manufacturer. Unlike many concentrates that require the user to source distilled water and perform manual mixing, the Wash-IT II is a ready-to-use solution. It consists of an optimum proportion of demineralised water mixed with a high-performance cleaning concentrate. The fluid is engineered to address the specific needs of high-fidelity audio enthusiasts who require a safe, efficient way to maintain their physical media collections.

Composition and Application

A primary feature of the Wash-IT II formula is its alcohol-free composition. This is significant because it makes the fluid safe for use on shellac records, which can be dissolved or damaged by alcohol-based cleaners. The solution is designed to dissolve a wide range of impurities, including tough organic build-up such as fat and grease.

For best results, the fluid is intended for use with vacuum record cleaning machines, specifically the Pro-Ject VC-S and VC-E series. The fluid is applied to the record surface, agitated with a brush, and then vacuumed away, taking the dissolved contaminants with it. It is designed to evaporate quickly and leave zero residue on the disc surface.

User Suitability

This cleaning fluid is suited for collectors who own both modern vinyl LPs and vintage shellac 78s, as it removes the need for separate cleaning agents. Because it is pre-mixed, it appeals to users who value convenience and want to ensure the water purity (demineralised) is consistent every time they clean a record. It is positioned as an essential accessory for owners of the Pro-Ject VC series of record cleaning machines, though it can be used with other manual or vacuum cleaning methods.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other specialist cleaners in the market, such as the Acc-Sees Velvet Brush (which is a dry cleaning tool) or generic isopropyl alcohol mixes, Wash-IT II offers a residue-free, non-flammable alternative. While products like the Groove Juice Cymbal Cleaner or Ernie Ball Instrument Polish are designed for hardware and instruments, Wash-IT II is chemically calibrated specifically for delicate record grooves. Its price point, typically around £11 for a 500ml bottle, offers a mid-range solution that balances professional-grade cleaning with ease of use.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use Pro-Ject Wash-IT II on 78 RPM shellac records?: Yes, because the formula is alcohol-free, it is safe for use on shellac records. Many other cleaners contain alcohol which can permanently damage shellac, but Wash-IT II is specifically designed to be safe for this material.
Do I need to dilute this fluid before use?: No, Wash-IT II is a ready-to-use solution. It is already mixed with an optimum proportion of demineralised water, so you can apply it directly to your records without any preparation.
Which record cleaning machines are best suited for this fluid?: While it can be used with various methods, it is specifically designed for use with Pro-Ject vacuum cleaning machines, such as the VC-S and VC-E models. These machines help vacuum the fluid and dissolved dirt away efficiently.
Is the fluid toxic or flammable?: No, the manufacturer describes the fluid as both non-toxic and non-flammable. This makes it safer to store and handle in a home environment compared to solvent-based cleaners.
Will this fluid leave a residue in the record grooves?: No, Wash-IT II is designed to leave zero residue. It is formulated to evaporate quickly after the cleaning process, ensuring that only the clean vinyl surface remains.
What kind of dirt does this fluid remove?: It is designed to dissolve a wide range of impurities. This includes common dust as well as tougher contaminants like fat, grease, and fingerprint oils.
What bottle sizes are available for Wash-IT II?: Pro-Ject offers the fluid in three sizes to suit different needs: 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml bottles. This 500ml version is the mid-sized option.
How does Wash-IT II differ from the original Wash-IT?: Wash-IT II is the 'new generation' formula. The main difference is that it comes pre-mixed with demineralised water, whereas some previous versions required manual dilution by the user.
Is it safe for the environment?: The fluid is described as non-toxic, which generally makes it more environmentally friendly than harsh chemical solvents. However, users should always follow local guidelines for disposing of used cleaning liquids.
Can I use this fluid with a simple microfibre cloth?: Yes, you can use it manually with a cloth, such as the BAM Microfibre Cleaning Cloth. However, for the most thorough deep-clean, using a vacuum machine is recommended to lift the dissolved dirt out of the grooves.
Does this fluid contain isopropyl alcohol?: No, it is strictly alcohol-free. This is a key design choice by Pro-Ject to ensure compatibility with shellac and to prevent the potential long-term brittleness some associate with alcohol on vinyl.
What is the typical price for the 500ml bottle?: The typical price for the 500ml bottle of Pro-Ject Wash-IT II is approximately £11.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.