Cleaning Vinyl Records with Household Products: Effective or Ineffective?

In today's video, I'm going to show you how I clean my vinyl records by hand using everyday household products that we all have in our home. And then in an upcoming video, I'll show you how you can go about cleaning your records using a record cleaning machine like the Okki Nokki!
Can you effectively clean vinyl records with household products, like soap, water and microfiber rags? And is it easy to do or is it very time consuming?
Well, check out today's video to find out!
Also, if you enjoyed this video, please hit the "like" button down below. And make sure you Subscribe to my Devoted to Vinyl channel so you can be one of the first people to know when a new video drops!
And lastly, don't forget to voice your thoughts down below in the comments section, as well!
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Intro Music: Far Away (Sting) by MK2
Background Music: Erykah by Otis McDonald
Outtakes Music: Behind Closed Doors by Otis McDonald

[@bradenraines1637]

The only helpful man out here on this topic and he’s like the 8th google result

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks 👍🏿👍🏿

[@Jack_77990]

Fr

[@XimenaZhao415]

I love this guy. He's like the "Reading Rainbow" of vinyl records.

[@jefesvintage]

Well said

[@mikescope100]

I had a new classical album with 15 loud pops in a row. Tried your method and they are gone. You are the man. Thanks for the video.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Glad it helped you 👍🏾👍🏾

[@SaranjitDosanjh]

Thanks dude, the Sam Cooke is a sign of credibility. Star Trek uniform is touch of home video genius. I will definitely try this.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks 👍🏿. Let me know how it goes for you.

[@MaterLacrymarum]

I've watched a few videos on this topic lately, but this one is probably the best. So many other channels say things like "never use alcohol", but provide no evidence of harm. Same with washing up liquid. For the record, I've been playing with making my own fluid. Why not buy buy a third parties liquid? Easy, cost. You see, when you make your own it's very cheap, and you can drown your albums in liquid and not worry so much about waste. I've tried various combinations, but what is here is basic, to the point, and IT WORKS. You may have to do it more than once, it just depends on the amount of dirt on the record, but that's understandable. I'd only add the obvious. Never, ever, use tap water to clean your records. Tap water contains minerals you don't want on your records. Some areas have more, some less, but you don't want any, so tap water is out. Use distilled water only. Secondly, the alcohol is useful to aid in drying, since it evaporates. Washing up liquid is there to clean, but it also reduces the surface tension of water, meaning it helps ensure that the water gets deep in the grooves. That's it. Thanks for the no frills, basic video.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Great comment. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@whildhair83]

Very effective method. I just got my hands on my dads old records and thanks to you they sound great! Thank you!

[@pancakemuffinberry21]

Thank you for your advice! I'm just getting into vinyl collecting and I wish I had known about this sooner before I went and bought the cleaning kit. I will definitely be trying this for my other records.

[@kerryblueher3147]

Firstly, to each his own. We're all aware of "soap scum build up" in one's shower. That's thanks to the type of soap used. Soap stated another way is a "surfactant" (surface active agent) which reduces water tension and allows an item to "wet out" easier (simply become wet). The type of surfactant has an impact on residue left behind. Soooo, I would suggest one use either a photographic rinse agent, or a bit cheaper dishwasher rinse agent. The choice is yours!

[@petrichorweather350]

I reccomend brushing off any dust and dirt before spraying it❤

[@jonlevinson3000]

Awesome video ... and timely too: I just picked up some Microfiber towels today and some spray bottles last week.

[@PrestonFrederick]

dropped a like for Mr. Miyagi! Subscribed because thank you so much for this video! Me and bae just got a record player and didn't want to spend more than we have to to maintain our collection! Your video was to the point and had the quality and class necessary to be enjoyed and appreciated. Hope your channel continues to grow!

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks buddy. Definitely appreciate it. Hope you two enjoy your record player!

[@RetroGameStream]

Great video. Got some old records I'd love to improve the sound of and was looking for a cheap and easy way to clean them without buying a machine. I'm going to try your solution out, thanks!

[@dinahnicest6525]

From the 60's through the 90's a little brush that clipped onto the cartridge served me very well. Then I raised some kids and put all that stuff into storage. But I kept buying vinyl. When I finally got my stuff out again, not everything worked right. So I just replaced my stereo right before Covid 19 got here. I don't have a brush and I don't know if they're still available. Everyone used to advise against them. But in the 60's I gave my records the kind of care you'd expect from a preteen and they still play and sound great. They'll certainly outlive me. I won't play any of these used records I bought without cleaning them, but for maintenance, I want a clip-on brush. Do you know if they're still around? I won't be looking or buying anything for a while.

[@ryanlenihan427]

I use the Spin Clean as a middle ground between an expensive machine and cheaper household things. It works great 👍

[@ipsy64idunno41]

Hey Michael - Many thanks for this video. Gives me a starting point on a massive collection of family LPs. Cheers!

[@Ravenheart__]

ty so much this helped out massively I used to just collect vinyls because I didn't have a record player and used to take the discs out to look at them because I really liked them, and putting some of them on the record player I was genuinely scared that I had scratched them somehow but they were just dirty and needed the dust taken off a true life saver and straight to the point

[@mattwhitaker7174]

Thank you so much! This was super helpful. I was just gifted a stack of 45s without sleeves and was looking for a way to clean them off.

[@stefany7943]

Thank you!!! my record got dirty and needed a affordable method.

[@goingefishingteam6741]

Thanks for your amazing tips! I’m a new collector and your videos helps a lot

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks for watching!

[@ShelleyOurian]

I ALWAYS clean my records before I place them on a turntable, and I'd found an affordable cleaning kit that contains a big velvet brush for the record, a small cleaning solution spray, and a tiny brush to remove the dust that was on the big one. Had no problems with the aftermath...

[@cookiescream5716]

Mind dropping the brand? One i am thinking about getting is from a brand called vinyl buddy

[@scottwalpole6596]

Hi Michael...I use a nice clean micro fiber cloth and a little bit of simple green and a few drops of water ..applying a little pressure in a clockwise direction and then counter clockwise..Viola all done..Vinyl is clean and sounds terrific..

[@RichardsDigest]

I use a Knosti Antistat machine with my own solution, similar to yours but not rubbing alcohol but Etanol instead. Works great.

[@ForSunday]

Never use microfibre clothes on my records anymore, left loads of lint on the records that clogs up my stylus. Got an Okki Nokki now with L'Art Du Son cleaning solution and the results are amazing. I never got good results out of hand cleaning no matter what I tried, they looked nice but were always still noisy.

[@denniscarnahan7670]

Thanks, cleaning is easy. I'll need to develope this as a habit.

[@goplad1]

I use a blend of Simple Green and a small amount of Windex. Using a medical wipe or a microfiber towel I clean in a circular motion. The results are stunning. There is no need to spend a fortune of a cleaning machine. It is both laborious and the results aren't always what you want. I've tried them all. Thanks for posting.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

I always like hearing everyone else’s cleaning methods. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomhill4003]

Great video for basic record cleaning! Can you provide the exact measurements for your cleaning fluid?

[@stevejohnson1321]

I use a similar formulation and proportion, but only on last-resort LPs. That tiny amount of Dawn etc. can sometimes impose crackles, although it might be less-bad than what you started out with. If the disc has dried-on peanut butter or fruit punch, that might be a candidate.

[@kthejynwey]

Super useful! Thanks a lot ;-)

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Glad it helped you out.

[@patsloyan9755]

Thank You 💕

[@canadianyoutuber9448]

Omg ur awesome attitude reminds me of the reading rainbow guy📚 🌈 👦

[@joselozada5838]

True , am using Dawn in Blue , and ETHYL ALCOHOL which in fact is the very best alcohol product and no other is

[@jackofalltradesmercury207]

I see a Jackie Wilson record behind you. I have it........ Cool👍👍👍👍

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Yup, definitely was a talented artist 👍🏿

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You.

[@MrDrobin71]

I use Tergikleen in distilled water (I only use distilled water: cleaning & rinse) with an ultrasonic machine for cleaning. All records get cleaned (new & used) be for 1st play. The use of alcohol & soap has created some very entertaining reads on some boards, I stay away from both.

[@Okatin99]

@MrDrobin71 What ultra sonic machine do you use?

[@MrDrobin71]

@@Okatin99 a total dyi setup honestly- the ultrasonic is a vevor 6.5 L found on eBay. Then a “label saver” by groovemaster, and a couple of dowels.

[@docmccoy95]

Thanks.

[@manjoguy]

Talk a bit about the microfiber cloth used for cleaning. How many records can you clean with the same cloth? Do you rinse the cloth after each side of the record you use it on? How do you clean the cloth? In the washing machine (which of course is using tap water) or must it be cleaned in distilled water? Do you use any soap when cleaning the cloth or is it just a water-only "wash"? I assume you air-dry the cloth(most cloth manufacturers recommend it or "no-heat" in the dryer..

[@bobthebuilderday6leader]

Seconded! I’m new to this and would love to know.

[@nicksvinylbutty5488]

Hello from England..... I've always been interested in how fellow vinyl lovers clean their records and have seen lots of these sort of videos. One thing I have never seen though is dirt on the actual cleaning cloth being used or dirty water poured from say a spin clean type cleaner....I would like to see that the solution and method used,actually works. Not that i doubt you. Liked and subscribed 👍

[@rovingrom]

This is extremely helpful and your custom cleaning solution recipe is really useful. Just one question though - will this help remove mould from my vinyls? If not, do you have other advice? My vinyl albums have been in store for many years and a few got slightly damp, hence the mould growth. 😢

[@PoulainNord]

Jurassic park vinyl, some nice groove hihi

[@rickjett6538]

I use this same method for most part I always clean my records before I play them I just spray on my record cleaning brush clean clockwise and counter clockwise also perfectly play I do have a spin clean also works very awesome also

[@MrNevilleRandom]

Depends on how bad I think it looks when listening to it! But I use tergikleen mixed with distilled water and I have a goat hair brush I use to get in the grooves and then i have a Pro-Ject VC-S2 ALU Record Cleaning Machine and I love it! And it seems to work great!

[@Mayaaa17]

Going to try this later I just bought my first vinyl today and it has been skipping and getting stuck in certain places really hope it helps🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@SimonMackUK77]

Loving yr channel. Excellent man. WD40 spray ? Actually yes! Just cleaned 4 LP s and it works: microfibre clothes. One to spray wd40 onto , yep towel underneath the record, clothes wipe as you say ,leave for a few minutes .go back with different clean microfibre cloth dpened with distilled or in my case warm ex booked water from the kettle and wipe off the wd40 residue. Leave for 5 mins. Plays and most static , clicks n pops and even jumps are gone! Yes really.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Whoa! Interesting. Wouldn't have thought of that one.

[@ka-pop2243]

WD40?! Really? I mean, yeah, I have a couple of records that I'll try it on because I don't feel like I have anything to lose with them. But are there any after effects? I ask because I used to know a (really good) guitarist who sprayed it on his strings. It decreased friction and eased finger sliding. But it also left behind gunk and resulted in shorter string life. In fairness, the gunk could've been more from finger contamination than the spray but I still wonder about potential residual build up.

[@ka-pop2243]

Simon Mc: Ok, so I tried the WD40 approach on an album with a tiny scratch that caused a skip near the beginning of a song. Here are the results. First, I was surprised that it actually did play through the skip! However, after only a 3 minute song, there was a quite noticeable blob of buildup on the stylus. Therefore I can't give it a whole hearted recommendation. I mean it's an option, albeit sort of a drastic one. YMMV but I'd advise to proceed with caution and clean the stylus after playing a record treated with WD40.

[@andyblanton6570]

I love how he talks about the pops and crackles, what most people I know that use vinyl listen to records for like it's a bad thing.

[@LeorickChrome]

Great video! I do have a question. What are the proportions you use of those 3 cleaners?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Thanks! I didn't get too scientific with it, but I'd say it was about 90% distilled water, a drop or two of dish soap and just a couple drops of isopropyl alcohol.

[@user-qo2ft7rh3p]

Thank I have about 200 old school Albums.

[@joshdieckmann595]

I'm curious to know what the ratio is of dish soap and isopropyl to distilled water that you use. I bought a VinylStyl cleaning kit, but am using the Spin Clean solution with it, just for the convenience of being able to mix up a capful of solution and distilled water, and then spin the record a few times, and on to the next one. But this method seems like a good one to use, particularly for thrift store and yard sale vinyl pickups that are excessively dirty.

[@JainaBelbin]

I recently went yard sale-ing and got some vinyl treasure. But one has water damage and a bit of the sleeve paper is stuck to the record. What would be the best method to clean it with as little damage as possible?

[@MARTIN201199]

Spray some distilled water over the vinyl and let it rest, then try to remove it with a wet microfiber cloth. Repeat until removed.

[@USMC_BABE38]

how do I Clean an really scratched up really old album that's very old but is scared due to age help

[@stormtrooper253]

Is it safe to put the cleaned side on top of the same microfiber towel while cleaning the other side?

[@picklikeapro6952]

THANK YOU! These other videos are just ridiculous. I purchased 1300 records to resell online and wow some people are just ridiculous about cleaning records 😆. Buying a tiny bottle of solution for $45? Come on now lol. It’s probably the exact solution you just made lol.

[@jasonburns1407]

I use green clean with distilled water

[@krisski2823]

How many parts of each solution and what percentage of alcohol.

[@Drake31217]

How much distilled water do you use in the solutions? Is it a water bottle full? Trying to get the exact ratios so I can go purchase everything I need to clean my records today.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

I would say that a majority of the bottle is distilled water, yes. Thanks for the question.

[@sudhirsingh-sx8lo]

what ive learnt after using this method is i just clean after ten plays.but using a carbon brush always

[@lillyanderson9551]

Does is have to be distilled water or can you use like sink water and put soap and alcohol?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

You can try regular tap water, but I'd recommend distilled water because there's less impurities in the water.

[@josephdandrea8915]

Hi, what is the ratio of the ingredients you used? Thanks!

[@Gigidag77]

Household products (non-alcoholic!) are a way to go for old 78 shellac records.

[@shawngill909]

Doing this is fine but you also should rinse it with plain distilled water. And the only way to get it all the dirt out of the grooves is to use a vacuum type system. You can buy a vinyl vac that attaches to a Shop-Vac that will work and is fairly reasonable. Or you can make your own like I did out of a Shop-Vac extension wand. I used to do it just the way you were doing it although seems to be good does not achieve getting all the dirt out of the grooves sometimes you're just pushing it in. You also want to get that soap and alcohol mixture out with a rinse.

[@MX-S]

Don't underestimate the wicking power of a good, soft drying cloth & a lil' pressure.

[@chloepark3594]

for the dish soap, if i happen to use a fragrant kind will it some how damage the vinyl?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

I haven’t tried, so I can’t say for sure. There’s always a chance that any chemical they put in to create the fragrance in the soap isn’t very vinyl friendly. If you try it, I’d test it first on a cheap, used record first.

[@giuliannaaa]

did you ever try it out?

[@cymbaline87]

I haven't been able to find fragrance free dish soap, they all have some kind of fragrance, would that be harmful to my vinyls? Thanks in advance.

[@kimmchenry4383]

Try Dr. Bronners unscented

[@alantracy6757]

Best method soapy cloth finger nail brush and wd40

[@taranagnew436]

what are the measurements of each item?

[@Fonkemman]

You don't need to rinse it after?

[@brendatrapp607]

Is the micro fiber rag damp or dry? Thanks much .

[@scottwalpole6596]

I use slightly damp and it works gr8!

[@xavierrose8208]

Some people recommend rinse aid?

[@helthuismartin]

Benzine works very good..Spiritus too.

[@WarpedRecord]

I have found records that are greasy or even moldy, probably because they weren’t stored well. For the worst ones, I have used a furniture polish like Pledge. I am certain they sound better afterward, and they have that lemony-fresh smell!

[@samlee2562]

Thanks man, I just inherited my grandads record player the other day...🤗 I'd been liking everything like a dog until now... 👅😜

[@deeznut9734]

good old soap and warm water

[@robertoquiros4385]

I prefer buy a couple of records instead a cleaning machine....so I do household way...

[@presleyfan425v3]

There's one problem with your method. I noticed you did not do a rinse with distilled water. It's very important to do a rinse because if you use dish soap and alcohol but don't rinse it off, the soap will still be in the grooves and your records will sound even worse than before. Although the solution is almost all distilled water, even the smallest amount of alcohol or soap has to be removed with a rinse.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Interesting. To be quite honest, I’ve washed countless records using this method, and they always sound great afterwards. But it’s something I’ll keep in mind. Thanks for sharing.

[@7JANEWAY]

@@DevotedtoVinyl I agree with him concerning the need to rinse off your records after cleaning them. My record cleaning regimen is similar to yours, except I don't use alcohol. I have found after a significant amount of time and many records that clear dish soap on a sponge is adequate to clean the records. I then use the microfiber cloth after washing them to dry and get into the grooves. Then finally, I dry them with a towel. I know that you and others like to let them air dry; however, in my experience, drying them with both a microfiber and plain cloth doesn't scuff or scratch the records, as long as you are doing it in a circular motion. That's the key to keep from damaging your records--cleaning them in a circular motion each and every time will cause extremely little or virtually no damage to your records.

[@blackmastardp]

I agree with you. His technique is good but I wouldn't put any soap in it. Water and alcohol is enough.

[@Ethan-hg7jw]

I would also do a wipe with straight alcohol afterwards, that way more oils and soap contaminates are removed.

[@tfriedmann5908]

@@blackmastardp if you have a really old gunky record, the alcohol and water doesn't seem to always do the trick. I can't say it's scientific, or anything, but the soap sure does seem to grab the dirt. Just my experience.

[@miss.wright3035]

If there's dirt, it'll scratch the surface by wiping it. Vacuum the dirt off with delicate brush or blow it off with a 120psi compressor. There after your routine is ideal. Remember dirt is like sand paper, DO NOT WIPE IT OFF !

[@iclarkphoto]

How much water are you using?

[@godrilla5549]

Will this work on raw chicken too?

[@AydenWebb]

Will regular water work instead?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

It could work fine, I just like distilled water because it doesn't have any impurities in the water that may (or may not) affect the vinyl.

[@scottwalpole6596]

I use a damp micro cloth with just a bit of simple green wipe dry and the sound is awesome..hope this helps you

[@arthurrosales9574]

What is the measurement of each of the items?

[@LadyPenelope]

I know right. What a bunch of crap.

[@BeckVMH]

Assuming you’re referring to the cleaning solution, I’m doing this for you although it’s described in the video... 2:15

[@aarona2227]

I literally bought Dionne Warwick’s friends album and it is brand new sealed and everything and it has zero scratches , scuffs etc and it skips like crazy and I can’t afford any fancy cleaning tools from Amazon I’m only 15.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

That really sucks. Maybe it's just a defect from the factory. Can you return it?

[@aarona2227]

@@DevotedtoVinyl I’m not really sure . However , it has a lot of crackles .

[@aarona2227]

@@DevotedtoVinyl and it had a lot of dust I just blowed the dust away with my mouth , I haven’t cleaned it yet

[@aarona2227]

@@DevotedtoVinyl hopefully when I clean it the record stops skipping , I think it’s skipping because it has a lot of dust and stuff on it that’s also why it’s making a crackling noise

[@Emiliee]

I feel your pain. I cannot afford viynl cleaning stuff, my beatles record was skipping the minute I opened it :/

[@bricktop2603]

So it was effective or ineffective? Where is the answer?

[@Bananapills]

Is it bad to use water to clean it?

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Well, distilled water should be part of the cleaning regimen. I wouldn't recommend just pouring water on the record in an attempt to clean it, though.

[@Bananapills]

Devoted to Vinyl thank you very much I really appreciate your help!!

[@TheGuitarMan71]

I did this and have white residue on the record after I clean about 30 seconds later. Should I let it dry and that might go away?

[@scottwalpole6596]

Try using your micro fiber cloth and just a bit of simple green in clock wise direction then counter clock wise..I do this and vinyl stays nice and clean and sounds awesome..hope this helps you..

[@msingh1932]

You need to go back and redo the video...and provide some details about the cleaning solution. Unless you give the ratio in which the ingredients are to be mixed...there is no cleaning solution. Rest looks OK.

[@5alpha23]

Had to stop at around 2:00 to write this comment: Please don't EVER use microfiber rags. They are actually abrasive. I'm a carpenter - anything plastic or PVC-coated mustn't be cleaned with those rags as they will leave micro scuff marks. For drying use either cotton (could leave fibers in grooves though) or compressed air!

[@SimonMackUK77]

Which cotton products can you recommend . Micro fiber clothes get recommend tho.. ?

[@5alpha23]

@@SimonMackUK77 a simple cotton rag will do perfectly - it won't leave any scratches. :) Yes, microfiber cloths get recommended but only by people who simply don't know better. You could even use pads for makeup removal as long as they are made of cotton. :)

[@MX-S]

The microfiber cloths are also hard on your fingertip skin.

[@shawnmyers1880]

Vacuum them, not smear more dirt down into the grooves

[@realjaxon]

You should have a label protector over the labels before you spray any solutions onto your record. Much safer that way.

[@DevotedtoVinyl]

Maybe so, but I didn't run into any problems.

[@manjoguy]

Where do you get label protectors?

[@realjaxon]

@@manjoguy Look on eBay. Do a search for vinyl record label protector.

[@naelair]

A young person today who knows what - clockwise and counter clockwise means - I'm impressed!

[@rolanaj272]

everyone knows what that means bru-

[@puma8262]

@@rolanaj272 yeah idk why old people think young people are _that_ stupid...everyone learns clockwise and counter-clockwise in like 1st grade lol

[@yallevereatenbeans2723]

An out of touch old fart today who knows what the internet is? I'm impressed!

[@helmutrosendal]

me in denmark watching have none of those things 👁👄👁

[@morningglass6054]

RUBBING ALCOHOL STOP !!!! Can't watch anything you post

[@emmpedno2161]

Did shit on the lp sample I wanted to try. But the mixture works great to clean dirty kitchen sink. Haha