How to Clean Old Vinyl Albums

Pour 1/2 inch of 90 percent isopropyl alcohol into a small, shallow bowl. Record cleaning fluid is commercially available at a higher cost, but it is made mostly of isopropyl alcohol.

Slide the record out of its sleeve carefully, while wearing plastic gloves, and place it on a large, soft towel.

Dip the bristles of a carbon-fiber brush in the alcohol and raise it to allow the excess liquid to drip off.

Start the brush at the inside of the record as near as possible to the label without getting it wet.

Brush the surface of the vinyl lightly, following the grooves and slowly moving out toward the record's edge.

Wipe the brush on the edge of the towel to clean off the residue before applying additional cleaning solution to the vinyl record.

Flip the record cleaned-side down onto a clean spot on the towel and repeat the brushing process.