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How to Clean LP Record Albums

Dust, dirt and fingerprint oils can all contaminate the surface and grooves of a vinyl record. An uncleaned record will produce pops and clicks when it is played, and leaving an LP record coated with contaminants can shorten the length of its life. While many record collectors insist that a record cleaning machine be used to restore their albums, that equipment is hard to find and costly. As an alternative, you can clean your records by hand with a homemade solution.

Things You'll Need

Soft towel
Bucket (at least 1 gallon capacity)
Long-handled spoon
4 to 5 drops of additive-free dishwashing liquid
16 oz. of isopropyl rubbing alcohol
2 1/2 qts of distilled water
Record cleaning brush (for use with wet solutions)
Chamois cloth
Plastic record sleeves (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Pour 4 to 5 drops of additive-free dishwashing liquid, 16 oz. of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and 2 1/2 quarts of distilled water into a bucket. Stir with a long-handled spoon for approximately 15 seconds to mix the ingredients together.
- 2
  Place the record on a clean, soft towel on a flat surface such as a table. Dip the bristles of the brush in the cleaning solution.
- 3
  Place the record cleaning brush with one of the ends perpendicular to the label, or where the bristles are in a position to clean all the grooves of the record as you turn it. Turn the record counter-clockwise three to four times with one hand as you hold the brush on top of it with your other hand. The bristles need to make contact with the album in order to clean it.
- 4
  Inspect the brush for dirt and dust. Rinse it out under running tap water and then shake to remove excess water. Dip the bristles back into the cleaning solution if the record still appears dusty or dirty and repeat Step 3.
- 5
  Dry the record with a soft, chamois cloth or allow it to air dry. Store the record in a plastic sleeve to avoid dust and dirt build-up.

Record Collecting