"Cleaning" Vinyl Makes It Worse Not Better!

I have had excellent results using a "Spin Clean" type cleaner that I bought off Amazon. I have also used a painters brush with the usual DIY cleaning solution (distilled water, alcohol, a drop of Dawn detergent) followed by a distilled water rinse, for times when I have picked up 1 or 2 records at a yard sale, etc. and I don't want the hassle of setting up the record cleaner for just a couple of records.. 

Key for me is the "aftercare" once the record has been cleaned. I use rice paper inner sleeves, a clear vinyl outer sleeve to cover the record jacket, and then I have a carbon fiber brush that I give the lp a light dusting with before playing. I also have a separate carbon fiber brush for the stylus, which gets a light brushing every time I use my turntable (and of course, dust cover down whenever not in use...)

I have found that my lp's stay 'clean' almost indefinitely using these methods. I have played lp's that were cleaned 2 - 3 years ago (and not played since) and they still look and sound as good as when they were first cleaned...

I'm sure an ultrasonic cleaner would be even better - but I balked at spending several hundred dollars for record cleaning.

@reubent 

I wouldn’t go any higher than 80… the issue is you can’t start there.. the water continues to heat up due to the friction of the vibrations… If you set your temp lower you’ll end up at 80 and beyond at some point if you doing several batches. Make sure to keep an eye on it because once the damage is done you’ll be stuck with a warped record. 

First, I know this process is/was excessive. I previously worked in an analytical chemistry lab, so I was accustomed to excessively clean processes/equipment. 

Background:  I have cleaned ~4500 LPs using the following process: 

1. Tap rinse
2. Spin Clean w soap - 6 revolutions, each side
3. Ultrasonic clean w soap at 2 different frequencies (Elmasonic P, from Germany, 37/80 kHz), the 80kHz produces less heat,- which is a key issue for LPS (most units do not offer this feature).
4. Tap rinse / drip dry
5. Spin Clean w D.I - 6 revolutions, each side
6. Drip dry in a rack / wipe with Spin Clean drying cloths
7. Store in new sleeves...

I avoid excessive heat, strong acids, strong abrasives and organic solvents - not needed (and can damage LPs).

With the 'deep cleaning' accomplished, I simply dust each side with a Disc Washer brush before playback.

I recommend you try a few steps to see what satisfies you, your needs and your time-budget.

Second, please know that cheap equipment is CHEAP ONLY ONCE.  After that, you pay every time you use it...  (a lesson that my favorite boss taught me years ago). 

Best of luck with your adventure and feel free to message me if you want more details...

@ ruebent, @ skiznfliz

I used standard freezer ICEPACKS to cool my Ultrasonic Bath between batches.  Moderating the US Bath's temperature is vital. 

I also used an aquarium filter, with small-pore batting, to filter particles throughout the process.

I hope this helps... Good luck,

My local audio shop cleans vinyl with the Humminguru for $2.00 a disc. The Guru costs approx. $500.00. so I can have them clean discs 250 times instead.

Thanks for helping guys!!