How to Clean Vinyl Records

Keeping your vinyl records clean is easy. Vinyl records are a great way to enjoy music, but they tend to collect dust and dirt. Between late-night listening and Sunday morning sessions, new and shiny vinyl can start experiencing some serious wear. Let’s not forget those rare gems that someone pulled from the crate and never cleaned properly.

Fingerprints, dust, static, and scratches all create noise on what should be the best format for audiophiles. The cracks and pops can become unbearable. Furthermore, oil from your hands can eat at the surface of vinyl, bringing the value of a record down.

So, how do you clean vinyl records? Follow the steps on how to clean vinyl records and you won’t have to worry about dust or fingerprints. Below are five steps explaining the best way to clean vinyl. Soon your vinyl collection will sound as good as new.

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5 Steps for How to Clean Vinyl Records

1. Remove dust and static with a record brush.

2. Inspect the record for visible blemishes.

3. Spray cleaning solution on the dirty or smudged areas.

4. Wipe clean using circular movements.

5. Store vinyl records properly to prevent future problems.

If your record is extremely dirty or moldy, we suggest washing it with warm, soapy water. Let it dry before you begin step No. 1.

person using a record brush to clean a inyl record on a turntable

1. Remove dust and static with a record brush.

Just like you sweep before mopping a floor, removing dust and static first will make things easier. Use long, gentle brush strokes with a special tool. This will help you remove dirt without damaging the vinyl surface. Plenty of record brushes exist, but we can personally vouch for the Audio-Technica AT6013a.

person with a discogs hoodie inspecting a vinyl record for dirt

2. Inspect the record for visible blemishes.

Check your vinyl record’s surface for any discolorations, smudges, and fingerprints. These problem areas will need some extra love and attention.

person spraying cleaning solution on a vinyl record

3. Spray cleaning solution on problem areas.

Once you identify what sections of a vinyl record that need cleaning, apply a cleaning solution or record cleaner. Be careful to avoid touching the label with liquid, as this can cause the epoxy to loosen and the label to discolor.

Cleaning Solution Recommendations

Many collectors debate which vinyl record cleaning solution works best and which ones to avoid. You have many options to choose from.

One option is VPI record cleaning fluid. Another is the soapy mixture used by the Library of Congress. You can also use Dawn dish soap, preferably the blue kind, mixed with water.

person wiping clean a cinyl record with soft cloth with cleaning solution in the backgroun

4. Wipe clean using circular movements.

After you put the cleaning solution on the record, use a clean microfiber or cotton cloth. Apply pressure in circular movements. This will help rub away the blemishes. Be sure you continue to avoid the label at all costs.

person demontrating how to properly handle vinyl records while putting them in a sleeve

5. Store vinyl records properly.

Make sure you handle your records by the edges or label. Also keep them in a sleeve. Check out our guide on storing and handling your record collection to learn more.

Optional: Wash with warm, soapy water.

Before you start, you’ll want to establish what kind of shape your vinyl is in. If your record is dirty or moldy, we suggest washing it with warm, soapy water. Let it dry before you begin step one.

Take a teaspoon of soap and warm water. Cover your index finger with a microfiber cloth. Dip your finger in the solution. Gently rub the record in circular motions along the grooves.

After you’ve done this clockwise and counterclockwise, you’ll want to do one more with distilled water to remove all remaining residue.

Product Recommendations

For those that need to clean a lot of records, consider buying a vinyl record cleaning machine like the sell records.

– Audio-Technica AT6013a Anti-Static Record-Cleaning Brush

– Near Mint Vinyl Record Cleaner

– Okki Nokki Record Cleaning Machine

Steven Williams and Russ Ryan contributed to this guide. Video shot by Sam Harrison and hosted by Russ Ryan, who is also a co-founder of Near Mint. Thanks to Audio-Technica, Okki Nokki, and Chillhop for providing the gear and music to help Discogs create the video.