If you already have vinyl at home, you’ll notice: a lot of dust tends to collect on records very quickly. No matter how rarely you take a special collector's edition vinyl out of its sleeve or even if it only sits on the turntable for a short time — the first layer of dust is often already there when you pull it out of the sleeve. As we all know, dust finds its way into every little corner. That’s why proper cleaning is essential for the longevity of your vinyl. You can easily do this as part of your daily routine, or go a bit deeper with the right tools. We explain everything below.
Vinyl Equipment at a Glance
To give you an overview, here’s a list of the most common vinyl accessories. Depending on the size of your record collection (or how big you plan it to become) and the level of dirt you’re dealing with, this will help you get oriented:
-
Vinyl storage boxes for organized collecting
-
Vinyl brush for quick everyday cleaning
-
Special vinyl cleaning solution, microfiber cloth, and distilled water for thorough cleaning
-
Discofilm for deep cleaning
-
Record cleaning machine for multiple records
-
Household gloves if needed
A vinyl brush should definitely be part of your standard equipment!
Minimize Dust: Store Records Properly
Simply storing your vinyl correctly already makes a noticeable difference. It should go without saying that after listening, you should put the record back into its inner sleeve and outer cover or plastic wrap to avoid excessive dust buildup.
If you’ve already built up a larger collection, a storage box is a great solution for keeping multiple records neatly arranged side by side. In a box like this, significantly less dust accumulates compared to open shelves — or just stacking them on top of each other around your home.
No-Gos: Tap Water, Dish Soap & More
What may sound like a quick and easy fix is unfortunately counterproductive. Washing records with tap water can damage them due to the limescale it contains. Dish soap is also a definite no-go, as residue left in the fine grooves can damage the record as well.
Other products you should immediately remove from your vinyl care list:
-
No high-proof alcohol (it attacks PVC)
-
No standard kitchen paper or towels (can cause scratches)
-
No common household cleaners (e.g., glass cleaner, vinegar, etc.)
-
Do not put them in your regular dishwasher!
Cleaning Vinyl: A Simple Guide
There are several methods depending on how dirty your records are.
Vinyl Brush
Make it a habit to remove dust with a vinyl brush before putting a record on — and again after listening, before storing it away. Always move along the grooves to avoid scratches. This keeps up a relaxed level of basic everyday maintenance.
At the latest when you start hearing crackling or popping during playback, you’ll know: it’s time for the brush again.
Wet Cleaning with Cleaner and Microfiber Cloth
Before wet cleaning, use the vinyl brush to remove coarse dust. Before applying vinyl cleaning solution, make sure to waterproof the center label — ideally with plastic wrap.
Then spray on the cleaner and gently wipe with a microfiber cloth, again following the grooves. Finally, rinse the record with distilled water. For drying, the record should stand upright — for example, in a dish rack.
Discofilm
If you’re dealing with more stubborn dirt than just dust, so-called Discofilm can help. It’s a gel that you apply to the entire record (except for the center label!), basically like a face mask, and then let dry.
Once the gel hardens, you can peel it off completely — removing even the tiniest dust particles and debris from the grooves.
Record Cleaning Machine
There are special record cleaning machines, but they only really make sense if you regularly need to deep clean multiple records at once. For hobby collectors, the tools and methods above are more than sufficient.
A worthwhile investment, however, for anyone who regularly hunts for older vinyl at flea markets, for records that may not have seen proper cleaning in quite some time.
Are There DIY Solutions?
Sure, you can mix your own vinyl cleaner. But to truly do your records a favor, you need to pay attention to the correct ingredients. This mixture has proven effective:
-
Distilled water
-
Isopropyl alcohol (ratio approx. 1:3 with water)
-
Wetting agent such as Agepon (1 drop)
May your vinyl collection grow and flourish. You’ll regularly find limited and exclusive editions of vinyls directly with us!
