I think in a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to worry about how to keep our vinyl records clean. We would spend endless hours listening and enjoying them instead. But alas, the world is dirty and that dirt lands on our precious vinyl, so from time to time (actually more often than that), our records need a good cleaning. Along with dirt builp-up also comes static. A good cleaning will help reduce this static, it will get the dirt and grime out of the groves, and keep your records sounding pristine.
Really it’s an evil continuous cycle. As that a turntable platter turns, you have an electrical charge that builds up. Similar to how black or white clothes attract all kinds of fuss and animal hair, that static on the record pulls in a ton of dust and tucks it neatly away in the grooves of your beloved records. The resulting sound is all too familiar to us, all the little clicks and pops, clicking and popping as the record turns.
Keeping your records clean can be pretty time consuming. I personally tried several different ways. I am not proud of this but back in my djing days I had so much dirt on my records, people didnt think that they would still be playable. Having learned the hardway, I wanted to share a few tools that i found quite useful over the last decade:
Anti Static Dry Brush
These little brushes can be had for ~$15-$25 dollars. The one we really like is made by Opula and has a timeless design that many have tried to copy. It’s a simple aluminium brush with two rows of Carbon bristles that help eliminate the static and remove the dust even from fairly dirt records. This option is one of the least expensive while tackling the everyday dirt that you might come across.
AMAZON LINK: Amazon
An alternative to the carbon fiber brushes are felt brushes that have a soft felt pad that gently swoops the dust off your record. This is another great alternative however, because these types of brushes do not have any bristles, it doesn’t perform too well for a deep cleaning.
AMAZON LINK: Amazon
AMAZON LINK 2: with cleaner Amazon
Washing station
For records that have some grime build up on them, it is recommended that you run them through a washing station that contains a mild soapy mixture. Normally your have to manually spin the record while the brushes wash away the dirt. It’s a pretty basic concept that promises a no-mess approach and this is certainly better than washing the LP’s over a sink or another surface that can get wet. These washing stations are available from $80-$1000+. Covering the different machines and features requires a separate article, but here is a snapshot of the most popular contenders:
Spin-Clean Starter kit
This simple kit consist of a washing basin, brushes, soap. The dirty vinyl record clips into the basin and rotates through the cleaning solution. The brushes are able to penetrate the groves of the record and the cleaning solution softens the tougher grime. The kit also comes with drying cloths. Overall this is a great value.
AMAZON LINK: Amazon
Vacuum Record Cleaning Machine – Record Doctor
This devices plugs into the power outlet and acts like a vacuum cleaner for your records. Place your record on top and turn it on and the Suction tube and brush will literally vacuum the settlements off your record as the record turns and the bristles do their job. Coming in a $200 this is an attractive option for people serious about keeping their record collection clean.
AMAZON LINK Amazon
If you only want the best for your vinyl, take a look at the fully automated vacuum cleaning machines. The top of the line models feature a cool running motor that does not easily overheat so that the machine can run continuously for several hours. The motor allows for forward and reverse operation to remove even the most persistent dirt and dust. Depending on your budget, machines like this can be had for $500-$800.
AMAZON LINK Amazon
AMAZON LINK Amazon
Honorable mention goes to In The Groove Record cleaning roller. This little thing is similar to the lint brushes that people commonly use on their clothes. The roller has a special film that works particularly well for removing the dust of the record, but it is limited to the surface of the record.
AMAZON LINK: Amazon