How to Clean LP Record Albums

Cleaning your vinyl records is a part of maintaining them.

Dust, dirt and fingerprint oils can all contaminate the surface and grooves of a vinyl record. An uncleaned record will produce pops and clicks when it is played, and leaving an LP record coated with contaminants can shorten the length of its life. While many record collectors insist that a record cleaning machine be used to restore their albums, that equipment is hard to find and costly. As an alternative, you can clean your records by hand with a homemade solution.

Things You'll Need

• Soft towel
• Bucket (at least 1 gallon capacity)
• Long-handled spoon
• 4 to 5 drops of additive-free dishwashing liquid
• 16 oz. of isopropyl rubbing alcohol
• 2 1/2 qts of distilled water
• Record cleaning brush (for use with wet solutions)
• Chamois cloth
• Plastic record sleeves (optional)

Instructions

1. Pour 4 to 5 drops of additive-free dishwashing liquid, 16 oz. of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and 2 1/2 quarts of distilled water into a bucket. Stir with a long-handled spoon for approximately 15 seconds to mix the ingredients together.

2. Place the record on a clean, soft towel on a flat surface such as a table. Dip the bristles of the brush in the cleaning solution.

3. Place the record cleaning brush with one of the ends perpendicular to the label, or where the bristles are in a position to clean all the grooves of the record as you turn it. Turn the record counter-clockwise three to four times with one hand as you hold the brush on top of it with your other hand. The bristles need to make contact with the album in order to clean it.

4. Inspect the brush for dirt and dust. Rinse it out under running tap water and then shake to remove excess water. Dip the bristles back into the cleaning solution if the record still appears dusty or dirty and repeat Step 3.

5. Dry the record with a soft, chamois cloth or allow it to air dry. Store the record in a plastic sleeve to avoid dust and dirt build-up.

Tips & Warnings

• To find a dishwashing liquid that is additive-free, look for one that states "100 percent biodegradable" on the label.

• Use a record cleaning brush for dry cleaning applications to remove surface dust from your records before and after playing.

• If you are in doubt about cleaning your records with a homemade solution, there are commercial solutions available.

• Avoid getting the label wet when cleaning. If the label does become wet, blot it with a dry towel. Do not rub at the wet spot or the label may tear and come off.

• Allow the record to thoroughly dry before attempting to play it. If you "wet-play" a record, it can damage the record as well as the playing equipment.

• Don't put your newly cleaned album back into a dirty or dusty sleeve. Use a new, clean sleeve.

References

• Disco Music: How to Clean Analogue Vinyl Records
• TNT Audio: Record Cleaning Devices and Fluids