How to Clean Vinyl Records
Most crackle is just dust. A few minutes of care keeps records quiet and extends their life.
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Before every play
Give the record a gentle wipe with a carbon-fibre brush, following the groove as the platter turns. This lifts the loose dust that causes most surface noise.
Deeper cleaning
For grubby or second-hand records, use a proper cleaning fluid and a soft applicator, or a washer system. Let records dry fully before playing or sleeving.
What not to do
Skip household cleaners, paper towels and tap water — they leave residue or fine scratches. Products made for vinyl are inexpensive and safe.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best everyday way to clean a record?
A carbon-fibre brush, used gently as the record spins, removes loose dust and static before each play. That alone prevents most crackle and keeps the stylus cleaner.
How do I deep-clean a dirty record?
A dedicated record-cleaning fluid with a microfibre or cleaning pad, wiping along the grooves, lifts ingrained grime. Let it dry fully before playing; for heavily used collections, a vacuum or ultrasonic cleaner does the most thorough job.