How to Clean Vinyl Records

Emily Fazio
·3 min read
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Vinyl records are nostalgic as can be, but for your record collection to be enjoyed for generations to come, it requires proper care and upkeep. Not only are they delicate, but they can easily attract dust, dirt, and grime, which can impact the sound quality and overall condition of the record. Even the greases and oils on our hands risk damaging the surface and affecting the audio quality. Some owners resist cleaning, fearing that the wrong cleaning material or cleanser will destroy the surface, but with the right materials and a loving touch, you can keep your records in excellent condition.

You'll Need

Cleaning Vinyl Records

  1. Remove dust. Use a record cleaning brush or a blast of compressed air to gently remove loose dust and debris from the surface of the vinyl record. If you're using the record brush, align the bristles with the vinyl grooves in the vinyl and move the brush in a circular motion to ensure thorough cleaning.

  2. Mix cleaning solution. Mix one tablespoon of Simple Green into 2 cups of warm water. Again, distilled water is bets. Dip one of the clean microfiber cloths into the solution, and squeeze out excess liquid. directly onto the record surface. Avoid using excessive liquid to prevent damage. Pro tip: transfer the unused solution to a jar for convenience in the future.

  3. Wipe in a circular motion. Lay the dirty record flat on a dry, clean microfiber towel. Using microfiber cloth, gently wipe the record in a circular motion, moving from the center towards the outer edge. Avoid getting any moisture on the record label. Be careful not to press too hard or scrub vigorously, as you can scratch the record. Once you do one side, turn the record over and repeat on the other side.

  4. Dry thoroughly. Allow the wet record to air dry completely or use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to gently dry the surface. Ensure the record is completely dry before playing to prevent damage to the turntable or record player needle. Finally, give it a short blast with the compressed air to remove any dust that settled on the record while it was drying.

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Can I use household cleaners to clean vinyl records?

No, generally speaking, household cleaners can be too intense for vinyl. Solutions that include soap or alcohol can damage the grooves of vinyl records and affect sound quality. Furthermore, any kind of abrasive scrubber (like steel wool) should also be avoided. Opt for specialized record-cleaning solutions, or a diluted Simple Green solution.

How often should I clean my vinyl records?

It depends on how often you play your records, handle them, or remove them from the protective outer sleeve. Careful as we can be, exposure to our skin oils and the dust in the air happens any time we pull them from the paper sleeves. So, you might find that you want to clean your records after ever few uses, or more often, if they aren't as well-protected.

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Is it safe to use a record-cleaning machine?

Ultrasonic record cleaning machines make it easier to deep clean vinyl records, but make sure you follow the directions precisely to avoid damage. We're partial to cleaning records by hand as it gives us more control over handling of the record grooves One wrong move, and you might have a scratched to prevent scratching or warping of the records.