# This is the right way to clean your vinyl records

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/this-is-the-right-way-to-clean-your-vinyl-records/
- Published: 2026-11-01T23:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T00:03:50+00:00
- Original publisher: Engadget
- Original article: https://www.engadget.com/2300311/this-is-the-right-way-to-clean-your-vinyl-records/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- A carbon fibre brush helps remove surface dust.
- Wet cleaning can remove grime lodged in record grooves.
- Scratches cannot be fixed, and alcohol can damage shellac 78s.

## Summary

There is no single best way to clean vinyl records: the right method depends on budget and how much effort a collector wants to put in. Regular cleaning can remove dust that causes crackling, while deeper wet cleaning can lift grime from grooves; scratches cannot be repaired.

For routine care, use a carbon fibre brush on the spinning record and clean the stylus gently from back to front. For deeper cleaning, apply record fluid with a soft brush, avoid wetting the label, and use distilled water to rinse homemade alcohol mixtures; never use alcohol on shellac 78s. Record-washing machines typically cost about $80 to $125, while ultrasonic cleaners are described as the premium option. Dry records fully on a rack and use clean, air-dried microfibre cloths.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.