Record Cleaning Madness 2020

It's been about three years since I made a record cleaning video and the complaints about what I've done wrong are many. I feature the complaints as well as my new methods...I finally broke down and got a decent record vacuum. Please enjoy, I may never make a record cleaning video again!
#vinylcommunity #cleanrecords #audiophile

[@836dmar]

There are so many smart people on the web, you’d think they’d be fixing the wrongs in the world or sharing their stockpile of “correct” information but their intellect is better used criticizing others. Great video, pal.

[@pmackrael]

Thanks Bill. I enjoy your videos. Perhaps I am old fashioned. Being on paid leave due to Covid-19, I have had time to clean my classical LP collection. My method is cheap, simple and effective. I modified a used "Lazy Susan" and made a "vinyl-vac" attachment for my small shop vac. After using a microfiber cloth to remove any surface dust, I pour a small (2 inch diameter) puddle of TM-8 cleaning fluid on the record then spread it evenly around the record with a Mobile Fidelity flat felt brush - avoiding the label. I then use a goat hair brush to push the fluid into the grooves before vacuuming the record surface dry. After cleaning both sides, I put the record into a new static resistant sleeve. I recently cleaned 300 classical records which used about 22 oz. cleaning fluid and my average time was 6 minutes per record. Cheers Bill.

[@mikewatkinson1996]

One of the rules of the interwebs is Do Not Feed the Trolls. If they think their way is superior...cool...as long as you're giving me advice that works for you and its been working a long time...im gonna listen and its all good. Most these folks just want your reaction. Thanks for the great vids

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

I may be doing another record cleaning video to show my adventures in ultrasonic technology. Appreciate your comment!

[@gregthomas2852]

Great follow-up, very amusing! Whilst theres lots of love out there for the Spin-Clean, the more videos of it I see, theres just too many aspects of it that can't be good - like the fact you start with a crystal clean distilled water / brushes / cleaning solution bath, and a few records in, its no doubt full of dirt and yuck off the records you already cleaned? I'm liking the look of this goat hair brush and single application method - theres far less risk of transfer of dirt onto multiple records, and an existing turntable makes a great lazy Susan for cleaning. Nice video, Bill, have a 'like'.

[@CraigLafferty]

I appreciate your time and effort in this video!

[@51gary51]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video, Bill. And you're right -- to each his own! If people can't handle that, they can take a flying leap!

[@andywebb9698]

Some fantastic information here. I've been cleaning my records in a similar way for years but now I have some new tips to go forward with. Cheers mate 😎

[@mariomontalvo9159]

Thanks! I like the fact that your method are constantly evolving.

[@christopherrobinwattsthoma6318]

Excellent and can’t stress enough the importance of cleaning even ‘new/mint’ records!!!!

[@fletchermetz3395]

I've been watching your videos and listening to your podcasts for over a decade. Everything you've ever shared has been in the spirit of collaboration and providing useful tips. How can anybody slight you for that? I'm all about doing things on a budget, Spin Clean works great for me and it was a wonderful suggestion and demonstration you had for people in the same boat. Still use it and it still gets a ton of garbage and dust off the records. Are there better ones? Sure, but I'm looking for good enough. As long as there is an internet, there will be trolls. I call their pursuit misplaced priorities. Appreciate all your stuff.

[@danender5555]

Pouring a liquid over the record on the turntable is a pure genius idea. This video combines absolute wisdom with great knowledge. Divine level.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

The turntable shown is not a working turntable, it is broken and only suitable as a platform for cleaning records. I would never put liquid on a turntable used for listening, that could be dangerous.

[@cardnut]

Hi Bill. You are right, there are so many ways to clean a record. I always clean any record I get, either new or old. I have the Spin Clean that you showed in the video. Each record gets a spin clean when I first get them. The next time I play it, I use Groove Washer G2 fluid. I don't have a turntable like you do to put them on. I have them on a cloth microfiber towel when I spray them with G2. I also have the same kind of brush you have that I use right before I play the record. I also clean my stylus with Groove Washer stylus cleaner. This is what works for me. I just subscribed to your channel. Looking forward to more good info. Thanks.

[@HeroicCoachDan]

While I am cleaning my very short list of vinyl lp's, I am learning some methods to be efficient and effective at the task. I found your video informative and the delivery was authentically humorous. Nice! I am doing standard care cleaning with Groovewasher kit and Audioquest carbon brush for dry cleaning. From your video I am taking away adding more of the liquid on first wash for new and used lp's. Thanks

[@TheBigfoot567]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. I'm inspired and entertained! Thank you---!!!!

[@vincentrathbone26]

Loved your video dude and it's always interesting to here about other peoples record cleaning methods, I've been thinking of getting a Nitty Gritty or VPI record cleaner for the last 35yrs and I still can't decide what to get.

[@keithaw4204]

Dude, I remember your SpinClean video. I was sold, got myself a SpinClean because of your review. I started sleeving my records differently because of your advice. I was still pretty new at the time of your SpinClean video. I have since gotten a VPI 16.5 and now recently an Ultrasonic cleaner. I still have and use the SpinClean. Happy spinning!!

[@PedroPedro-jm4lk]

Thank you...down to earth information. And I love the comment about opinions. Made me chuckle, here in Blightey.

[@petergiersberg1759]

first time listening to your channel.. your attitude is what keeped me watching this video to the end .. 👍

[@ldeemou]

Haha, I love how you troll the Trolls! Thank you for your eye opening videos!

[@allenreynolds2449]

Thank you for your ideas, appreciate it.

[@clavichord327]

Hello Bill! I use the same cleaning method that you do. My only difference is that when I rinse the record, I use a Home Depot Portable Sprayer (Cost $6) filled with distilled water to rinse my records clean. I like this sprayer because you hand pump the jug to make a pressurized flow of distilled water. You can also further adjust the flow of the water at the nozzle to as strong or as lightly as you like. I follow this rinse using a vac system similar to yours.

[@funkjunkie6052]

Great video really enjoyed your perspective. You gave me a couple of great ideas to try. Great attitude about the comments as well.

[@Beatgeneration2010]

Great detail and some job on The Traffic album👍

[@kev5621]

Thanks for this. I do the same thing (on a junked turntable as well). I use a groove washer solution with a Mofi brush, and a vacuum attachment (like the vinyl vac, but the one I have works with my Dyson). It has literally made some of my older, well played records play like new.

[@bareknuckles2u]

Man, that is one heck of a record collection!

[@pmackrael]

I bought most of these classical LPs in the 80s. 300 records takes 5 feet of horizontal shelf space. I recently modified two wall units to move these records from floor level to eye level. Got tired of bending down.

[@rolandmg1]

Good video, record cleaning is so important and even more so with new vinyl. I’ve bought a few lately that have sounded so awful and have taken three cleans before they were quiet and enjoyable.

[@davidroot298]

You’re a brave man just to show how you clean your records. I also have my way of cleaning And I say to you. Very well done. To most of us it’s a hobby we love. To others it’s trying to reach perfection. Either way we should just enjoy and only give our opinion if asked for. Keep up the good work. I’m going to play some records now.

[@breizhmauserfokker4647]

Zappa T shirt, sure you're a good one!

[@stuartroyle1402]

first thing i saw

[@slam854]

Bill, I enjoyed your video. Many good tips and techniques. I am thinking the Record Doctor and a Spin Clean along with your brushes may make a very effective result. Personally, when I got back into vinyl, I purchased a VPI 16.5. They were affordable then. VPI does a nice job but your style cleans deeper.

[@presleyfan425v3]

I’ve been using the disc doctor’s miracle record cleaner for a while now and I think it is the best fluid out there. I spread it evenly across the record and let it sit for a minute or two and then I do a distilled water rinse. After that I use a handy inexpensive product called the VINYL VAC, which hooks up to my shop vac and the liquid vacuums right off like a charm. Now crackles and pops are a thing of the past, for the most part, and every one of my records have benefited from a good cleaning

[@nemru1670]

Hello Bill. I use vacuum cleaner Kuzma. My process. Liquid: L’art du son (speading using Kuzma's brush). >> Waiting for 3-4 min (thanks to previous cleaning video from you). >>> Vacuum >>> distilled water with of wetting agent (few drops per liter), spreading with (SURPRISE! SURPRISE!!!) goat brush (cost few $$ from aliexperess) >> vacuum cleaner >> voila !!! Thank you for your videos. Good luck for you! Greetings from Russia! Yuri.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Great to hear this! Thanks for sharing your methods.

[@robetclo2516]

I use a vinylvac to clean my records and it works. Remember the worst enemies of your records are dust and static electricity,the latter attracts the dust. For those who claim that cleaning a record is a waste of time it's because they never did it. I used like you the spin clean, now I use the Vinylvac, I use a paint pad and it works, you should have seen the last one I used it was gray. So does it makes a used record brand new I would say no but the results would depend of the shape of the record. If it was insanely abused, played with a worn out stylus and dirty, well cleaning will get rid of most of the crackle and pop of it but the scratches are there to stay but if the record is only dirty now the cleaning process will get rid of most of the crackle and pop and also reduce the surface noise. Cleaning a brand new record is also a good idea because there is a release agent on that record left on the record resulting of the process. By the way never use tap water to clean your records only distilled water, tap water has lime in it and that will give more crackles and pops.

[@vasilyzimbrakos7654]

1st and foremost those are 2 great albums. This was definitely entertaining and informative and glad you went after the trolls! Just found your 2017 and will try that method 1st and compare to what I've used. Why not try something different if it works better.

[@xtremegrooves]

With the prices of records today, Cleaning is the best option! New And Used record stores sometimes price used records in bad shape at the highest collector value. New records cost anywhere between $20 to $50! It's great that records are coming back. I bought a brand new (remastered) copy of Dark Side Of The Moon. Sounds great, But I have my original that my Uncle gave me back when I was 13. I'd rather listen to the original. I have babied it over the years. Posters and postcard stickers still in it. I've watched several videos on cleaning records. Including the "Wood Glue Application" I'm not exactly comfortable with that, but willing to try different methods. I've even seen the brush that attaches over the needle to clean records. That one scares me the most. I love your video! Haters gonna Hate. Blow them off like Dust In The Wind! (plug plug plug Kansas lol) I've recently started buying up records again. It's amazing what you can find in indoor flea markets.

[@johnnytoobad7785]

I'll listen to anyone wearing a Zappa T-shirt.

[@somisak]

If it was Harry Styles I'd have turned right off 😀

[@ronnie5129]

Bill, I am not here to bust your Bubble, But during the Covid deal, i went through all of my records and playing them, some needed cleaning, what i did was take a microfiber cloth and diluted some Dawn dishwashing soap, 1 part Dawn, to 9 parts Distilled water, and in a circular motion, wash the record, and then rinse it very well , then with a microfiber cloth dry it , it works very well,

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

No bubbles busted here. What works for you is good information. I'm still doing what I do in this video and I'm happy with it, but sharing your method may help someone else out as well. Thanks for the input!

[@kerryblueher3147]

Having recently gotten back into my 60' and 70's vinyl, I've watched a number of cleaning vids. I would offer one suggestion.... HEAT. Don't underestimate the contribution warm fluids make in the cleaning process. I have experience in metal cleaning and treating with both spray and immersion systems. Gas fired heaters are ALWAYS part of the combination. My suggestion would be to heat (microwave) your fluids prior to use. I think you'll be convinced.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Tried it once. Water was not very warm but the record instantly started warping - or shall I say melting. It think it would be cool if you made a video of your method. Thanks for the comment!

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Hi, I am a subscriber. I am glad to hear another lecture, demonstration. I'm glad you told us about that small nail brush at 2:30+; and thanks for informing us about it. Fortunately, I had not used it yet. Okay, but at 5:30 I have an Audio Technica Record Cleaner Anti-static Brush AT6011a. By the way, at 9:55 that special wedge-shape brush is available on Amazon, in my case Canadian; called an RPM Mobile Fidelity Record Brush with Replacement Pad. Anyhow, I've become more aware about the record cleaning process; yes I like, and agree with what you have said about cleaning a record. Furthermore, I made my own record cleaning fluid, Phil! And saved a couple of dollars, 12:00. Why not make your own record cleaning liquid? I did. It contains the following ingredients: 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon dish washing liquid soap, 1 to 2 teaspoons 91% alcohol, and a couple of drops of rinsing agent mixed in a tall spray bottle. Is it possible for me clean a record at this stage to use a vacuum cleaner? By attaching a hose that has a brush around the nozzle; pointing the vacuum hose very close to the surface of the record? Is it safe for the record? I don't have one of those machines at 15:10, by the way. Furthermore, there is the case that if a record still has small pops, and clicks the problem is actually static electricity; that is mostly prevalent during the Winter season. Thank you for this thorough demonstration, explanation on record cleaning. Easily a thumbs up. One more thing; what is the phono cartridge installed on that wonderful, super hi fi turntable?

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

Bill, you make me laugh kicking the crap out of the TROLL PEOPLE. Thank you.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

My pleasure!

[@peterstoneham9871]

I clean my records using a high quality soap gel using a cloth to go both clockwise and anti clockwise. Next I semi dry my records using a clean cloth going around the record as before. I gently wash the soap off after three minutes and dry my records as much as possible using a quality towel and them leave to completely dry. This might have to be done once or twice especially on intros to records. No expensive machines required, just quality soap and cloths and warm water to flush clean

[@richardweidner1625]

awesome stuff. thank you

[@Curling_Rack]

i also use a junk turntable as my cleaning station. i cut the tonearms off, so it's not in the way lol. i use auto detailing glass MF Towels , a spray bottle with a mix of 3 tablespoons of alcohol, dish soap, and water. rinse afterwards

[@slam854]

I just ordered a Spin Clean & a Record Doctor V. This will be for my noisy vinyl and used records. I am hoping to find some Sherly Scott Hammond organ recordings. They are all used so hope this works. I have a Paul Simon "Rhythm of the Saints" used from Paris. Some old classical recordings need help also. My thought is Spin Clean then Record Doctor while it is wet. Stay Clean, Bill.

[@Paneeks1960]

Good morning Bill. Good to see you again. I remember your first record cleaning video. Seems like every record cleaning video gets lots of attention. It is a good way to reach out to a lot of people who have not seen your channel. I am in my tenth year in the VC and I want to say that I have seen at least 150 cleaning videos since I started. I enjoyed them all. There is no need to write negative comments because {like you stated} everyone has their own way of doing it. Whatever works for them. I use a similar Technics turntable, D-4 brush and D-4 cleaner. Which I do not do that often. But I do keep them in somewhat of a dust/smoke free room. That is it. I really the Audio Advisor Record Doctor that you got at the estate sale. It does look like it does a solid job. Quick question: You find an original copy of the Modern Lovers debut album from 1976 at your local Goodwill. It is still in the plastic with the original hype and price sticker. But when you pull the album out it is annihilated beyond belief. Do you think there is hope for album? Do you think that you could get it close to its original playing state? Or would you just keep the jacket as an upgrade or future replacement copy? Always good to see you Bill~ Rob/Boston

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Good day Rob! If the rare record is scratched, I would probably leave it behind. Dirt can be cleaned off. Glad that folks like you are hanging on to that old Discwasher. There'll never be another accessory like it!

[@ldeemou]

After watching your video and finding out about surfactants, I decided to look into it and identified Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a very strong surfactant found in shampoos. Using a soft toothbrush and a specific shampoo, I tried my luck on a sacrificial vinyl, brushing gently with the grooves. The result was unexpectedly amazing! Thanks for your inspiration!! (P.S. If there is a real reason to avoid doing this, I would like to hear about it, ideally before I go through some of my precious LPs)

[@dondieu3154]

Okay, Bill, I've been using the SpinClean for about a year or so now, and am very happy with it. However, you made a comment that got me thinking: I give my records a good cleaning, lay them on a towel and dry them with a micro-fiber towel, then put them in a rack and let a fan blow on them to dry them off. Never thought about the fan blowing dust back on them. Light-bulb moment. Thanks

[@curtbradley549]

All good love your vids !! Cheers .

[@robintaylor3633]

Seemed to work brilliantly don't worry about the trolls I've tried close to your method and seem to have some great results.

[@tabithamaydavis5792]

No! Every one “knows” you first have to rub sweeping compound on your records. You know, like when you sweep the garage or shop floor. The dirt and dust gets carried away with the sweeping compound. Same thing for records. Take a clean paint brush and smear sweeping compound around the record. Make sure you get it in the grooves. Then use a second clean brush to sweep-up the record. Here is the key. Next take a shop vac, any old one will do, and vacuum the record making sure you get in the grooves. Rinse in the sink, dry with a dish towel and KABOOM, you now have a clean record. It might sound just a little different, but for sure it’s shop-floor clean. Give it a try! 😉

[@antoinep9733]

This was funny as hell, death to trolls 😹. I use a big fat make-up brush in a sink of lukewarm water, with a splash of dishwashing detergent. Rinse off under the tap (I have a perspex/o-ring clamp to keep the labels dry), then on a flat surface I run a make-up pad soaked in distilled water with a splash of methylated spirit (rubbing alcohol in the USA?) around the grooves working in to the centre.

[@bondgabebond4907]

Two very positive things I got from your video is: 1. find a dead turntable that still spins freely 2. buy some goats, trim their hair and make record cleaning brush. Goat for dinner tonight, you're invited. I do have a question; I have some records that are around 45 to 50 years old. I just played a Mantovani record, just pulled it out of the sleeve, lightly cleaned the dust off with a felt bush sprayed lightly with some distilled water and played it. Perfect. Really perfect. I fear cleaning it will mess it up. I have a few old records that are great presses. Too bad that Traffic album still has damage due to poor handling by the previous owner. I cherished my albums. They've been with me as I traveled around in the U.S. Air Force and remarkably, most are in excellent condition, can't say the same for the cover.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

If you have a record that appears to be clean and plays to your satisfaction, I say only clean it with a carbon fiber brush before each play and you're golden. I've happened upon some old records that are in such nice condition that I've just put them in a nice sleeve and play them without the wet clean. Like I said, if it works for you.....

[@hogheavencamp3069]

Hi Bill. Thank you for an excellent video. I am new to record cleaning so your advice is invaluable. I have a couple of questions about this video. First, at 12:34 into the video you say "Put some of this on it, but this is concentrated so use some of the other record cleaning fluid (with it). Can you tell me which two products you refer to there? Second question: Can you tell me how you make your homebrew enzymatic cleaner? Thanks very much. Jim

[@benjaminnavarro4774]

great!! i clean my records whit soap and paint brush 1", after w40... yes w40! just little bit, of course and sounds came back great great and faboulose

[@davidschrimpf3209]

My method is mostly the same. I have a Record Doctor RCM and I use Disc Doctor Miracle Formula. I also use the same black pad (it's made by MOFI) to spread the liquid on the record. I use the Record Doctor when I apply the liquid, using no force on the brush, but rather just hold it in place while I slowly spin the record three times clockwise and then three time counterclockwise. If there's stubborn fingerprints then I will move the record back and forth in those areas to get an even deeper cleaning. With that MOFI brush, you don't have to use much force at all, the pad bristles really get down in the grooves. I let it sit for about a minute, then flip the record over and vacuum up the liquid, three times clockwise, three times counterclockwise. I find it gets out almost all the fingerprints and dirt. Fingerprints are the WORST. The oil from the prints holds the dirt on the record, causing most of the noise heard on old records. I've found this Disc Doctor liquid is really great at removing fingerprints. For 45s, I don't use the machine, but rather apply the liquid to both sides of the 45 and then with a lot of force, work it into the grooves of the record with a microfiber rag by holding the rag in place with thumb and forefinger of my right hand and rotating the 45 with the other hand. Then, I dry it with a different microfiber rag. This gets LOTS of dirt out of those old dirty 45s.

[@MULTIVERSEGEETV]

Phil Jackson is schooling you all on how to clean records! Leave coach alone he's legendary! I liked and subscribed Coach Jackson!

[@larrysanimalsafari]

Great Video and entertaining too, LOL ...stick it to em Bill.

[@ganeshkumarponnuswamy]

Really appreciate your efforts. Off course the way you trolled the trolls are enjoyable..

[@bullobca]

Thanks for the info Bill. You need to just ignore the trolls and keep up the good work.

[@agegroot5666]

I use the knosti disco antistat with tap-water and some hand dishwashing detergent, after cleaning i dry the record by centrifugation use a attachment on a DRILL. It works fine but if you will give it a try................be carefull!!!

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

You have asked for our own methods of record cleaning. I will offer what works for me, and not, say any uncomfortable phrases about what works for you and your techniques. For new store bought LPs, they take a bath in the Spin Clean. Distilled water and the Spin Clean fluid. Production artifacts gone, clean good sounding record. For very dirty records from the used bins in the local record store. Very soiled LPs are given a light stream of warmish water from the kitchen tap. This removes the superficial debris as well as wetting the playing surface. I then wet an older spin clean brush and apply a drop or two of dish soap. I work the soap into the grooves using the spin clean brush. At first the foam on the record is white, working the foam back into the groves it takes on a grayish hue, this is the more set in dust and dirt being removed from the record. A rinse off under the tap later and I then give the record a second stage cleaning in the Spin Clean. In the Spin Clean is the distilled water and Spin Clean fluid. The result in this two stage cleaning is a very clean record with a very quiet playing surface with next to no pops and clicks. I know people will cringe at the notion of subjecting an LP to tap water. My explanation is the water comes from the well in my front yard, it passes through a filter and is softened as well. It is clean, clear potable water. And all of my records see an anti static brush before the diamond stylus begins sending impulses to the preamp. I do have a well intended question for our host, Bill Camarata. In your experience, where does the enzymatic cleaning method take up from the standard store bought record cleaner fluids?

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

I only use the enzymatic cleaner on older, used records that have visible fingerprints or other liquids and solids imbedded into the grooves. Letting it sit for a while loosens the crap sitting deep in the grooves and the rest of the cleaning process permanently removes this residue, leaving me with a record that sounds closer to brand new (or better!). Thanks for your comments and your contribution to the discussion!

[@joelfrombethlehem]

De-ionized water then compressed air worked fine for me way back when the vinyl LP was superior to cassettes and 8-track cartridges. Changing styli every once a year is a must and changing the cartridge every 3 years was a great practice. Then CDs proved to be superior to LP and that was 1986 and I never looked back with 2024 only less than 8 hours away.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Well, I still buy some CDs but vinyl still sounds best to me. YMMV.

[@joosy_joose]

haha your defensiveness makes this video that much better. But honestly, great video

[@mgildersleeve]

Thank you, sir. You seem like somebody I could be good friends with. Entertaining and helpful video. My niece is getting into vinyl and I just went through a lot boxes of various quality at antique stores and compiled a lot of records to get her started. I pulled about 50+ 45s out of one set of boxes in the back room with bad storage conditions. Some of the 45s have paper stuck on the surface and in the grooves. And, some have black mold on the labels. I have them currently in a separate box. They were cheap to purchase. Other than, that, they seem fine. I’ll look at your videos to see if you have any that talk about cleaning with that condition. If not, could you please explain the process? I don’t need to filter through other video makers. I trust your micro photography considerations. I really enjoyed your video, and thank you.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

I think I explain a lot in my videos already. Every record you purchased should be cleaned before you play it - if it has already been cleaned to get all the old dirt off, use a dry carbon fiber brush, that's all you need to get the dust off. Thanks for watching!

[@christopherbarker181]

Great video! I also use the Mofi micro brush with the Phoenix Enzyme Cleaner; it does the job for me. I keep a small, hand held, Swiffer Duster by my turntable and use it for a few turns to get the usual light dust particles off right before play. Thanks again! Chris

[@LEDFOOT49]

Hey I think you do lots of things right . But the best part is when you said that the Ultrasonic machine didn't get the finger prints off. And that for me was what I was looking to hear! because I can clean my records manually Kinda like you. And I have cleaned so many records manually already and got really good at it. they turn out very clean and shiny. My last resort is to try an Ultrasonic machine but I wasn't going to forge out $1000 dollars or more just to come to the same conclusion that you can only do so much and you can't clean a record and eliminate every single pop! a record that was abused has no solution it's abused and there's nothing any machine can do to make it sound like new again! Thanks for your honesty.

[@jrivsocb1]

Bill, your cleaning videos are always welcomed and well informed. I appreciate your insight to this subject. Eff , the trolls like you say this is what works for you, exactly your showing your method. Take it or Move on trolls. I still use the spin clean method with the record doctor machine and new inner sleeves. My ears are happy and calmed. So, thanks Bill for your vids. Joe from Clevo

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Very cool, thanks for watching!

[@richardWilliams-zd6dd]

who cares about how you clean your records it works for you and I have my own way, don't listen to the trolls, what do they know, I love your content even though im in the UK

[@VinylPro]

very useful tips !

[@dixielandfarm]

People often tell me what I am doing is wrong in my record cleaning video - amazingly they are all chemists it seems, despite having 15 years’ experience with my method and never having an issue. Glad you were able to do before/after... I did that on my old videos but as downloads as to not get a copyright claim - something these critics don't seem to understand as well.

[@BansheeFifteen]

You seem kind of intense. But I do like how you explain your method. There are many videos on record cleaning, and there is no just one way to do it. Like you say, "clean your records and do what works for you". Thanks.

[@Vince_Tasciotti]

I remember a before and after video, it disappeared from the earth. I remember you holding up cards to show before cleaning and after cleaning. Also in the original classic Spin Clean video, there were before and after samples of music. So the trolls and nay sayers, don't know Bill.

[@SammeLagom]

Great vid man!

[@bobbyhenneberger9219]

record cleaning isnt perfect!! why do people give you such a hard time? who knows people suck,,, but if your going to be honest everything scratches the record when cleaning, some more than others,,, the antistatic brush yup the nail brush yup, the dishwasher yup, the towel yup, the act of cleaning scratches the damn record,,, those cavatation devises shave off some of the vinyl,,, vinyl is a imperfect meduim but we love it ,so you have to do what works for you,,, and that is what you are doing my friend keep them videos coming ,,, i love em!!!!!!!! and forget the trolls and enjoy the music

[@repairfreak]

First I rise my record with de-mineralized water on both sides using a label protector clam-shell device. Then I use a square painters pad brush with bristles that I was told are fine enough to get in the grooves. With brush suds up and record pre-wetted with demineralized water and a couple drops of dishwashing detergent which is not soap, but a detergent without any additives. I then move the brush in direction of grooves, then let the soap emulsify any grease and dirt on record surface for a few minutes. I then rise the record clean with more demineralized water. and then wipe dry with a microfiber cleaning rag always going in direction of grooves with the record down on a soft lint free/scratch free cloth on flat table surface. After waving the record dry a few times to get grooves completely dry, I will then install the disc on my turntable and use my audio quest carbon fiber brush while the turntable is spinning at 45rpm. With the brush perpendicular to the grooves I slide the brush slowly inward until the aluminum shell touches the spindle to discharge any static on the record surface through the conductive carbon fiber bristles. After this complete deep clean I put my record in a new non-static/non-scratching record sleeve. I will for most time there after, just simply use my carbon fiber brush again before and after play of each side and put back away in the sleeve. I always make sure my stylus is clean before playing, and clean stylus after each side of record play. This method has worked great for me. 🤗 Update: just found out that distilled water is most likely to be absolutely pure, not de-mineralized. So I will be switching over. 😀

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@trevorbraden5448]

I'm telling you good ole windex cleans just fine...... been doing it for years and never had a problem..... haters will hate no matter what method you use

[@jimb1463]

Hey Bill, New subscriber here. I like to watch as many videos as possible to get lots of information about vinyl. If the brush works for you then go for it! Don't worry about the naysayers. I bought myself a Spinclean system awhile ago. I've just finished cataloguing my own records and examining their cleanliness. When I get time I'm going to clean up my dirtiest records using the Spinclean. A question tho.... do you use any protective sleeves inner or outer on your records? If so what kind? Thanks, Jim

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Inner favorites are Diskeeper from Sleeve City. Outers I like clear sleeves from Clearbags or Bags Unlimited.

[@jimb1463]

@@BillsBoxOfSound thanks!

[@z1522]

My variation on his principle involves rinsing after the main cleaning solution agitation, under a faucet. I then do a brief distilled water final rinse, lay the LP flat on a towel, and gently dry with a soft clean microfiber. Most any solution works as well, and no better, than the next, but Krud Kutter is really good, full strength for really dirty vinyl, then add water, then rinse well and dry. Ultrasonic is the new phlogiston, and a great way to keep ailing record stores afloat, but may end up damaging more records - and not the ones available any more, so be careful, and skeptical.

[@pederbartoft9044]

Great i will try your way, awsom. Will be back any after, see ya.

[@goboslament5535]

Hey, an actual reasonable human on youtube. Nice to meet you, Bill.

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

I just bought that Beck album in perfect original condition for two bucks at a second-hand store.

[@claudec2588]

Definitely sounds cleaner. But, :) I wonder if they are any cleaner than you would have achieved with The Spin Clean Record Cleaner, which would be much less labour intensive than the method you demonstrate here. My records had 30 years of dust, cigarette smoke and of course finger prints when I decided to get back into playing vinyl. I used the Spin Clean Record Cleaner. The difference was dramatic. But not perfect. I was hoping this video would answer the question, "Should I invest in a vacuum record cleaning system?" I appreciate this video but I think I'll have to keep looking.

[@audiobuff77]

I use Dayton Audio record cleaner with a microfiber cleaning cloth. It works pretty well at removing dirt.

[@heathersowell1053]

Bill, what type of sleeves are you using? Thanks in advance!

[@garretts91]

I subscribed because of this video. Everyone forms an opinion before they listen nowadays. Listen first, you may learn a thing to two.

[@jimb1463]

Love the light above your cleaner turntable! Where'd you get it? Ty

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

IKEA. They got lots of cool little lights to illuminate your audio if you let your imagination fly.

[@redbarchetta9445]

FTR is a good rule to live by...perhaps not obvious, but the T and the R stand for The Trolls. One guess what the F stands for. Thanks for making the vids. I'm getting ready to clean my own collection and am going to try a few different processes...including some of yours. Really curious to know if you're still a fan of the Record Dr after a year. Also curious to know if you've stopped using commercial cleansing agents in favour of one of the many "home made" versions. Stay Safe!

[@jamesclough2638]

Cleaning made a big difference. I'm convinced.

[@nicholasgarratt5646]

I don't use much cleaning fluid. I have found a good way is to spray a couple of times into a make up brush. I then use that to go over the record. I then use a 2nd brush on the record and then use microfibre cloth. I leave it for 15 minutes before playing with no audio on. Sometimes it might shift some dirt onto the stylus so I always check it after the first play. I then play it with audio the 2nd time.

[@flashanddancedj]

New subscriber... I have tried a few things and still having issues... I am about to get a Knox Vinyl Record Cleaner Spin Kit... I have only used a Crosley Brush and solution it comes with and home made cleaning fluid with Distilled Water, Isopropalchol and jet dry... Still having tons of pops and crackles....

[@ChrisPropfeMusicallyObsessed]

Nice video. Thank you for sharing. I use a Nitty Gritty RCM. Just subbed.

[@walterpen371]

Bill I absolutely agree with you about do what best that works for you. I've studied this to death on KZbin and my conclusion is if you got plenty of money, then indulge yourself. If not then start to think smart and creative. There's plenty of junk around without spending too much money. DIY projects on KZbin is incredible. I'm retired now, however I get upset at thinking my old dept. had so much stuff thrown out. I could've built at least two cleaning machines. One very interesting thing to add is to find out from those who have been using cheap or rather heavy chemicals for at least 15 - 20 yrs. if the record/sound quality is still great???? In other words are the grooves/label in good condition. Peace.

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

So far no adverse results on my end. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@paulc5358]

Great shirt Zappa is the best!!! Nice video as well. What do you think of the T-M8 cleaning fluid? I have that stuff as well as L-art du son which I think works well too. I was looking for a round carbon microfiber brush or a round goat hair brush for a project I working on for cleaning records with my Pro-Ject VC-E clean machine any Ideas where I can get one? Thanks

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Amazon, acoustic sounds, Music direct....shouldn't be too hard to find.

[@Migkiller1971]

I haven't been on for awhile Bill. I'm glad you did a Before and After comparison on a shit record! People have ask me to do that on my videos but there is no way in hell I'm doing that on an original Blue note pressing. People don't realize that Pops and ticks comes from playing dirty records. The dirt and particles gets thermically imbedded in the grooves due to the insane heat caused by the diamond on the vinyl groove walls. Nope! about me doing more video? Meh.

[@Gnofg]

I found the record doctor brush to be the best one. I have an early version of the record doctor and used the original applicator brush. I jus bought the new one and it is the best I have used.

[@rosswarren436]

I appreciate your updates, but I'm just not wanting to spend the money on a record vacuum, so I'm going to do it your 2017 way, except substitute the Audioquest brush for the finger nail brush and use a goat hair brush for spreading the fluid. I wish they'd sell smaller bottles of the enzymatic cleaner. You used the concentrate, but I guess I could buy their "extra strength" bottle and just use a bit more of it...Thanks for the record cleaning journey... I'm hoping to use your methods for wet cleaning, then getting by with using something like Groovewasher or TM-8 (occasionally) and the carbon fiber brush before each play after that. The TM-8 video on their website made it seem like it was only suitable for use with a vacuum, so guess I'll try the Groovewasher instead for light cleaning...

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Good luck, but I feel the Audioquest brush is too soft to be used to get out deep dirt. Your results may vary.

[@rosswarren436]

@@BillsBoxOfSound I'll give it a try. Can always pick up the finger nail brush later and test it on an old, not so valuable, record. Thanks again. But, in your opinion, does using the vacuum REALLY help reduce pops, clicks, and surface noise much better than your 2017 method? That model you reference is $200 new....Much cheaper than many out there, but still over double what the Spin Clean costs....Good luck. And if you change your methodology again, please post another video...

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

@@rosswarren436 I was happy with the Spin Clean for a long time. You probably will be too. I had an opportunity to get a vacuum cleaner at a good price and it paid off. But now that I stopped using the fingernail brush, the Mofi brush is $20 well spent.

[@rosswarren436]

@@BillsBoxOfSound I'll look to getting the MoFi brush for cleaning...but still use the goat hair brush to spread the fluid. Going to experiment (why not?) on some old records with some different (cheaper) enzymatic cleaner that is for pet stains....LOL...that has no additives...and see what happens... But thanks again for your advice Looking forward to watching your videos on vinyl...Hang in there and don't let the trolls get to you... I'm using a non working ancient Technics SL-B1 turntable as my cleaning station to make life easier. Can't find a replacement motor any longer so might as well. I can't believe people thought you were doing that to your "real" turntable...Some people....

[@rafaelgaming68]

Thank you sir

[@phelanlow9572]

Have you tried ultrasonic record cleaner? And was it any better. Thanks. I'm trying to get back into records after years since stop listening to records because of the pops and noise.

[@carlitosfreetos]

Love the vids!!! Keep trolling the trolls lol 😂

[@littlenellie1028]

hi.. what record was it only has one side that was shown in this video.. BTW, great info.. :)

[@bigredfox28]

Awesome video very informative could I ask what's the cleaning fluid called again also could I have more info on the brushes you used please

[@BillsBoxOfSound]

Here is the fluid and brushes I use in this video. If you can't find them at a local store, I've included the most handy online retailer to purchase them from. TM-8 Super Record Cleaning Fluid by Groovy Hi-Fi Solutions(acoustic sounds) Purest Audio Wooden Goat Hair Anti Static Brush (amazon) Mobile Fidelity Record Cleaning Brush (amazon)