How to Clean Vinyl Records

Record Cleaning Materials Needed:

1. Clear Groove or a dedicated vinyl record cleaning solution.
2. Soft, lint-free microfiber cleaning cloth or a record cleaning brush.
3. Distilled water (if not included in the cleaning solution).
4. A record cleaning kit (optional but can be helpful).

Steps:

Prepare Your Workspace:
Set up a clean and clutter-free area to work on, preferably away from dust and direct sunlight. The team at Clocktower usually place a clean microfibre cloth on a dust free flat surface then lay the record onto this.

Dust Removal:

Before applying any cleaning solution, gently remove loose dust and debris from the record’s surface using a record cleaning brush or a microfiber cloth. Make sure to brush in the direction of the grooves.

Apply Cleaning Solution:

If you’re using “Clear Groove” or a vinyl record cleaning solution, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll want to apply a few drops of the solution to the record’s surface.
Clear Groove fluids are available in our Bridport shop

Spread the Solution:

Using a microfiber cloth or a dedicated cleaning brush, spread the cleaning solution across the record’s surface. Again, follow the direction of the grooves in an ant-clockwise direction. This helps to loosen dirt, grime, and contaminants.

Gentle Cleaning:

Gently apply light pressure while cleaning to avoid causing damage to the record. Avoid pressing too hard or scrubbing aggressively.

Rinse (If Necessary):

Some cleaning solutions might require rinsing with distilled water after application. Follow the product instructions for this step, if applicable.

Drying:

Allow the record to air-dry naturally. Make sure it’s placed in an upright position to prevent any pooling of water within the grooves. Avoid using heat sources or direct sunlight to speed up drying, as this can damage the record.

Final Inspection:

Once the record is completely dry, inspect it under good lighting to ensure it’s clean. Check for any remaining debris or residue.

Sleeve and Storage:

After cleaning, place the record back into its anti-static inner sleeve. If the original sleeve is worn or damaged, consider using a new anti-static sleeve. Store the record in its outer sleeve as well.

Additional Tips:

– Always handle vinyl records by their edges to avoid leaving fingerprints on the surface.
– Use a separate microfiber cloth for each record to prevent cross-contamination of dirt.
– A Regular clean is recommended, especially before playing a record, to ensure the best sound quality.

– Check out some tips on grading your cleaned record

Remember that not all cleaning solutions are the same, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the cleaning solution you’re using. If you’re unsure, you can consult with experts or audiophile communities for recommendations and advice on how to clean vinyl records without damaging them.