First record cleaner

SpinClean. Simple but effective. 

I've used a Spin Clean over 10 years, because I always find excuses to not take the plunge. Someday, in this lifetime I'll get a proper machine.

Spin Clean makes for a clean appearing LP more than anything. The Project unit gets good reviews, and it's relatively inexpensive.

If you want to do it just once-consider a US machine. The Audiodesk and DeGritter users can chime in. The times I've used one, it does what it's supposed to do.

Machines won't miraculously make a groove damaged LP quiet.

There's always that ridiculous glue method

Tutorial: Record's Cleaning with wood glue - The right way! - Bing video 

Look into the original record cleaning machine ever made for the BBC, Keith Monks. 

IMO, assuming cost is a consideration, get a Nitty Gritty. It’s compact, reliable and you don’t have to leave the records drying in a dish rack.  Their Pure 2 fluid is also fine for cleaning most records. If that’s too expensive, you can get a Record Doctor for about $200 and I’m sure it will be fine as well. Audio Intelligent #6 is a good 1-step cleaner to start with. The high-end ultrasonic machines are the best, but you’re talking 3-5k. Buy one if you have the $$.

I would think that most would recommend an ultrasonic record cleaner.  The shiny, best ones are a few thousand dollars, but you can get a VEVOR ultrasonic cleaner for records for only $200, and it seems to work quite well…

I would also suggest an ultrasonic cleaner.  It's the most effective way to clean records.

One of these is great. I use two; one for wash, one for rinse.

Ultrasonic Record Cleaner

Here's a detailed thread with more information.

More Information

For a first I recommend going all in on a cheap ultrasonic setup. I go back to the Nitty Gritty 40 years ago and there is no comparison. Distilled water and a few drops of surfactant.

I do 9 at a time. I only use my Zerostat for my burr grinder.

These responses have been most helpful!

Did some research and will be going with the HumminGuru - Thanks @vinylvalet!

You're welcome, my pleasure.

I’m not sure what your budget is but I use the VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine with the Walker Audio Prelude system. Most of my records I purchase are used and I’ve found that this works best for me.

Had an okki okki, sold it, had a Kirmuss and sold it before I took it out of the box because of the overheating issues and also the toothpaste film it left. Now down to an Audiodesk ultrasonic and couldn't be happier. 

I have a NittyGritty and hardly use it.   All you need is a good record brush

I use a an entry level VPI... honestly, I think it's all anyone really needs. I considered ultrasonic cleaners but the VPI works so well. I've cleaned some really grimey records with it.

I use different formulas for different types of cleaning. 

I had a VPI HW as well for about 20 years until it died. Did a good job. 
 

I replaced it with a Nessie. It is an many times quieter and less than half the size. I was so happy with the new one after putting up with all the noise for so long. But, I was thinking the same when I first bought the VPI… the best for low cost. I would have sprung for a better one if I had known it was going to be a permanent fixture in my audio room.

But you just never know.

My friend's ProJect is a nice, affordable machine. The record doesn't touch a platter on this design.