Vinyl Cleaning 101: Why & How You Should Do It
No, We’re Not Just Being Neat Freaks. Your Audio Will Sound Better.
Ever put on an old record from an antique store, and thought it didn’t sound so great? It’s likely due to years (decades!) of oils from fingers, mildew, and even tobacco tar accumulating in the grooves. Though we can’t see it with the naked eye, grime, grit, and dust collect between vinyl grooves and wear down the needle, making your records sound muddled and less clear.
Dusting records with a brush only goes so far. Tiny micron particles are deep in there, quietly ruining your records’ sound. So here’s what we do to clean our records at HiFi Buys in Atlanta.
First Things First
We should say, there is no 100 percent right way to clean your records. But there are definitely some wrong ways to do it. For the love of all things hi-fi, please don’t try the wood glue method! It will wreak havoc on your needle and records.
If you want the ultimate guide on cleaning your records, there is a 192-page book on it. But for a shorter guide, watch our video on YouTube or read our wisdom below.
Start with a Dry Brush
No matter which cleaning method you choose, always start with an anti-static dust brush. Just as you wouldn’t mop the floors before you sweep, don’t pour liquid on a dirty record. Dust off that record before getting started.
Don’t Put It Back in a Dirty Sleeve
If your record’s been living in that sleeve for years (or since the ‘70s), it’s dirty, too. There’s dust, oil, and pollutants in there, even if the paper looks clean. After cleaning your records, put them in a new polyethylene inner sleeve to keep them clean longer.
How Often Should I Wash?
Honestly, it totally depends on the condition of your records. We typically wash any record when we first get it, and then again after twenty plays or so. Records that get played a lot get washed more often.
Level 1 Cleaning: Microfiber Cleaning Kit
This is the starter cleaning method for the individual who’s just tiptoeing into vinyl and has a smaller collection. Most kits include a microfiber brush and cleaning solution. Once you have yours, you should:
- Place the record on a clean microfiber cloth.
- Spritz the record with the cleaning spray that comes with your kit.
- Run the brush over the record in a circular motion several times.
Benefits: Easy to use, removes top-layer dust and debris.
Downsides: This is a great start, but it doesn’t clean deep into the grooves. Let’s move on to the next level.
Level 2 Cleaning: “Spin Clean” Device
If you’re getting more serious about vinyl and own some old records, a ‘spin clean’ device like the Spin Clean by Pro-Ject will give you a deeper clean.
It’s a reservoir that you fill with distilled water (only distilled water!) and cleaning solution before placing your record inside. The record spins inside, as velvet pads run over the grooves. The Spin Clean comes with an air drying rack, where you can stack your collection as it dries.
About that distilled water… We don’t mean to be such a stickler, but if you’re cleaning your records, it’s kind of pointless if you’re washing them with mineral and chemical-filled water. Those minerals will build up on the surface, adding more residue.
Benefits: It’s a deeper clean than the brush, and the drying rack makes it easy to clean multiple at a time.
Downsides: You have to refill the reservoir often, and it still doesn’t get deep into the grooves.
Level 3 Cleaning: Record Vacuum
This is for the serious collector. It’s a powerful vacuum built just for vinyl records. At HiFi Buys, we like the one from Pro-Ject, which looks a lot like a turntable. It includes two switches, a motor, and a vacuum. To use it, you:
- Switch on the motor.
- Place the record on the plate.
- Pour the cleaning solution on the record.
- Spread it evenly with a brush.
- Then apply the vacuum for a few spins.
Positives: You get an incredible clean.
Negatives: It is more expensive. Not the most expensive option, but more than the brush or spin clean device.
Level 4 Cleaning: Ultra-Sonic Cleaner
This is the ultimate level: the ultrasonic cleaner. You can’t do better than a device like the Degritter Mark II, which uses ultrasonic waves to clean records. It’s contactless, and both cleans and dries your vinyl.
It’s expensive for a reason—it’s built specifically for records. There are similar systems out there that use ultrasonic waves to clean machinery or jewelry, but this goes right into the grooves.
It’s absolutely the deepest clean you can get, and fully automatic. You simply press play and walk away.
The only downside? The price. But if you can afford it, it’s fully worth it.
Find These Solutions & More at HiFi Buys
Looking for a vinyl cleaning solution or to upgrade your turntable setup? Stop by HiFi Buys in Atlanta next time you’re in the area.
There’s no pressure to know anything or to be looking for anything in particular. Come in to hear the best stereo setups in town!
