Cleaning records

Clean vinyl is essential for proper playback. A dirty disc will sound poor, will sustain damage by being played, and could even cause premature wear of your stylus.

There is no substitute for a good record cleaning machine, like the Loricraft PRC3 (right) for cleaning vinyl. Record cleaning machines work by application of a cleaning fluid, followed by vacuuming.

If you have a sizeable collection of discs, you would be well advised to invest in a cleaning machine and use it for all your records. Even new records benefit from a cleaning—it gets rid of vinyl release agent, a chemical used in the record manufacturing process that degrades sound.

If you have a small record collection or don't wish to invest in a record cleaning machine, you might try a DIY cleaning method using distilled water (never use tap water) and a drop or two of dishwashing liquid, applied with a soft brush, followed by a thorough rinse with more distilled water. Air dry.

This DIY method can only work on the surface of the disc. Dirt and grunge deep inside the grooves require the vacuum action of a record cleaning machine.