How To Clean | Maintain Analogue Vinyl Records

[12incher]

I'm curious about this vacuum cleaning device for cleaning records? I have heard this can make records sound like new?

[Sami M]

I'd very much like to now a good and reliable cleaning method too. At another forum folks seriously recommended Zippo lightning fluid! They said that when gently rubbed on record it would efficiently remove all dirt and it itself evaporates.

Sounds odd, have you heard about this? Thought I try it on some worthless record to see what will be left of it.

[Bernie]

Originally Posted by Sami M

I'd very much like to now a good and reliable cleaning method too. At another forum folks seriously recommended Zippo lightning fluid! They said that when gently rubbed on record it would efficiently remove all dirt and it itself evaporates.

Sounds odd, have you heard about this? Thought I try it on some worthless record to see what will be left of it.

Hi Sami,

Welcome to the site.

When it comes to record cleaning stick with the time tested methods such as vacuum cleaning or LAST brand record cleaners. Even if Zippo does remove dirt... one doesn't know the checmical reaction it can have on vinyl either now or over time. Don't play with fire :-)

If you want to use readily available items then try Joy or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It cleans dirty records well, but you have to avoid getting it on the label and rinsing all of it off quickly. I usually finish this with a pass on a Nitty Gritty vacuum machine and it works very well.

Record cleaning machines, brushes, supplies...

Record sleeves

[Disco Funk]

My method for cleaning is pretty simple. First of all, I have those wooden handled brushes from several record cleaning kits. The liquid ran out, and I couldn't get any more cheap refills, so I've since switch to using distilled water on my vinyl in conjunction with the brushes. I always clean my records on the turntable, so I can turn it as I'm wiping away the water. If the dirt is really in there, I just put a bit more water and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then I use two or three brushes to get it off. The records definitely don't sound like new or anything after cleaning, as there will always be a little dirt. But I get them clean enough so the sound isn't muffled. Sometimes I'll need to even play it through a couple of times before I decide to record it to my PC and then burn it onto CD-R.

Disco Funk

[Cdnbob]

Does anyone know of any retailer or source in Canada where one can buy record cleaning kits and record sleeves? Sadly by purchasing stuff like this in the U.S. I'm likely going to get dinged by customs etc.