Part of your problem amy also be the stylus. If it is an old round sperical shaped one, it rides on top of the groves, and will pick up all the the misuse, wear and tear etc that is normal on even the best cared for records. Elipticals ride in the grove, and are less prone to scratches and top grove wear ad noise. If you are a casual listener, and dont want to spend a fortune, go with the Disc wash system, brush and cleaner, next step if you want to spend a touch more, add a good carbon fiber brush (about $15-$25) and use it it to "lift out some of the grit and grime in the grooves. Next step, a vacum machine, the Disc Dr. sells for about $200 from Audio Advisor. Vacuming is the absolute best way to clean, no matter what machine (VPI, Nitty Griity, or others).
Cleaning LP's
What is the best relatively inexpensive way to clean LP's? My turntable has been shot for a number of years. I was given a turntable, nothing special, but I can't believe what I've been missing. I'm hearing a lot of crackle and I'm assuming my records need cleaning. Some sound okay while others are not so good. I can't see anything obvious on the surface. Any advice?