Record Cleaning Machines

• A record cleaning machine is an asset to those with hundreds of records in their collections. The machine saves time and produces safer and better results than can be achieved by hand, according to discomusic.com. The machine is a box that turns the record on a platter while it is soaked with a cleaning solution via soft pads. This works loose the oils and dirt in the grooves; the dirt is vacuumed up with a tube. The cleaning solution can be purchased from machine suppliers such as Nitty Gritty, VPI or Keith Monks. Clean a really dirty record by hand first before running it through the machine. This avoids fouling up the works. Record cleaning machines can be bought on eBay or purchased new starting at about $200. The highest-quality machines cost upwards of $1,000. Once the records are clean, touch-ups can be done using a small brush.
  
  

Cleaning By Hand

• Wash your records by hand if you don't have the motivation or the wherewithal to purchase a cleaning machine. Start with a cleaning solution, which usually comes with an applicator brush. The cleaners used in the machines work well, but you need a quality brush to apply them. The Last Company sells good cleaners for records and styluses. Lay the record on a towel, table, turntable or other clean, flat surface. Apply the cleaner to the brush, then set the brush on top of the record. Give the record several counterclockwise turns to loosen up the dirt. If using the turntable, secure the tonearm so it doesn't swing across the record as cleaning. Be careful not to damage the bearings by pressing too hard on the platter. Check the brush to see how much dirt and dust is accumulating. Clean it off, then continue turning the record until the brush is dirt-free. The record should dry pretty quickly because alcohol is the primary ingredient of most cleaners. Still, let it air dry before flipping the record over and placing it back in the sleeve.
  
  

Homemade Solutions

• If you can't find record cleaning solutions in your area, some household items can do the trick. Use isopropyl 90 percent alcohol or higher--but not rubbing alcohol or witch hazel. They can harm your record. Dishwashing liquid without moisturizers--such as Joy or Dawn--can be used to clean dirty records, but avoid getting the solution on the label. Blot a wet label dry immediately; do not rub it. Use distilled water, not tap water. Properly rinse any homemade solution off the record, then dry without scratching the record.