Use SIMPLE GREEN To Clean Your Vinyl Records

Use SIMPLE GREEN To Clean Your Vinyl Records
THINGS YOU’LL NEED:
-Simple Green:
Simple Green AllPurpose Cleaner, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 3), Original, 96 Fl Oz a.co/d/aWtvCAG
-Lint Free Microfiber Towels:
Elite Tech Gear Microfiber Cloth - 4-Pack, 12" x 12" Oversized Cleaning Cloths. Washable and Durable Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for Glasses, Lenses, Electronics and Screens. High Tech Quality Material a.co/d/99545e0
-Microfiber Cleaning Cloths:
HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth,12 Pack Cleaning Rag,Cleaning Towels with 4 Color Assorted,11.5"X11.5"(Green/Blue/Yellow/Pink) a.co/d/43n8H8f
-Wide level surface to clean your vinyl on
-Large drying towel to place record on for cleaning
-Distilled Water
-Measuring Cup
-Measuring spoon
-Clean white cotton towel or T-shirt preferably
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Directions:
1. Wipe gently. Remove all dust and static using a microfiber cloth, using very little pressure to avoid driving any particles further into the grooves in the vinyl. Your goal is to pick up larger dust and dirt particles on the record without damaging the surface.
2. Rinse. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water (distilled water is preferred), and lightly wipe the entire surface of the record in a circular motion with the grooves of the record, being careful to avoid the center label.
3. Apply Simple Green solution. Add just a splash (about a 1:30 ratio) of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to a bowl of water. [2 tablespoons of Simple Green with 2 cups of water]
4. Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution, and wipe along the record gently, following the grooves.
5. Damp-wipe clean. Wipe clean using the same process as in #2, making sure to remove all of the cleaning solution.
6. Dry. Use a dry microfiber cloth to completely dry the record. Use a can of compressed air to remove any stubborn moisture remaining in deep grooves.
7. Spin and store properly. Enjoy your clean vinyl! Before playing your record, make sure your needle is free of dust and in good condition Store vinyl records properly to prevent dust accumulation and future problems.

[@audioeeze8396]

Whenever I'm spending time cleaning records, I think of it as "therapeutic" along with the anticipation of having a whole new stack of music to listen to. I have washed every single record in my collection over time, I have around 3000 records and it's a good feeling to know they are all cleaned. I have used alcohol in my personal solution my entire life and even my very first record still sounds fantastic. Thanks for the video.

[@ScottGrammer]

I've never used Simple Green to clean records. But, I use it in my day job servicing vintage audio gear to clean faceplates and knobs. I take the knobs off and let them soak in a glass bowl full of Simple green while I service the unit. Then, before putting the knobs back on, I use a microfiber cloth and Simple Green to clean the faceplate. When the knobs come out of the bowl, all they need is to be dried off and they are spotless. Put them back on and the unit looks much better.

[@thousandpound1994]

Strong Bob Ross vibes at around 8 minutes in. Love it! Thanks for the tip. Definitely gonna give it a shot on a few records. Take care

[@mikeinthefastlane8370]

Spin Clean works for me. That’s all I use.

[@bobbyyounger7632]

Thanks, I gave this simple green mix a try today on a used dirty record , it cleaned up great ! I also used a soft toothbrush. Record plays sounds great !

[@phantomrider07]

Thanks for making this video. Can’t wait to try it.

[@janglyriff]

Great video Tavis! I'm definitely going to try this. Your videos are informative and helpful. Plus you have a very relaxing/soothing voice. Take care Tavis.

[@chetfan5181]

Thanks for the tip! You have a very soothing voice.

[@johnmason6213]

This video is really really relaxing.

[@Super666Player]

This works. Thanks.

[@motophono]

Thank you! Subscribed😊

[@alandewey6934]

thanx for taking the time to make this video , recently got back into LPs & have been buying many 60/70s LPs that need a good cleaning, one of the sellers actually mentioned this product (simple green) works well .

[@JMAudioEditions]

I was in the car washing business for 30+ years- automatic conveyor operated full service and hand washing and detailing in NY at more than 3 different locations at one time- hundreds of thousands of cars a year and so millions over 30 years-- absolutely Simple Green will leave behind residue- try it on black car paint- the same process u did in video on black car paint- you will see it leaves a residue- or try it on glass - you need to wash the SG off then dry and that may be best suggestion as a last step- OR use less alcohol/distilled water which evaporates - I use a Vinyl Styl Deep Groove Record Washer which uses hogs hair brushes and protects label in conjunction with distilled water and very tiny amount of 99% iso alcohol - then air dry with ionic hair dryer (I use an ionic hair dryer on cool setting to blow all water off- same when I wash my black car- I never touch the water at the end only blow it off leaf blower- of course you can not wax/ceramic coat records like a car BUT no touch drying is best as each time you touch the record you destroy the micro grooves - ) and set on drying stand for 30 mins- when you use hand cleaning its inconsistent and pressure varies and leaves more micro scratches than hogs hair- when I detailed the best cars - I never hand washed with microfiber- I always used hogs hair brush on pole so each time pressure is precise on surface- I use the brush in huge triple bucket system dipping the brush after every stroke in to each of three buckets- so no chance of carrier dirt damaging paint- the hogs hair releases dirt into the three buckets similar to how the Vinyl Styl Deep Groove Record Washer does. And air drying ensures no further contact which equates to no additional damage

[@vincedebart]

Looks like a good process to me thanks for the vid ….

[@retromusings]

A very economical option for people who buy 2nd hand records. Excellent video.

[@vinylrecordplayer]

Great tip here. I'm completely with you on looking for a non-$400 record cleaning solution, and this is pretty damn good. Looks like I'm gonna have to find some time this weekend for this. Appreciate the video, Tavis. Hope you're having a great summer! 😁

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

I am having a wonderful summer. Thx for watching and sharing.

[@goplad1]

I've been using Windex for over 40 years to clean my dirty records. It has been amazing. I think I'll try your method of Simple Green and distilled water. I'm intrigued. I never understood why someone would invest hundreds of dollars into a record cleaning machine. Its time consuming and doesn't do a better job than a simple method of cleaning like what you have shown us. Thanks for posting this.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Thanks so much for watching! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@jhix9025]

Tavis, great video. Have you ever tried using an "edger" or "edge painter" to clean your records? They're the little plastic rectangular thingies you use to paint the edges of walls. They're available at hardware stores or big box stores and they're super cheap and the perfect size for cleaning records. The replaceable bristle pads track the grooves such that you barely need apply pressure. Just skate it around the record a few times after you spray the cleaner on there, then proceed normally with your towels and your rinsing and drying process. I certainly didn't invent this method, i've seen others employ it in youtube videos, but I've found it to be quick, easy and effective.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Awesomeness

[@Kmeeeeeeeeeee]

​@@vinyltalkwithtavis3145Try heating the disttiled Waters to 50 deegres celsius,the effect will be much better👍

[@manilavinyl5680]

I love your video! Keep on sharing those practical tips... The distilled water, alcohol and dishwashing liquid will work well too. Some just over reacts to alcohol and other solutions. Its not as if you'll pour the whole bottle of alcohol nor the dishwashing agent on the record. And yes, its calming and very therapeutic cleaning records. I agree with on that!

[@stephenburbank7283]

Might as well use the elmers glue method, amazon has a ultrasonic record cleaner with tempature control for 150.00.

[@jaymorales6847]

simple green works great on car interiors too. cleans and leaves a natural shine.

[@gustavo11811]

Great Video! I have never cleaned my records and now I feel bad about it. I will get this simple green cleaner and do it pronto. Thanks for the advice.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Let me know how it turns out! 😎

[@gardenstate2480]

Thank You Thank You for this, I almost bought one of these record cleaning machines but this works so well probably even better at a lower cost and I get to meditate while doing it 😂 Be well

[@grantb1326]

I believe what u say! Thanks! i was going to use the other solution, but this stopped me.

[@seand67]

In addition to cleaning, you have to invest in proper inner sleeves for LPs. Paper sleeves cause static, micro scratches, and surface noise on LPs.

[@frankmarcella7572]

Constructive criticism: A before and after sound comparison would’ve gone a long way to convincing me to attempt this. Other than that, great video.

[@RichardNixonsHippieRemoval]

Whoa, rocking the To The Extreme album. Had that when I was 15. Records were getting tough to get hold of at that time, phased out for tapes and CDs. Burning 'um if you ain't quick and nimble, I go crazy when I hear a cymbal. 'Na hi hat with a souped up tempo, I'm on a roll, time to go solo.

[@dashobie]

Thank you it worked perfect no sound but the Music.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Awesomeness

[@toddspearman]

The reason people say not to use alcohol is that it eats shallac..so 78$ but I can't wait to try this thank you

[@peterwikvist2433]

Well done Sir! Remember to put your clean and dry record back into a poly-lined inner sleeve when you are done.

[@stevenbeau6268]

This really does work well…s

[@2bdefacto]

simple green leaves a residue, you can probably clean vinyl records with dish soap, ammonia, lighter fluid or urine but I wouldn't do it. Theres plenty of record cleaners (very inexpensive) out there that not only clean but is an anti-static as well. Simple Green will just buildup residue and cause dust to stick and scratch your records.

[@gustercc]

How do you know it leaves a residue?

[@JMAudioEditions]

​@@gustercc I was in the car washing business for 30+ years- absolutely SimpleGreen will leave behind residue- try it on black car paint- the same process u did in video on black car paint- you will see it leaves a residue- or try it on glass - you need to wash the SG off then dry and that may be best suggestion as a last step

[@RockandRoll0U812]

It doesn't! I used it on several albums and there was no sign of a residue and it cleaned them perfectly. Even if it did leave a residue you would have to clean that album a lot to build up any residue that would affect the sound. How often do you need to deep clean an album? Once maybe twice in its life with you! Simple Green works great!

[@tonystephens6858]

Been using Simple Green with my Disc-washer record cleaners for years now. I picked up two Disc-washer record cleaners about thirty years ago from a record store that was closing. I use a mixture of distilled water and Simple Green in the first Disc-washer to clean, and distilled water only in the second Disc-washer to rinse. Works like a charm.

[@tommylarry8016]

Im new into vinyl i just bought jay z and skip alot light scratches and fingerprints. I try this out im nervous records are very expensive. By the way i loved your shirt

[@raywoods2132]

Hey Travis, nice video You seem like the kind of guy that would be great to kick back with and smoke a blunt and listen to some vinyl with. however, I have learned from a lot of people with large collections, and who have invested a lot of years and money in their systems that You should always check the ingredients of any product that you’re using on your vinyl records. And although the debate is up for grabs regarding alcohol and its potency versus how much it’s been deluded in the solution. Simple Green does have a bit of alcohol in it although they will not list the percentage but more importantly, it does have hydrochloric acid in it and they do not list Just how much, so just putting that out there, so keep that in mind folks. Spin on!

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Thx for watching🎶🎶. Please share how you and possibly how others you know clean their vinyl. It’s an interesting topic for us vinyl collectors and music connoisseurs. 😎😎😎😎

[@DoseOfIssa]

Hey Tavis! Thank YOU for showing us an inexpensive way to take care of Vinyl Records. I am grateful for this very easy tutorial! Just curious, how often would you say you clean your records? I want to make it a habit of mine to really take care of my vinyl's since they mean so much to me!

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

That’s a great question! I usually clean my used records that I purchase from thrift stores , etc just like this. However, every time I play any of my records, I use a small spray bottle with distilled water and table spoon of Simple Green. I spray a small amount on a microfiber towel and wipe the record until it’s smooth and beautiful. Then I play it. You don’t need much…just a couple of mists. Also, make sure your needle is clean and clear of dust build up, too. - Tavis

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I find that there are microfiber towels and there are microfiber towels, some of them leave microfibres in your grooves that your stylus will have to dredge out. Buy good quality microfiber towels !!!!!

[@panther_-]

Hey, I’m considering buying the HOMEXEL colored microfiber clothes you recommended (the 3rd link in the description). Would you say I’m safe from having to worry about scratches or any other damage done to my records from these cloths? Just making sure

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

They are awesome. I’ve been using them for a few years.

[@panther_-]

@@vinyltalkwithtavis3145 that’s great! I’m gonna try them out 👍🏻😁

[@panther_-]

@@vinyltalkwithtavis3145hey, I followed the instructions on the video and tried this out on a record and when I played it it had allot of static and made more noise than before. Any idea why?

[@HuggyBearHikes]

Unfortunately there are 100 different ways to clean records and every person swears their way is the correct way and every other method will ruin your records. Oh one tip.....when you wash your microfiber towles allow them to air dry. I have found that throwing them in the dyer can actually melt the fibers(on a level not easily seen by the naked eye) and make the fibers kinda rough and not smooth like new.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

That’s a great tip. I noticed when I a use the dryer with my microfiber cloths, my glasses smear when I use them. I’ll definitely take your advice!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@HuggyBearHikes]

@vinyltalkwithtavis3145 yeah the fibers become scratchy. You'll need to get some new ones and start fresh

[@spicystick]

“They’re going look good, they’re going sound good and they’re going to smell good too”

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

😀

[@lewisbriffa4715]

Lits look on the other side

[@jnnyg65]

Watch this video at 2X spped. Your welcome.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

LOL! 😂

[@rockytopkg]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Can a dry microfiber towel be used to dry the record rather than a t-shirt or lint-free cloth? I have several LPs that have been sitting in a record store wooden crate for years. A couple of them have residue on them where it looks like insects have eaten the lp jacket and liner and the remains have deposited on the vinyl. I'm thinking soaking them in your simple green solution would be a good start, but I don't think running a microfiber towel around the record is a good idea. Can warm tap water with slight pressure be used to remove the softened residue, then followed by your cleaning process above? Some of these lps are collector's items now and while I have no intention of selling them, I sure would rather listen to them than try to replace them. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

[@camlegs2423]

Good on yea mate. I'm from the UK and I have tried Elbow Grease spray on old records from thrift shops. It is alcohol free (so I can't get drunk on it!) But does seem to work. I wouldn't use on my expensive record, but I wouldn't need to If I got them from new.

[@toddgrimes3710]

I have a Chinese made ultrasonic cleaner and a humminguru. I first use the Chinese ultrasonic cleaner using simple green for 5 minutes then rinse with water. Next step is through the humminguru. My records turn out spotless. Yes simple green works well. No fantasy cleaning solutions.

[@jim_wicks]

Interesting. The only comment I have is the cross-contamination of cloths. You used one to wipe down the record, and then used it again to wipe away the Simple Green solution on the record. Would it be better to use separate cloths for their dedicated purposes. Or, is cross-contamination over-thinking things a bit? Interested in your comments.

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Great question. Multiple cloths are what you want actually. I would recommend that.

[@Dave-if5qj]

Alcohol has Bern used it Record cleaning fluids Forever

[@greghawkins229]

Nothing wrong with simple green or alcohol. I have a vacuum machine so whatever I use I come back With distilled water because in theory simple green which is a soap will attract dirt after cleaning because You won’t get all of it off.

[@Epicdog1115]

what turntable is that in the video

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Angel Horn

[@wickedvinyl1970]

Ok, this might be great, I don't know if I'd trust all the ingredients in that product, but after drying with your rag, there is still water in the grooves. To remove it and really dry your records, you could leave them to air out for a few minutes. I use a make-up brush, with super fine bristles and put the record on the turntable to spin while I'm holding the brush at an angle that allows the bristles to penetrate the grooves. You can sometimes feel the dampness on the brush! I'm all for simple cleaning solutions and have been playing around with different methods for about 12 years, but remember, the cleaning of a record is not in how shiny it is... it's in the grooves. If you're not getting into the grooves to lift the dirt out, then you're only polishing the top surface.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Don't agree with simple green, but I like the cut of your jib. Actually, the presentation, lol. Small amount of 90% alcohol, drop of soap, distilled water.

[@mcharrison23]

Anything that leaves a residue Is no good. Distilled water three drops of Dawn Could this upload have been done in six minutes?

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Ouch 🤕. Thx for watching regardless. ✌🏾

[@briannewell6064]

NOPE!

[@fortherecord8241]

Don’t use simple green to clean your records

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Already doing it. Works fine to each his/her own. 😌😌😌😌

[@fortherecord8241]

@@vinyltalkwithtavis3145 just morning everyone who sees the video DO NOT USE SIMPLE GREEN, WINDEX OR CAR WAX 👉🥴💨

[@fortherecord8241]

@@vinyltalkwithtavis3145 all you need is distilled water, alcohol and rinse agent to pre clean but certainly should deep clean all your records . I recommend the Spin Clean record washing system. It’s affordable to everyone. Even anyone using Simple Clean

[@antkn33]

It would be nice if you say don’t do something that you back it up with some reasons and facts. Otherwise your comments are useless

[@fortherecord8241]

@@antkn33 ok 👌 don’t use simple green because…. it is a household cleaner and nowhere on the product label does it say to use it to clean records . Feel better ? I do

[@seanjamieson9088]

Total nonsense. Anyone who uses that crap to clean their records is nuts. Get a spin clean. Or a vpi. Or best get a kirmuss audio cleaner.

[@victorvella9760]

I am sorry to say but all you did is pressing the dirt further down into the grooves. . a very non professional job , the items you used and the method are a nightmare and an insult to vinyl , irrelevant how many likes you got .

[@vinyltalkwithtavis3145]

Thanks for sharing.

[@goplad1]

I've been using Windex since 1980 to clean my records and it works GREAT! The difference from a dirty record and one that has been cleaned with Windex is amazing. No reason to invest a ton of money into a record cleaning machine. It's a waste of money.

[@gustercc]

It sounds like you took it very personally Victor. Maybe you shouldn’t be on the internet so much. Go play your records

[@alleyviper]

"Insulto al vinilo"... estos tipos estan rayados (como sus discos)...

[@sayfo666]

@@goplad1- what cloths do you use and what are the steps please? I’ve also been using that concoction with wetted new paper towels. But will add a pre-step of wiping off dust first with suitable cloth surface. I leave the records to dry after waving them up and down for a bit.