Are you one of those people who still love the melodious music of the vinyl records and want to make sure they remain in a healthier condition? If yes, then there is a complete chance that you must have been aware of the importance of cleaning these music records. For completing this job sufficiently, you need the best record cleaner so that the dirt and other impurities stay away from the records. Cleaning records from time to time not only help in smooth operation on the vinyl but also boost their health and allow them last longer. In this post, we will talk about record cleaning in detail so that our readers get some useful information. We have made a list of all-time best vinyl records have a look.
Why should you clean vinyl records?
Although there is no need for this question, but there are many people especially beginners who ask it. We strongly you to make this permanent habit as it will turn out to be very useful in the long run. Check out the major reasons for cleaning your records explained below:
- Little Distortion
There will be pretty low distortion created on the records that cleaned on a regular basis. It results in offering better and detailed sound with minimal pops as well as ticks. We believe the even first benefit is enough for showcasing the importance of record cleaner. If you are also looking for Record Storage then check out this Best Vinyl Record Storage guide.
- Improving life
The level of friction gets reduced to a greater extent, which directly gives a boost to the life of records. The dirt won’t get trapped in the grooves that allow the records to last longer.
- Minimal slippage
There are many instances when stylus get skipped when gunk gets collected in the grooves. However, cleaning makes these chances to almost zero.
- Boost up the collector value
The collector value of the vinyl records gets increased by using a high-quality cleaner for eliminating the dirt.
- Improving cartridge life
Lastly, cleaning not only makes the life of records better, but also gives a boost to the cartridge’s life in every possible manner.
So, you can see there are endless benefits of cleaning the records. That’s why it is important that you should perform this process on a timely basis.
What Are The Top 10 Best Record Cleaners In 2020?
If you are reading till now, then there is a great chance that you have made your mind to buy the best record cleaner. However, things aren’t easy when there are hundreds of brands claiming to be better than the others. The majority of individual, especially beginner gets puzzled to see so many choices. Moreover, no one has time to research each product and then make a choice.
However, our team believes in helping the readers in the best possible way. That’s why we have made a research and testing that last for almost 65 hours to create the list of top-rated 10 record cleaners in 2020. Your only job is to check out each of them and then buy one that convinces you the most.
1. Record-Happy Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush Set
We will start our list with an innovative product that eliminates the dust from the LP surface at a very gentle rate without creating any scratches. This brush is very easy to use because it works on the spinning records and results in minimizing the static charge. It goes deep in the grooves for making sure the tiny particles get removed adequately. This product manufactured by the Record-Happy brand and delivers with a 2-year satisfaction guarantee that proves its authenticity by every possible mean.
There is a carbon fiber used on this brush set that minimizes the static charge. On the other hand, the kit also comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth that ensures you can maintain the health of your records. It can be stored quite easily in a foldable position away from the reach of the children. It is the best record cleaner that you can gift to the vinyl or music lovers.
Pros
- It is a very effective cleaner that can be a perfect option for professionals and musicians.
- This product work to clean the dirt from deep and ensure proper cleaning.
- It is a gentle cleaner that comes with carbon fiber for minimizing static charge.
Cons
- The size of the spray is a little bit smaller.
2. Record-Happy Record Cleaning Velvet Brush
The name of Record-Happy will come many times in this post because they are a leader in this industry and known for manufacturing quality products. This velvet brush is an amazing creation by the company and equips with an anti-static solution fluid along with the stylus cleaner. There is a stylus brush added in the set that cleans the needle efficiently. It ensures that the stylus remains in the pristine condition and improve the sound quality. Furthermore, the stylus will last for much longer than its real life.
The company sells this product with a two-year complete satisfaction guarantee that gives a great sense of relief. This product can turn out to be a perfect gift for any occasion. This gentle and effective product ensures that the LP surface remains clean without causing any scratches. This product utilizes a velvet pad for sweeping the dust and dirt from the surface. Along with that, there is a compartment in the brush handle for keeping the records in a beautiful condition. All these things make this product the best record cleaning brush.
Pros
- It ensures that the surface gets cleaned properly without causing damage to the records.
- This brush helps in improving the sound quality by keeping the stylus in good condition.
- The company delivers this product with a two-years money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Little bit of noise produced by the brush while cleaning.
3. Record-Happy Record Cleaning Solution
There is no doubt this one is the best manual cleaning solution you can find in the market. It comes with a specially designed microfiber cloth that can clean not only the vinyl records, but also cell phone screens, eyeglasses, and laptops without causing any damage to the surface. This record cleaner is a very effective product, but still available at a very affordable price. Same as previous items by Record-Happy, this one too delivered with a two years satisfaction guarantee. In simple words, you will end up enjoying smoother music after cleaning your records with this cleaner.
It is available in a pack of 6.7 oz that almost lasts for a year without causing any problem. This cleaner effectively reaches the grooves of the records and take out the dirt trapped in it. It performs this job without causing any damage to the records in any manner. The majority of people who have bought this product feel satisfied with its results. So, if you want a simple cleaner at an affordable price, then you can go for this one.
Pros
- This product is available at a very affordable price and doesn’t hit hard to the pocket.
- The cleaning cloth made from very softer material ensuring proper cleaning without any damage.
- It is a perfect solution for maintaining the health of records on a consistent basis.
Cons
- A basic cleaning solution may not be ideal for professional use.
4. Record-Happy Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush Kit
This product is the top-rated record cleaner due to its amazing set of tools made from high-quality material. It is a versatile set by Record-Happy brand that comes with a special cleaning solution. Together, they make sure that all the impurities from the record get cleaned properly. The liquid solution reached the depth of the slots and took off even the tiny particles. Also, it contains a soft stylus brush that makes the cleaning quick and effective. That’s not all; this product can be an amazing gift for the audiophiles in every possible way.
There is a two-year warranty provided by the manufacturing company for ensuring that the buyers stay fully satisfied with the purchase. If you buy this cleaning kit, then we ensure that there won’t be any cleaning related issues in the records. Furthermore, one can store this kit very easily making it a handy option to buy.
Pros
- It has a very effective drying cycle and doesn’t need any manual drying.
- This product is a multi-functional and powerful product that cleans the dirt from the bottom.
- The anti-static ability of this cleaning kit ensures high-quality music.
Cons
- The price of this product is a little bit higher.
5. Record-Happy Cleaning Brush Kit
This modern and innovative kit is a single solution for your cleaning needs related to the vinyl. It cleans the dirt from the records very efficiently and quickly. The amazing set comes with a record cleaning solution, a stylus brush, and a velvet brush. The velvet brush reaches the deeper grooves and efficiently eliminates the dirt. On the other hand, the alcohol-free liquid solution can work safely on all types of albums.
Overall, it is a complete set of tools that can efficiently fulfill all your cleaning needs. There is nothing that you need to buy extra after buying this high-quality product by Record-Happy. You will end up enjoying music at its purest form conveniently after buying this product.
Pros
- The whole set is made using high-quality material to ensure the product lasts longer.
- It comes with a built-in drying feature that is very useful for the cleaners.
- This product has a great reserving power making it the best vinyl record cleaner.
Cons
- Some complaints about the spray bottle.
6. Collector Protector Pure Vinyl Record Cleaner
If you are looking for a specially formulated cleaning solution, then buy this record cleaner manufactured by the Collector Protector now. The company has used a mixture of wetting agents and surfactants that finishes the contaminants from the record’s surface. This product work by saturating record groves and make it free from all kinds of contaminants.
Furthermore, there is no need for any rinsing after using the mixture on the record. It is the best record cleaner that gives a significant boost to the listening experience. This quick-drying alcohol leaves no residue and reduces the static charge. Furthermore, you will get a microfiber towel free with this product that cleans the records without causing any damage.
Pros
- The instructions to apply the cleaner are very easy and explained on the bottle.
- It is a low-cost, yet effective solution for clearing the dirt.
- This solution based on the quick dry formula alcohol.
Cons
- Little bit residue leave by the cleaner, but that’s not a big reason to worry.
7. Record Doctor V-Record Cleaning Machine ( Editor’s Choice)
If you are one of those individuals who prefer to have a manual machine for cleaning records, then don’t look beyond the Record Doctor V-Record. It comes with a solid vacuum that results in making the sound quality better and improves the life of the vinyl. You will get a high-quality cleaning fluid bottle for clearing out the impurities from the grooves. Also, this set equips with a brush having two different types of applicators, one with a soft-bristled brush and another one with a foam-padded applicator.
The cleaning process with this product is very easy, and you will get a complete set of instructions with it. The complete procedure results in prolonging the life and make sure they maintain their original condition.
Pros
- It has a very high-performance vacuum motor that eliminates the dirt and grease without damaging the records.
- The process to set up this machine is very easier.
- This machine helps in maintaining the original value of the records.
Cons
- The price of this machine is quite expensive when considering other options on this list.
8. Vinyl Vac33 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit
It is an effective and affordable cleaning solution for eliminating dirt and grime stuck that usually gets trapped in the grooves. This product has the best record cleaning brush that performs the same job as the costly items available in the market. This complete kit performs the job efficiently and quickly by eliminating all volumes of grooves in the vinyl. All you need to do is applying a specially formulated cleaning solution to the record and begin using this machine. It will remove all the dirt by creating any noise.
There is a soft velvet near the entrance for protecting the vinyl during the cleaning process. The complete dirt from the grooves will be eliminated from the grooves while using this kit. It has O Ring that offers a snug fit between the vinyl vac and vac house.
Pros
- It comes with an exclusive microfiber cloth and a washing liquid for better cleaning.
- This kit is full of resistance against the scratches.
- This product is completely safe to use on all types of records.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a pretty good design.
9. Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII Complete Kit
The Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII is one of the cheap record cleaning machine’s that includes cleaning fluid tank having a brush pair and rollers. This product is available in three different variants, named complete set, deluxe, and limited edition. Each of them has unique features and work on both sides of the vinyl records simultaneously. There is no need for any installation or power for using this cleaning machine.
You will get a liquid cleaner with this product that has enough material for cleaning up dirt from more than 700 records. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty to the customers on this product. Apart from all the things mentioned above, this kit comes with soft & lint-free drying cloth that doesn’t cause any scratches to the record.
Pros
- The entire kit is very easy to use and available in three different variants.
- No power needed for operating this machine.
- Can work on all types of vinyl records sufficiently.
Cons
- The company’s customer service doesn’t have a good reputation.
10. ION Audio Vinyl Alive ICT07 Record Cleaning Kit
If you don’t wish to spend a great chunk of money and want basic cleaning, then the ICT07 model should be your top pick. It is available in two variants and available at an unbelievable price. There is no doubt this cleaning kit has a good record cleaning brush that removes the dust in a matter of seconds. There is a velvet cleaning pad having an ergonomic handle installed on the product making it comfortable to use.
Also, it is very comfortable and lighter to use allowing you to work without causing any pressure on the hands. On the other hand, the spray bottle has a sophisticated nozzle that makes the process to apply easier even for a novice. Overall, it is a trusted product that can turn out to be very handy in maintaining the life of your vinyl records.
Pros
- It is very easy to apply and available at a very price.
- Manufactured by a trusted and proven brand ION.
- It is very light allowing the user to work for a long time.
Cons
- It isn’t suitable for professional use.
How to choose the record cleaner? Buyer’s Guide
There is a great chance that you might be getting confused about whether to go for the record cleaner solutions or machines. However, both of them have their own set of benefits and disadvantages. We will cover them in detail.
Record Cleaning Machines
There is no doubt that using cleaning machines is the most amazing and easiest method for eliminating dust from vinyl records. They might be a little expensive, but rip off the dust from the core and ensure that records stay in great health. The reason behind their better effectiveness is that they suck the cleaning solution applied to the vinyl. It will take off the dirt and grime with a solution.
Additionally, it saves lots of time and allows you to clean out a great number of collections. So, if you are a little bit higher on the budget and have a little bit less time, then the machine is the best choice for you.
Vinyl Cleaning Solution
If you have a little bit less budget, then these solutions can be an ideal choice. It is obvious that you have to put some extra effort and invest time. All the processes need to be performed by hand. The level of cleanliness will also not be the same as cleaning machines. However, it is better to go for this option if you want to compromise with the money. Also, the availability of these cleaners is better when compared with the record cleaner machines.
Questions And Ans
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Is record cleaner bad for the health of records?
Not at all, they are based on the special formula and made from raw materials. This solution is completely safe for the delicate surface of the vinyl. If you are using the record cleaner, then your records will stay safe from the dust & particles.
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How many records can be cleaned with a bottle of 6.7 oz?
It solely depends on the way one applies the solution on the record. If you apply it in the right quantity, then you can clean up to 100 records with a single bottle.
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How to make drying times better?
The modern-day cleaner dries up at a faster rate. However, you can enhance the drying times by maintaining proper ventilation in the room
How to clean vinyl records
Conclusion
It is important to clean the vinyl records on a consistent basis so that the vinyl records remain in perfect condition. They will not only eliminate the dirt and other impurities but also result in minimizing the static charge. Each of the products mentioned in this list is the best record cleaner, and you can go for the one that suits you perfectly. No matter, which one you use, it is important to perform the cleaning on a consistent basis. If you have a query in your mind, then please tell us in the comment section.
Drona dev says
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Nilarm phill says
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I was looking for this particular information for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck.
doctorsask says
If you are in love with vinyl and you have a little money, the only optimal opportunity for the proper cleaning of all the noises of your favorite music records is a special record cleaner machine.
Elsa Leena says
Vinyl recorder creates a great symphony! Everyone should clean vinyl record regularly for boost up the collection value and increase its livability. Your product suggestion will help record lover a lot. Thanks Dear