Any recommendation on vinyl cleaning?

Hello fellow Op-fam,

I’m sampling a fair bit of bargain bin records through the OP from a preamped turntable and more than a few times have I encountered THE sample that makes you jump through the roof but finally decide against it, heartbroken, because the record is too noisy, scratchy, dusty, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for lo-fi but sometimes it’s just too much.

I just ordered a cleaning kit from Amazon which had good reviews but prob should have asked here first.

Is there a miracle potion out there that I should know about?

Happy sampling!

I really like Audio Intelligent premium 1 Step formula no. 6. It’s a little on the pricier side, but it’s rinse free and doesn’t leave much residue/streating when properly used. I’ve a but half way through my first bottle and it’s lasted over a year. It’s great for anti static purposes. Once I use it on and LP I don’t have to clean that LP again and rarely need to dry brush.
Well worth it imo!

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showthread.php?179-Mr-Smashy�s-Guide-to-Record-Cleaning

This is a fairly lengthy guide on cleaning records and it explains how to mix our own juice.

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showthread.php?179-Mr-Smashy�s-Guide-to-Record-Cleaning

Mmm can’t post a copied link. Will try later (user error or machine ghost).
It’s at DJForums under accessories/effects thread,stickied.

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showthread.php?179-Mr-Smashy�s-Guide-to-Record-Cleaning
Edit: can’t paste a URL address ?
What I’m I doing wrong? I’m on a mobile iPod. (It use to be so simple).

Isopropyl alcohol plus clean soft cloth.
For really dirty records use hot water and non-ionic detergent

http://www.djforums.com/forums/showthread.php?179-Mr-Smashy%92s-Guide-to-Record-Cleaning


Here’s the link @Spheric_El was talking about - look super comprehensive!

Try the glue trick if you’ve got some time. Get some PVA/wood glue from a craft store, or even discount variety store…


Vinyl record Cleaning with PVA Glue or Liquid. - YouTube

edit: not a great video to post, the guy isn’t convinced that it does anything…

I’ve done it to a few records and it works pretty well. Plus if you use a thick enough coat and peel it off properly you have a backwards version of the record :smiley:

Wow looks like I asked the right place! Thanks so much for all the tips and information sources.

I’d be a little hesitant with any mixture that uses isopropyl or dish soap… isopropyl WILL clean a dirty record well, but it can also increase static build up and can very easily degrade the grooves and make it more brittle with prolonged use. Alcohol is very powerful.

Be weary of soap because you don’t know what additives are in it and how they may react with vinyl. JuSt like how PVC sleeves on picture discs will eventually leach plasticizers onto the vinyl result in swoosh like marking on the record. Plasticizers very easily transfer through paper and cardboard and it can be somewhat of a collection epidemic.

The wood glue method can work, but I’d save it for the worst of records. If not done properly you can be left with very thin pieces of left over glue that didn’t come off with the peel. Your stylus will then be raking it out.

I hold to my recommendation of enzyme based cleaners developed especially for our treasured plastic.

Unless this is stuff you want to sample and toss. Then yea, just use isopropyl.

Thanks @millbastard !

just to be clear – my advice is for DIRTY records, not your treasured, precious vinyl that justs need a wipe over with a record cloth. i’m talking about records with beer and cat vomit on them. you know, crate digger material.





just to be clear -- my advice is for DIRTY records, not your treasured, precious vinyl that justs need a wipe over with a record cloth. i'm talking about records with beer and cat vomit on them. you know, crate digger material.





I agree 100% in that circumstance. Few things as satisfying as 91%+ on a flea mkt LP most would consider lost. Nothing evaporates as well either.

I received the spray and cloth and it does the job on dusty and crackly bargain bin records. It seems pretty mild and said to be “eco friendly”. Records did sound better and have a clean and shiny look after treatment.

That’s what I got: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01DTD2T5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503355972&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ecomoist+vinyl&dpPl=1&dpID=51uACtbzUwL&ref=plSrch