Record Cleaner Options

If you don't want to spring for one of the sophisticated setups (disco-antistat or spin clean) - then I would stay simple and go with microfiber cloths and/or the AudioQuest brush.

I'm going to be getting back into vinyl later this year or next year.

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Google Spin Clean Record washer. I have had one for about a month and love it. Works great and not expensive compared to powered cleaners. Very happy with mine

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My girlfriend got me a spin clean for my birthday last month, and the damn thing was cracked. We haven't even gotten around to returning it for another one. I can't wait to get a replacement though. Probably going to do that today. I am glad to hear that you like yours.

I had a Dead album (American Beauty) that was almost unlistenable it was dirty as hell. Cleaned it and the difference was like night and day. Wont do anything for scratches but for just cleaning dirt and fingerprints, I highly recommend it.

Here goes...

1--for an easy scrub/rinse, look at the spin-clean...it is around $90 or so. Works fairly well.

2--if you plan on sticking with this hobby, I will say to just suck it up and spend the money on a VPI 16.5 motorized cleaner/vacuum system. They are around $550 new and you can usually find one on AudioGon used for around $350 or so. These are particularly handy when you go on a binge at a used record store or inherit someone's old record collection. There have been times when I have cleaned over 200 LPs (400 sides), and man is that a task. This is when the motorized unit comes in handy. I have also become popular with other record owners too!! (They bring stacks of LPs to my house to clean).
Also...99% of record owners do not properly handle records and touch the grooves with their fingers leaving oils and dirt in the grooves, and it is very audible.

3--whichever route you go, This $39 Steam Cleaner from Walgreens is a must. You need to buy a gallon of distilled water to use with it--which Walgreen's sells.




When using the steamer, you simply use the hose attachment with the nozzle tip holding it about an inch from the record surface and cover wedges of the record in parts. Think of it like pressure washing a driveway--cover the entire surface. You will need to put a dish towel under the LP as it will get a little wet when doing this. You will get a feel and your own method after a few cleanings.

I know it sounds and feels like you will damage or melt the record, but you won't--I promise. I have held the steam nozzle a couple millimeters away for 10+ seconds on one spot and resulted in zero damage to the record.
Steam cleaning will release the really ground in or stuck on crud from deep within the grooves...and it is relatively cheap!!

As far as cleaning solutions go, pick one--most are similar and good. I use MoFi (Mobile Fidelity) cleaner/mold release agent and MoFi rinse. I have also used L'art du Sound--but that stuff is expensive. Some cleaning solutions are sold in a concentrated form as well. You can mix it yourself.

Make sure the record surface is completely dry before playing. If it is not dry, the little bit of water in the grooves that you may not see will build up quickly on the diamond tip (needle) and may soften the glue that holds the diamond tip to the cantilever, thus making the rigid connection not so rigid anymore, thus causing the bass notes to become fuddled and inaccurate (yes, this actually happens).


...just my $.02...

To answer your question, yes, I use the steamer as an adjunct to the VPI vacuum.

I usually start with the VPI, then if it still has some pops and ticks, I will steam it. I usually set the record aside and wait till I have about 5-10 to clean because it is a chore to set up the steamer for just one LP.

After steaming, I put it back on the VPI to vacuum dry.

I may start with the steam process if it looks like it went through a war zone, then go to the VPI--but usually those records are too far gone to begin with.

The biggest problem with used records, or the ones you inherit from Uncle Whoever, is that most were played on a Sears & Roebuck record player with a thumbtack as a needle...and no amount of cleaning or chemical can undo the damage done to the groove walls. Groove damage is heard as a nasty hiss or scratchy sound prevelant throughout the entire track, or extreme sibilance (when vocal "S" sounds sound staticky).


Glad to see you are preserving a plethora of old records and enjoying the music.

I would also recommend putting them in a plastic outer sleeve--I believe they run about 33¢ apiece, so not too expensive. And it helps them not stick when on a shelf. I place every new and used record in a new plastic outer sleeve.