How to Clean Vinyl Records Safely at Home

Pops, crackles and muffled sound are often caused by dust and grime sitting in the grooves, not a worn-out record. Knowing how to clean vinyl records properly makes them sound better and protects your stylus. The golden rule: be gentle, use the right liquids, and never let records air-dry dirty.

Quick answer: Before every play, sweep the record with a carbon fiber brush while it spins. For a deep clean, wipe along the grooves with a microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water and a drop of record cleaning solution (or a mix of distilled water with a few drops of mild dish soap), rinse with distilled water, and dry completely before putting it back in a clean inner sleeve.

What You'll Need

Carbon fiber anti-static record brush
Soft microfiber cloths (see our microfiber cloth guide)
Distilled water (tap water leaves minerals in the grooves)
Record cleaning solution, or a drop of mild dish soap
Label protector or a steady hand
Clean anti-static inner sleeves

Step 1: Dry Brush Before Every Play

Place the record on the turntable and let it spin. Lightly rest the carbon fiber brush on the surface for a couple of rotations, then slowly angle it off the record to sweep dust away. This takes ten seconds and prevents most noise.

Step 2: Deep Clean Dirty Records

Set up a clean surface: lay the record on a clean microfiber towel.
Mix your solution: use a dedicated record cleaning fluid, or about 1 cup of distilled water with a single drop of mild dish soap.
Protect the label: keep liquid off the paper label, which can wrinkle or bleed.
Clean with the grooves: dampen a microfiber cloth (not dripping) and wipe in a circular motion following the grooves, not across them.
Rinse: wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain distilled water to remove any residue.
Dry completely: pat with a dry microfiber cloth along the grooves, then let it stand upright in a rack for a few minutes until fully dry.
Repeat on the other side.

Should You Use Alcohol?

Many record cleaning fluids contain a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, but strong or undiluted alcohol can harm vinyl over time and should be avoided. Shellac 78s are different: never use alcohol on them.

What Not to Use

Window cleaner or household sprays
Paper towels or rough cloths (they scratch)
Tap water
Wood glue "peel" methods unless you're experienced

Record Cleaning Machines

If you have a big collection, a spin-clean basin or vacuum record-cleaning machine makes deep cleaning faster and more thorough.

Keep Records Clean Longer

Handle records by the edges and the label only.
Replace paper sleeves with anti-static inner sleeves.
Store records vertically, away from heat and sunlight.
Clean your turntable's stylus with a stylus brush (back to front).
Keep dust down in the room; see our tips to clean electronics without streaks.

FAQ

How often should I deep clean records?

When you buy them used, then only when they look dirty or sound noisy. Dry brush before every play.

Can I wash records under the tap?

It's not recommended: tap water leaves minerals and soaks the label. Use distilled water.