How to economically clean old records


I recently took possession of my father's record collection which has some gems, but many are over 50 years old and weren't cared for particularly well (some dirty, some scratched, some both). I am wondering what is an effective and inexpensive way to at least clean the surface of these older records that have never been cleaned even once? I am afraid to use my regular cleaning brush and fluid system for this purpose for fear it will shorten its useful life.
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Showing 1 response by johnnyb53

For me, the other half of the equation is a bundle of deep pile microfiber polishing cloths. I got a bundle of 25 16"x16" deep nap microfiber cloths (9,000 naps per sq. in.) from Sam's Club for $10. Add a handheld steamer from Walgreens for $30 and you're there (though I also use spray-on record cleaning fluid from a local used record store as well).

Put a microfiber cloth on the kitchen counter; put the record on top of it; spray on some record cleaner, run the steamer over it, use one cloth to wet-wipe and deep scrub it (the microfibers get deep into the groove); steam again to blast away the residue, and then use a third, dry clean microfiber cloth to wipe it off and dry it. Flip it over and repeat. Then put it in a dish rack to air dry.