How to Clean Vinyl Phonograph Records

Vinyl records should be kept clean in order to have the optimal performance.

Cleaning vinyl records is not hard by any means, but you do have to be extremely careful so that you don't scratch the surface of the vinyl record. Vinyl records should be kept clean because it reduces the risk of scratches and helps the records to play better with a clearer sound. The key to cleaning these records is using the proper equipment that will not damage the vinyl record, and using a mild surfactant to clean it with. A surfactant is a solution that will get into the grooves of the vinyl records and help you to clean them thoroughly.

Things You'll Need

• 1 tsp. isopropyl alcohol
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• Bowl
• 2 soft microfiber cloths
• Vinyl cleaning brush
• Towel

Instructions

1. Mix the isopropyl alcohol with the warm water in the bowl. This is the surfactant solution you will need to clean your records.

2. Wet one microfiber cloth with the solution and wring out as much excess liquid as you can.

3. Gently wipe the record, by placing your hand perpendicular to the grooves and follow the grooves around the record. Pick your hand up starting in the center of the record and lifting the cloth in an upward and outward motion. If you are using the brush, set the record on the turntable. Then, dip the brush into the surfactant solution and align it perpendicular to the grooves so that the solution gets into the grooves and the brush lifts the dirt, just like with the cloth.

4. Rinse out the cloth or brush and repeat.

5. Repeat on the opposite side of the disk and place the vinyl record on a towel to air dry before replacing the protective sleeve.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a mild dilution of soap and water as the surfactant, but you will need to rinse the record afterward with clean water.

• There are several vinyl disc surfactants on the market. You can usually purchase them from a record store or online.

References

• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Vinyl Records