How to Clean Vinyl Records

Don’t worry about dust or fingerprints. Discogs will show you how to clean vinyl records the easy way.
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Hosted by Russ Ryan, who is also a co-founder of Near Mint. Shot by Sam Harrison. Thanks to Audio-Technica, Okki Nokki, and Chillhop for providing the gear and music to help Discogs create the video.
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[kagome]

Cleaning the record before playing it is part of the listening experience. I always use the RCA Discwasher cleaning solution and the included cleaning pad. I got into records earlier this year and I like it so far!

[reelymusic]

Don't use alcohol (of any kind) on vinyl > it will strip out the 'softeners' and produce a Brittle groove surface. -High Fidelity magazine from the 70s included electron-micro-graphs of the damage to alcohol stripped discs vs same number of plays (100) on an 'UN-stripped' disc. The results were dramatic and convincing.

His cleaning brush ... he swipes it outward > that will leave particles on the right (outer) side of the grooves.

I use original DiscWasher brush (i use it dry) which also has carbon fiber bristles > but they are arranged in rows, so that a 'slow rolling motion' brings row after row through the grooves...BUT DiscWasher brush's fibers are ANGLED ... so Each Row lifts and retains near 100% of dust and loose particles.
Note: I precede the brush with a ZeroStat gun by Discwasher before every play. And the DiscWasher Stylus Brush ... whenever i suspect my Ortofon has encountered any possible contamination.

I tell you this after 63 years of experience (and i know all the mistakes i made in the first 10 years by listening to the wrong people with the worst advice)

NOW YOU PROBABLY WANT ME TO MAKE MY OWN VIDEO> if i get at least 20 requests, i gladly will.

[HawkFest]

Thanks a lot for this "tutorial"! One question though... Most anti-static brush lose their bristles (as much as our contemporary era is one of cheap toys, fake tools and utter waste of resources in that sense): which are those you'd recommend (brand names please)? About the liquid cleaner, what's its constitution, is it mostly distilled water?

[lucakieft]

i learned it from my father. he still got a player and he is teaching me how to maintain them

[raider]

I love my Rock N Roll records! 🎸 I'm on a Led Zeppelin binge right now

[sintenpiet]

I bought my records in the 70’s, no tutorials in those days. I still/again play them. The secret? Don’t touch the surface, balance the player, the tone-arm, the stylus en keep your records standing-up, not leaning on others and stay away from direct sunlight and heat. Some of them i play wet, no big deal, less noise. Others sound like cd’s, no noise at all.

[dcashley]

This is how I do it...
Option 1: Microfiber cloth + distilled water in a spray bottle. (For new records just to get rid of any static and little bits of paper, dirt etc)
Option 2: Microfiber cloth + less than 10% isopropyl alcohol in distilled water in a spray bottle. Then rinse with microfiber cloth + distilled water. (For used, dust and dirty records)


I also use a record brush to have a gentle wipe over before playing if the record hasn't been played in a while. Don't clean your records on the record player itself. Invest in some outer sleeves and some poly lined inners and you are good to go.

[harmonizaac]

Option 1: Clean it yourself.
Option 2: Spend $700

[blitzs]

How do you avoid touching the grooves when wiping it down with a microfiber cloth? Because your other hand seems to be gripping the other side's grooves.

[tuskedbeast]

Here's a tip: if you have a huge single jumping skip, feel for a feelable speck of crap stuck in groove. Scrape out with your fingernail. It often works and it can only help.

Discogs, boomerang camerawork = headache.

[straightdoinit]

Alright now I just need LOFI Hip-Hop and Slow Motion and I'm ready for washing day

[different]

Hi !
Thanks for the video
Question might sounds stupid but.. i'm starting to have quite a lot of gems (6 limited, 3 limited, signed press etc...) and I wonder what is the best method to me ? going to a professional cleaning (which seems to be more stripping than cleaning) or just doing it manualy with some record cleaner (such as the Groove brand etc)
I'm afraid for these record that time will create ring wears, splits etc.. what is the best option ?

I separate discs, clean them and store them in Mastersleeves antistatic, put cover in 0, 2mm plastic cover separately ?

also, if my finger put a mark on a cover, should i really go and clean it like a maniac or this will really leave like a mushroom trace in 20/30years ?
Am I too paranoid ? I love these discs and music more than I love myself

[gavincalaway]

Will this remove the bad words from my records with a Parental Advisory warning?

[divinevideos]

Never tried that before, but I will give that a shot.

[PedroMiguel-ifll]

Cleaning with a cloth like that in circular motion, just makes the dirt and grime get deeper in the grooves.

[stephenjerome]

Those record cleaning machines can be really expensive. My advice is save your money and just use wood glue instead. I think it's the best method for deep cleaning your vinyl. I have used this technique for a while now on my vinyl using Titebond II wood glue and get great results every time. When you peel off the dry glue what you're effectively doing is pulling all the dirt and muck out of the groove. It's so much better than using any fluids. The only downside to this method is it's a bit of a waiting game while the glue dries, usually about 18-24 hours, but that doesn't bother me really.

[raider]

I use sand paper it gets deep in the grooves 😀

[majkon]

Salesman in a local shop convinced me to buy a goat brush (Tonar woodgoat) because it should (allegedly) be better and more gentle than the carbon one even for dry cleaning as it less likely make scratches. Since I can’t find any mentions about it online (only that it's good for wet cleaning), I got bit nervous if it's really safe to use it dry. What do you think?

[KerrickLong]

The "For more detailed instructions, head to our blog" link doesn't go to a specific article.

[commentscorner]

How do I have separate shipping policies for international and national customers? Thanks