Even if they’re just out of the package, your vinyl records are likely covered in dust. New records often come with static that attracts grime, and older records have been stored away in various people’s attics. Speaking from experience—having bought, sold, discovered, and revived many dusty finds—it’s time to give your records a thorough cleaning.
Below, you’ll discover everything you need to know about maintaining your vinyl collection in pristine condition. If you’re looking for more audio advice, check out our roundup of the best turntables and our guide on budget-friendly ways to enhance your home audio setup.
Updated March 2025: We’ve added details about ultrasonic cleaning, refreshed the layout, and verified links and prices.
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Why Wiping Alone Isn’t Enough
A quick search on Amazon will yield numerous products claiming to clean vinyl records. Generally, they rely on sprays and some type of cloth or pad for cleaning the surface. However, due to the minuscule grooves in vinyl, no cloth fibers can effectively penetrate within. While you might be able to apply cleaning solution into the grooves, extracting it is quite challenging. As a result, conventional wipe-off or spin-and-clean systems mostly just redistribute the dirt within the grooves.
This is where vacuum suction or ultrasonic cleaners prove their worth. High-end record cleaning machines—like the one from Pro-Ject ($450)—utilize a platter and a vacuum mechanism to draw the dirty cleaning solution out of the grooves, powered by a motor that rotates the record in opposing directions. On the other hand, ultrasonic cleaners employ high-frequency sound waves to shake dirt free from the grooves. Both methods are highly effective in ensuring that all dirt, dust, and grime are removed from your records’ tiny grooves.
Essential Cleaning Tools
If you opt for the suction method, you can purchase an all-in-one cleaning machine such as the one from Pro-Ject mentioned earlier. Alternatively, for those on a budget, consider one of these handy attachments ($30) designed for a small shop vacuum.
You’ll also need cleaning solution ($35), a basic paintbrush ($7), a vacuum ($50), and either an old record player or a spindle to rotate the record while you vacuum the solution out of the grooves. Scour thrift stores for older models, as all you really need is a device that turns, not one that plays music. I’ve achieved remarkable results using this method, transforming grimy old records into pristine treasures in just a few minutes.
For those interested in ultrasonic cleaning (ideal for collectors with extensive collections since you can clean multiple records simultaneously), I suggest a mid-range generic model like this one ($425). (A high-end model will typically cost about twice as much, but offers the same functionality.) The ultrasonic cleaner sends high-frequency vibrations through the cleaning solution, allowing grime to easily detach into the cleaning basin while the records spin on the included motor. After cleaning, simply place the records on the drying rack that comes with it.
