To clean or not to clean...

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I usually wait till I have a “batch” to do, so to speak. Then I clean them. For me, the biggest thing is how much static a new pressing can have. Some do, some don’t. I don’t think it is the end of the world for either the record or your cart… plenty of opinions on this all the way from don’t ever clean to clean all the time, never use tap water… bla bla bla. I do think they need to be cleaned occasionally, like once or twice a year maybe.

I clean with a VPI and new MoFi sleeve I even clean MoFI ultradisc one-step at $125  you think they would be spotless 
We spend so much time and money on our systems why not five minutes more to have it sound its best

Enjoy the Music 
Tom

I like the sound of vinyl, but I hate the clicks, pops and bad sound you can get with any album, including new ones-- even with a good pressing.

I use a ClearAudio Smart Matrix, which was spendy-- $1,600 when I bought it, and it has kept me in vinyl.  The machine does a good job of cleaning the records, removing surface dirt, mold, vinyl, etc.  Using the machine results in better sound, and fewer clicks and pops.

Cleaning your records won't make a lousy recording sound good.  But, it will keep a good recording in much better condition (and sounding) than if you don't clean them-- even when they are new.

Well worth the time (and mess) in my view.  I use Audio Intelligence fluid, followed by straight distilled water (with another brush).  That seems to me to be sufficiently obsessive and sufficiently helpful in keeping my record collection sounding good.

I clean EVERY VINYL, OLD OR NEW before ever playing it.

I clean EVERY VINYL, OLD OR NEW before ever playing it.

ditto