How To Clean Records
cleaning albums, LPs with soap and water (33 1/3 rpm and 45s)

by Mark Gallagher
feedback / questions >>>  mark@gallagher.com

Yes, this method is safe and the results are fantastic - totally quiet records (except for the music).:

Before Cleaning (record found at thrift store for $1, yes it was this dirty)

After Cleaning

Tools: 

- Groovmaster label saver - to protect the label (cost about $50 and sold by William Sargent, email: wmsar@cox.net
  (Note: you can clean records without this device, just be careful not to get the label too wet.)

- Dawn kitchen soap ($1.65) and warm water in empty plastic margarine bowl

- 2 1/2" paintbrush (found one in the garage)

- Microfiber towels (8 for $8.24 at Target)

- Sink in your laundry room or kitchen and warm tap water to rinse (almost free)

Dish rack holds records before and after cleaning

The Goovmaster holds the record during cleaning and protects the label.

With soapy paint brush, go back and forth in direction of the grooves around the record (both sides).

Rinse well with warm water (both sides).

Dry with microfiber towel

Place the record back in the dish rack and let dry about half an hour before playing.

Enjoy your record with no clicks or noise.

Examples of records I have cleaned:

Related Links:

AudioKarma Discussion Forum (vintage stereo),  Parts Express (great source for audio parts),  Turntable Accessories,
Audio Product Reviews,  Turntable belts and cartidges,   The NeedleDoctor,    Music Direct (records and record supplies)

Comments / Questions : mark@gallagher.com

Last updated: January 2009

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