How to Clean Vinyl Records and Turntables: Easy Maintenance Guide for Better Sound

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Do you have a record collection at home? Maybe you're just getting into vinyl, but your system is plagued with pops and clicks. If that sounds familiar, this guide will walk you through a simple three-step process to help you get the most out of your existing gear through regular cleaning and maintenance.

Tip 1: Use a Carbon-Fiber Anti-Static Record Brush

The first and easiest step is using a carbon-fiber anti-static record brush. We recommend using this every single time before you listen to a record.

This one from AudioQuest does two important things:

• Removes surface dust and debris from your records.
• Discharges static electricity from the record’s surface.

These two issues—dust and static—are among the most common causes of those annoying pops and clicks that interrupt your listening experience.

Tip 2: Clean the Tip of Your Stylus

You don’t need to clean your stylus every day or even every week. But if you can visibly see dirt, dust, or hair clinging to the tip, it’s time for a quick clean.

This can feel intimidating at first because of how delicate the stylus is, but it’s not as scary as it seems. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a stylus brush and gently drag the bristles toward yourself, across the tip of the stylus.
• Never push the brush into the stylus or cantilever, as this can bend it out of place.
• If a dry brush isn’t cutting it, consider using a stylus cleaner—we recommend trusted options from Last Factory or Record Doctor. Be cautious, though: some lower-quality solutions can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts even more gunk over time.

Tip 3: Deep Clean with a Record Cleaning System

This is where the real magic happens. There are various methods for deep cleaning your vinyl, but our favorite (and the most consistent) is using a record vacuum cleaner.

One great example is the Pro-Ject VC-S3. Here’s how it works:

• Place your record on the spindle and clamp it down.
• Drip 3 drops of cleaning fluid on each side of the record.
• Turn on the motor and use the included squeegee brush to spread the fluid across the record’s surface.
• Place the vacuum nozzle in position and turn on the vacuum.
• Rotate the record two full turns in both directions, then turn off the vacuum. Voila—crystal clear vinyl!

We especially recommend doing this when you first purchase a record, as factory dust and residue often cling to the surface. It’s also essential if you've inherited a large collection or are dealing with older records.

Bonus Tips to Keep Everything in Top Shape

• Store your records vertically in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. This helps prevent warping over time.
• Check your turntable’s belt once a year for signs of dry rot or cracking. Keep a spare or two on hand just in case.
• Bring your turntable in for a check-up once a year. We can inspect the stylus under a microscope to check for wear and let you know when it's time for an upgrade or replacement.

Final Thoughts

Follow these steps, and your records should sound significantly better. Routine care really does make a difference in preserving both your music and your gear.

Got your own tips or tricks for maintaining your vinyl collection? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!