How to Clean Vinyl - The Vinyl Geek Method

This week, The Vinyl Geek shows you how to clean your vinyl records.
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Vinyl Rewind is your home for vinyl related content on KZbin. Each week, new uploads feature vinyl-based music reviews, artist interviews, contests, cocktails and collecting tips, for both the novice and expert collectors. Vinyl Rewind is dedicated to preserving an analogue lifestyle in the digital age.
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[@questhero101]

Next episode: Vinyl Rewind hair tutorial.

[@VinylRewind]

haha

[@zekecortez1404]

Vinyl Rewind, Not even a joke, we demand a hair tutorial!

[@smokin714]

Fr

[@Kalprog]

The Spin Clean works great for me, I usually do 50 records at a time and prefer to hand wipe and dry. For pretty dirty records it may be best to do about 25 before changing solution. Time wise its usually under 2 hours for 50 resleeved and poly bagged. The beginner may take longer but once you get in a rhythm it really speeds up. Nice video!

[@marianner.1340]

Hi Kurt, Three years since you left this review. I'm looking to purchase a cleaning system. I'm leaning towards this one, but have yet to look into other options. Good suggestions here. Thank you.

[@Kalprog]

@@marianner.1340 I'm currently still using this system and so far it has been no issue at all. There are more costly units available if your really serious about super deep cleaning but for me this works best. 😊

[@marianner.1340]

@@Kalprog Thank you! I did a test with 50/50 70% Isopropyl Alcohol/Distilled water drizzled over the vinyl on my old turntable and wiped with my old Discwasher pad. I let them dry after a gentle wipe with a dust free rag. I wasn't willing to wait to clean some old vinyl and I didn't want to contaminate my new stylus. The cleaning worked REALLY well.

[@Kalprog]

@@marianner.1340 Excellent idea! Always protect stylus/cartridge first. Good call. 👍

[@biggigcomic9279]

The editing in this one is superb! Great work Geek & crew

[@thomasbroschart]

My dad still has and I eventually started using that exact same wood velvet cleaner and still has the same red discwasher in it from the 70s too😂 gotta get me a spin clean

[@Zaparter]

I just use a 2" lacquer brush in conjunction with an isopropyl solution. Wiping with a microfibre cloth. Then another round just with distilled water, separate brush and cloth. If the record is really dirty (buying a lot of used ones) I use dishwashing soap and a sponge at first. Kind of brutal, but it's the only efficient way I found to clean records that have been played wet. Obviously really time consuming, but also cheap and I'm very happy with the results.

[@american_cosmic]

You should consider doing a video on cleaning LP COVERS, not just the records. I've got a bunch of records I inherited from my dad and I'm in the process of trying to research how to clean/restore the actual covers. They're works of art and I'm wondering if they can be restored at all or if I'm better of just leaving them all dusty and gross.

[@user-po9di5ly7d]

Try adding a couple of drops of Kodak Photo-Flo 200 which is a wetting agent which decreases the water-surface tension. It's $8 for 16 oz and will last you forever.

[@VinylRewind]

great idea

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

It works. I've had the same bottle of PhotoFlo for about 5 years. I've used it when developing 200+ rolls of film, as well as rinsing 300+ records in my SpinClean. I've used maybe 1/4 of the bottle so far.

[@Bambooken]

TheAgeOfAnalog do you use Photo-Flo instead of the cleaning solution or as an additional step after?

[@matthew40]

I happen to be pretty simple. Just a solution of distilled water alcohol, vegetable wash and a bottle with some microfiber cloths and that happens to work for myself. I just like being a little more hands on.

[@blindsoup]

I use the Record Doctor exclusively, never thought to add the Spin Clean to it. Great idea, I will be picking one up. I can see the time saved already.

[@Tracks777]

Awesome video,Keep it up!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

A little trick I've learned that makes the SpinClean easier to use, is that I put just a very tiny bit of Dawn (or other similar product) on the roller spindles. Makes spinning so much smoother and keeps rollers from jumping out of their slots. Yes, a tiny bit of Dawn makes it into the wash, but I get zero spots using distilled water.

[@VinylRewind]

thank you

[@madcrabber1113]

Why did I all of the sudden remember Max Headroom? Great video!

[@MrMarshman90]

I only just found your channel but I love it so fair and commend you for you genuine love and care for the records but the physical vinyl but the music and history contained with in. I'm just smiling through every video.

[@andrewhitchcox3730]

This is the same 2-part system that I use; however, I only used distilled water. I've given up on any record cleaning fluid as I always hear some residue afterwards. For brand new records (which is what I mostly buy), the Spin Clean/Record Doctor method is awesome...distilled water only gets the static off, loosens stuff in the grooves, and leaves records in great shape to play :)

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

When it's time to clean my vinyl, I first give the LP a soaking and rub down in dish soap and warm water using an older Spin Clean brush. After that I use the Spin Clean as a second stage cleaning process. I fill the Spin Clean with water from my dehumidifier and the standard Spin Clean fluid. I let the LP air dry for about 20 minutes and wipe it off with the Spin Clean towel. Myself I'm not a real fan of using a Degritter or another Ultrasonic cleaner. My feeling is the cavitation could leave pitting on the vinyl. My only wish is a clean LP, and wet cleaning is just the best way.

[@TheLifeOfDan1]

I’m new to Vinyl collecting and I have been loving these sorta vids! Amazing channel - super under appreciated!!

[@Skelter40]

Great way to do it. I just bought the record doctor and I am cleaning it the way that you suggested and I am very very impressed with the outcome. Thanks.

[@slam854]

I came to the same conclusion as you. I do also own a VPI HW 16.5 but there are some recording which don't fully. I think the Spin Clean will do it along with RD V. Very definently got the retro going on there.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

I gotta know. Does your whole pad look this cool, or just one corner where you record the videos?

[@VinylRewind]

As of now, just one side of the old garage looks like this. Catch a live stream and you'll see the other side. It's a work in progress for sure

[@Tracks777]

Great content

[@beatlesfan1348]

Bot

[@synthmojo]

Dude, this video is such a delight. How much trouble I had with my vinyls in my childhood...

[@Curling_Rack]

all i use a spray bottle w/ Dawn dish soap, and micro fiber towels

[@TapeEater03]

Jeff does that actually work? I doubt so but it would be way easier than what I do now

[@kev5621]

This is the same method I use, and could not be happier with the results

[@BD_MEDIA.]

Thank you for this video!!! My spin clean is ready and my record vacuum attachment is ready, I just need a shop-vac and I'll be ready!!!

[@andreasleonlandgren3092]

Nice! AntiStatic sleeves are great too.

[@daryljspetz2967]

Good record cleaning video I also have spin clean washer and record doctor VI and both do a great job cleaning and drying my records but I have upgrade to digital ultrasonic cleaner and humminguru ultrasonic cleaner also do a great job cleaning and drying my records and best money spent and a good investment.

[@aaronz9687]

I use spin clean as well. I have yet to go through the cleaning fluid it came with. I have cleaned 200 something records. It really has removed bad static. I just air dry the record, it's so dry here they are ready to put away in 4 to 5 minutes.

[@corbinamondo]

Aaron Z just don't leave your records in the sun!

[@TTatitalks]

Thank you for sharing your methods🤗

[@waynefjeld452]

just got a spin clean haven't used yet going to shortly i dig your style cool :)

[@zachbeck4963]

This is a pretty good technique and, although I understand the Spin Clean allows you to save some time because it allows you to clean both sides of the LP, I think you would be better off using just the Record Doctor. Over time the solution in the Spin Clean will become dirty and it makes sense to prevent the LP from coming in contact with as much dirt as possible even if you are vacuuming it. I use a Record Doctor V with L'art Du Son solution and I just clean the record once using the brush supplied with the Record Doctor and then vacuum and clean again with a Mobile Fidelity brush. I believe this method can offer a better clean and will be cheaper.

[@VinylRewind]

good tip

[@sonidosanto]

What about the Vinyl Styl Deep Groove? Is one better than the other one? I don’t know if Vinyl Styl has brushes down or just wipe the record...

[@VinylRewind]

The Vinyl Styl certainly has advantages with the built in drying rack and the way it protects the label from the liquid. It does have brushes but the way you have to screw on the center piece, it will take longer to clean the amount of records than if you were to use a Spin Clean. Hard to know if one cleans better than the other, but the Vinyl Styl uses a brush whereas the Spin Clean uses a brushed felt like material

[@jefferyjones8399]

Which one would you recommend buying first? The Spin Clean is quite a bit cheaper so I might try that and save up for a Record Doctor further down the line.

[@VinylRewind]

that's what I did

[@garyscarlett5471]

Got one not long ago , really like it Albums sound much better . could not believe all the Grunge that was on them .

[@KILUB11]

I just found out that vinyl records can be cleaned with water... wow that's a new knowledge for me today. Thank you vinyl rewind!

[@ChristinaGina]

I have an Okki Nokki + the clear Spin Clean....together they do the job! I prefer the clear version bc you can see the fluid getting dirtier...

[@VinylRewind]

great point

[@hobolooter]

Was a bit concerned by your look and setup, figured it'd be a terrible video, but I really like your attitude and approach. Thanks for a good video, and I subscribed.

[@cajunqueen5125]

haha, I think all this vinyl cleaning effort is making me go back to CDs. :)

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

If you handle and store your records correctly, a deep clean like this should only need to be done once.

[@mikewest1542]

Cajun Queen , you’ve got a point, i sometimes think, “ why do i bother” !

[@vcp93]

I have not personally seen one in action, but the "Record-0-Vac" seems like A LOT of overkill. I have the Spin Clean and it works GREAT! It's only about $50 and does a fantastic job cleaning the vinyl, so I don't think dropping another $200 beans on the "Record Dr." is necessary to clean your LPs. (IMHO ) All that being said, I am waiting with baited breath for the "Hair Do" video. Smooooooooth.....

[@grumplepig]

Play a record before and after cleaning so we can hear the difference

[@SamtheAngelFox]

I have a strange question about the Spin Clean, can it clean flexi-discs?

[@gphebus72]

Excellent video. Well done.

[@MasterLink255]

I know it is cheap for how good it is but the way it was worded for someone on a budget then you saying only $300 is hilarious

[@vinylkats6281]

Most interesting video

[@g0g0duck20]

reckon you could do a review of John Clotrane's a love supreme?

[@jetsamperes5762]

Miles says 'she's got to be an angel'.

[@TheGowerPower1]

Hey man, love the video your production quality is absolutely amazing!! One note though, due to the chemical properties of water, distilled water (pure H2O) can actually dissolve a lot of materials you wouldn't think water could dissolve. I'm not exactly sure if distilled water could dissolve PVC at all but its just some food for thought :)

[@VinylRewind]

huh, I'll look into it

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Distilled water will only hurt a record if you leave it submerged for a few decades.

[@Romchikthelemon]

Wow! Чего только иностранцы не придумали, даже машинки для чистки винила. I've just found my uncle's vinyl archive (collected in USSR in 80s) which is about 60 records (from Britain, Germany, Yugoslavia, Poland and USSR) 😀 We're both happy now. All that stuff needs in a good cleaning.

[@block-head2982]

“great for someone on a budget, this whole set up will cost 300 dollars” Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha budget hahahahahahaha

[@jakecudnik8364]

Very informative video! So would you not recommend using the old wooden brush and record cleaning solution?

[@theTORTUGAZUL]

The brush and solution is for cleaning in-between deep cleans.

[@jorgelpena6039]

Ok very interesting video! I use the same method. But the problem with my experience doing that is when I put out my record off the Record Doctor, the LP has a line of water and dust. I need to do more rotations in it for the line to go off. What I'm doing wrong? If someone help me I will appreciate!! And another problem is when I put the record to play on my turntable directly after doing the clean , the stylus accumulate dust like in middle of the playing. It's like the record keeps wet inside the grooves. What I'm doing wrong? Thanks!

[@VinylRewind]

For the first problem, that happens to me too. I generally, rotate it a 2nd time. I think this happens if you clean many records at once, the felt on the vacuum stays wet. Not sure about the 2nd problem.

[@jorgelpena6039]

Ok I'm not doing it bad at all! Hahaha! For the second problem I've got the solution. After the Spin Clean , I rinse the record with distilled water only and then the Record Doctor. Everything is ok now. Not dust in stylus. I think is something with the Spin Clean solution.

[@centralscrutinizer9591]

You have awesome videos.

[@dansig123]

Nice job!!!!

[@peartfaldo]

just look for a used VPI. I got mine for $350

[@josephishmael1998]

are you going to do a review on the yellow submarine vinyl that you have

[@VinylRewind]

at some point

[@ericblasse6335]

Does the spin clean get rid of the pops and cracks in the records?

[@Zaparter]

Any kind of cleaning aims to reduce surface noise caused by dirt and abrasion. However, it cannot restore damaged records or imperfect pressings. It also won't eliminate surface noise completely. If you're wondering why some vinyl rips you'll find online have little to no noise - well, they are digitally processed.

[@Peeinthesink]

do you like the grateful dead?

[@VinylRewind]

yes

[@80s-wizard34]

Thanx!

[@bareknuckles2u]

Good video!

[@1337BananaL33TVostok]

This is art!!!!!

[@peterstachura8595]

I pay to have my vinyl cleaned by someone who has a ultrasonic cleaning machine. His prices are VERY good and my vinyl sounds and looks absolutely stunning!!

[@VinylRewind]

oh nice

[@peterstachura8595]

Vinyl Rewind If i went the route of cleaning my vinyl myself i'd probably go the same route as you. Nicely done! :)

[@andrewcrain5461]

I use a $34 dollar wet and dry vacuum from lows and I bought the Extra attachments and it come with a small soft brush Attachment and I found it to make my records just about CD clean and I make my own Cleaning solution and it really worked out well for me and just to keep it more Cost efficient because there really nuts asking the crazy Prices they want for a vacuum....the only Drawback with this method that it does take me a little longer to clean a record......And no offense I refuse to call records vinyl it's made out of PVC No Harm intended !!!! Enjoy the music

[@SteelSeriesProducts]

Nice!

[@TheEvilKittenLord]

The best cleaner: 1 part water, 1 part Windex multi-clean. How to use: Spray on, wipe off with a scrap of cotton t-shirt. Don't be afraid to put some pressure on stubborn spots. Vinyl isn't as delicate as the vinyl industry would have you think.

[@aryamuhammad5532]

how about wood glue ??

[@CaptainBerz]

Why is everyone so damn picky with the spin clean. If you do 4 turns instead of 3, or 2.5 or 3.5 turns it is not going to matter. LOL.

[@mikespringer6451]

Agree. I crack up at the "this many revolutions" stuff. If it's pretty clean, spin a few. If it's gross, spin it more.

[@ThePyroEffekts]

Distilled water isn't actually distilled, it's just filtered with some chemical filters, so there could be still something in which can dry out on they record. Real distilled water is pretty expensive (not like 5 bux for 10liter, more like 60 bux or more) Same goes for "pure alcohol", it's more like 95-98%, so there could be some stuff left on the record as well. So in the end it doesn't matter how you clean your records, you can put them on a flat surface (like an extra turntable), and do it by hand...

[@VinylRewind]

good info. thanks

[@PolythenePam0451]

I'm scared about how this guy cleans Nintendo cartridges

[@aldiakaroofus]

Does this system keep water away from the labels?

[@VinylRewind]

yes but if you're not carefully when pulling the record out of the SpinClean, some drips can get on the label, just a quick wipe takes care of it though

[@aldiakaroofus]

thank you!

[@cbach1997]

Spin clean also mentions in their documentation that the solution makes it safe for the water solution to be on the label in the cleaning process. I have never seen a label permanently marked and I have cleaned over 2000

[@quinnmarshall8653]

I follow the Spin Clean directions to a T and my records sound noisier afterwards. I think it is the towel they give you, which leaves little fibers in the grooves and then your stylus is digging up those fibers. Or its residue from the cleaner fluid. I have used different microfiber towels and still get the same result. Leave them to air dry, same result. I hate the Spin Clean!

[@MultiPokemonlover3]

I wish I could just pay someone to clean my records lol

[@mmmmmred40]

I think there are record stores that can ultrasonic clean your lps

[@baq8680]

I think you're supposed to do 3 full (360 degree) revolutions in each direction... not 3 turns...

[@MyCovertNarcissism]

those two chairs front of camera, always makes it look like you're watching the video through a woman's open legs.

[@mikekuhn214]

B careful with the Record Doctor. It gets very hot. Use a fan 2 keep it cool. Now I know the maker of the Record Doctor will quickly chime in here saying u r not supposed 2 do a batch of records at the same time.

[@trouble5085]

300 bucks?! My CDs don't need any cleaning at all. LOL.

[@Mr-Soto]

I only recently started watching this dude, am I the only one who thinks he looks like Conan o brien?

[@IloveApricot]

Someone on a budget

[@alex_dot_org5512]

my broke 14yr old ass with 140$ to my name be watching this like 😳

[@papastalinlenin1108]

300$ my record player costs 50$

[@duff0120]

u look like a filmstar with that face. bless ur parents

[@composerdorianbell]

First!