What Can You Clean Vinyl Records With?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Warm water. Some people say you should use hot water, but there's no real benefit to that. …
  • Dish soap (or record solution) Dish soap is the cheapest option, but it will leave a bit of residue on your records. …
  • Carbon Fiber Brush. …
  • Soft, Lint-Free Cloth.

Can you clean vinyl records with Windex?

You can now proceed to use Windex. Remember, as it's harsher than just water and soap, so

only spray a little on the records

. A few sprays will do as you're going to spread the solution by using your microfiber cloth anyway. Wipe the records gently until the Windex dries up and polishes the records.

Is it OK to clean vinyl records with alcohol?

Wash The Record

Although some people use a combination of water and dish soap, we don't recommend it. Instead, we recommend using a

cleaning solution designed for use on vinyl records

. However, not all record cleaning solutions are created equal. In particular, we recommend avoiding any that contain isopropyl alcohol.

Can you use dish soap to clean vinyl records?

Some collectors recommend cleaning vinyl using just distilled warm water because most products will leave behind a residue. … The water should be warm enough to dissolve the soap, but should not be steaming. If you're using dish soap, make sure it's a gentle formula,

such as Dawn

.

Can you use vinegar to clean vinyl records?

Don't use natural vinegar.

Only white vinegar

. Always use a clean sponge and cloth. … If your records have been stored for a time and you have dirt or mold on them you may want to wash them with a few drops of dishwashing soap and a soft cloth.

Can you clean vinyl records with baby wipes?

yep. As above. Fine for a quick wipe to make them *look* good to flog off to the unsuspecting.

Not good for proper cleaning

.

Is Windex bad for vinyl records?

The biggest concern with using window cleaners on your vinyl records is

ammonia

and the second biggest is alcohol. You can and should buy a glass cleaner that is ammonia-free and alcohol-free if at all possible. This is because both ammonia and alcohol can eat pits into your vinyl.

Can scratches be removed from vinyl records?

While

there is no foolproof way to repair scratches on vinyl

, you can try using wood glue to remove dust and even out the surface of your record. Clean your record with a dry brush, liquid cleaning solution, or a toothpick to remove additional dirt and debris.

What is the cheapest way to clean vinyl records?


Dish soap is

the cheapest option, but it will leave a bit of residue on your records. Record cleaning solution is a better choice, but a bottle will generally cost $20 to $30. If there are no fingerprints or other oily smudges on the record, you can get a way using just water, which is actually better for the record.

Will rubbing alcohol damage vinyl?

Rubbing alcohol is an excellent cleaner and great for removing stubborn spots, when used correctly. …

DO NOT apply directly to the vinyl

, or allow the alcohol to dry on the fabric. This could damage the fabric!

How do you deep clean old vinyl records?

  1. Remove dust and static regularly with a record-cleaning brush.
  2. Use anti-static sleeves to store your records.
  3. Examine your records to check for damage.
  4. Keep stylus clean.
  5. Remove dust and debris.
  6. Use a deep-groove record washer system.
  7. Use a liquid cleaning solution and brush.

Does vinegar harm vinyl?

When it comes to cleaning, vinegar is a solid workhorse.

Vinegar can clean vinyl floors

, laminate countertops, and ceramic sinks and toilets—but it can't clean everything.

Should you clean vinyl records?

Cleaning your records is important, but it won'

t do much good

if your turntable's needle is dirty. Styluses get dirty by picking up dirt from your records, which can build up if you spin vinyl regularly. If you don't clean it regularly, your stylus may get damaged, and need to be replaced.

How do you clean vinyl records yourself?


Mix 1/4 of 96-99% isopropyl alcohol, 3/4 distilled water, and one or two drops of rinse agent

. The best way to do this is to add these ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well. Place the record on a microfiber cloth. Spray the solution on the record by making sure none of it gets on the label.

Can I clean vinyl records with Clorox wipes?

Disinfecting Wipes including Clorox, Green Works, PDI Sani-Cloth HB Wipes, Lysol, Oxivir, Virox, and CaviWipes. Note: Disinfecting wipes that contain bleach are

acceptable

on vinyl. 7.5 to 9 is the recommended pH for bleach.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.