I clean records once on a good record cleaner: I own a VPI 16.5 but have used an Audiodeske at work (at an audio/video specialist). New as well as used ones should be cleaned in my opinion as there are lubricants used in the record manufacturing process that need to be removed. Usually I only clean them again if accidently fingerprinted, or if listening reveals something noticable has "landed" on the record and an annoying pop or click has suddenly appeared that wasn't there before. Only use an Onzow stylus cleaner. Our stylus microscope reveals it's very effective at removing grunge from the stylus--better than most brushes and fluids! PLEASE, please don't use a Magic Eraser as some suggest!! I had one customer come in with a hopelessly clogged up stylus that took me many minutes to clean and guess what he was using? Yes the Magic Eraser! Folks, M. E. is NOT a good stylus cleaner! It can leave a lot of stuff behind on the diamond that can clog up your stylus so badly it prevents proper playback! Use an Onzow and be assured it will be clean. I use one most every record just to be sure I'm not transferring dirt and debris from one record to another. My records sound clean and there's some I've owned and played quite often for over 40 years! Trust me!
Do you clean your records before play, after play, or once (and then never again)?
All my records have been cleaned at least once, but after play, I'll drop it in my Klaudio ultrasonic cleaner for a quick re-clean. I figure if my stylus is digging / loosening anything in the grooves, it's a good opportunity to get that junk out of there. How about you?