Washing records
Vinyl care - record washing
Many vinyl lovers initially smile when the subject of record washing comes up. "My records look clean" - we regularly hear this statement. But anyone who has ever heard a professionally washed record knows that cleaning is not a cosmetic luxury, but is crucial for the sound.
We have been offering a professional record washing service for many years. We used to work with the tried and tested Hannl Mera ELB - today we rely on the best the market has to offer: the Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic. A quantum leap in terms of efficiency, precision and cleaning performance.
| Why wash? | Our methods |
| Our machine | Service & Prices |
| FAQ - Frequently asked questions | |
| Why wash records? |
When you play your record, it is constantly exposed to environmental influences. Even in seemingly clean air, the finest particles of dust and dirt are suspended, deposited on the record surface and pressed deep into the grooves by the pressure of the pickup.
As the music signal is generated exclusively by the mechanical movement of the stylus in the groove, even the smallest deposits have a direct effect on the sound quality. The consequences range from increased noise and crackling to reduced dynamics and accelerated wear of the stylus and vinyl.
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Sound suffers immediately
Detail resolution, dynamics, spatiality and high-frequency detail are directly affected by groove deposits
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New records are also dirty
Brand new LPs often contain pressing residues and release agent residues from the production process - an initial wash is highly recommended
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Needle wear
Dirt between the stylus and groove acts like sandpaper - significantly accelerates the wear of expensive cartridges
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Preserving the value of the collection
Well-maintained, cleanly stored vinyl treasures retain their resale value and sound quality for decades
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What happens in the groove? Under a high-precision camera it becomes clear: before washing, dust, deposits and particles sit deep in the groove structure. After washing, the groove is clear and clean. As the stylus converts every unevenness into mechanical vibration, dirt is no small matter - it is decisive for the sound.
| A comparison of the cleaning methods |
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Dry cleaning - carbon brush
Removes loose surface dust before playing. No deep cleaning, no measurable sound improvement. Good routine care before each playback - but no substitute for a real wash.
Sound gain: minimal
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Manual wet cleaning without suction
Cleaning fluid + brush + manual wiping. The main problem: most of the removed dirt remains on the record and settles back into the grooves when it dries. Noticeable for a short time - little effect in the long term.
Sound gain: low
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Vacuum wet cleaning ★ Professional method
Cleaning fluid is worked deep into the groove and then pulled out completely with a strong vacuum. It is not the brush that defines the result - but the suction. The dirt really leaves the panel - it is not just distributed. The record is dry at the end of the process.
Sound gain: clearly audible
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Ultrasonic cleaning
Cavitation bubbles in the liquid bath loosen deep-seated dirt. Very thorough - but: Excessive ultrasonic energy can damage the groove structure in the long term. Well controlled in professional appliances, but should be used with caution in inexpensive home appliances.
Sound gain: very good - with the correct dosage
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| Our machine - Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic |
The Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic is the benchmark among professional record washing machines - developed and manufactured in Germany since 1978. STEREO HiFi analog described it as a machine that turns the washing process itself into an experience. Vinylist awarded it 5 out of 5 stars in its detailed test.
What sets it apart from simple vacuum machines is the interplay of four technologies that are unique in this combination:
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Double-sided simultaneous cleaning
Both sides of the plate are cleaned simultaneously in a single wash cycle. Counter-rotating brush systems with microfiber strips work both sides in the same direction - for maximum groove coverage without taking twice as long. This is the fundamental difference between the Double Matrix and single-sided vacuum machines.
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Sonic option - deep cleaning through vibration
The unique selling point of this machine class: Vibration elements are integrated into the cleaning arms, which generate high-frequency vibrations directly at the groove. They loosen dirt from groove depths that mechanical brushes alone cannot reach - particularly effective for press residues, dried dirt and stubborn deposits from decades.
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Powerful vacuum extraction with clockwise/anticlockwise rotation
The suction turbine works with industrial vacuum - and yet is surprisingly quiet. Cleaning fluid is applied several times and completely extracted, with the direction of rotation changing several times. Result: The panel leaves the machine dry, the dirt has been completely removed from the groove - not distributed, not displaced.
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3 programs + integrated antistatic
Eco for lightly soiled panels, Automatic as the standard program, Superclean for heavily soiled or very old panels. We select the program depending on the condition of your plate. The integrated antistatic unit discharges the panel after cleaning - one of the most common reasons for renewed dust accumulation is thus directly eliminated.
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"This luxury machine saves time because it cleans both sides fully automatically at the same time. It turns the washing process itself into an experience."
STEREO HiFi analog, 01/2015
| Our service & prices |
We clean your records individually or in larger quantities - with careful quality control before return shipment. Simply select the appropriate treatment option according to the degree of soiling:
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Sleeve replacement from € 0.30
We replace the original inner sleeve with a new antistatic PE sleeve coated on the inside - the old one is enclosed. Old paper sleeves are a frequent source of new dust accumulation.
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Professional record washing from €1.80
Complete wet cleaning with the Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic incl. sonic vibration and vacuum extraction. Pressing residues, deposits and production residues are reliably removed. Subsequent sleeve replacement with internally coated sleeve included.
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Washing & sealing € 2.90
Wet cleaning as above, followed by treatment with Formula LAST Record Preservative - forms a permanent protective film in the groove, reduces friction with every play and significantly extends the life of the vinyl and stylus. Recommended for audiophile collector's items and regularly played favorites.
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| Nationwide collection service |
It couldn't be more convenient: we send you a sturdy LP shipping box (holds up to 88 records), collect them from your home, clean them professionally and send the freshly washed LPs back to you - securely packaged, anywhere in Germany.
Vinyl is an analog precision medium. Precision starts with cleanliness.
A professionally washed record sounds measurably and audibly better - less noise, more dynamics, more precise spatiality. And it lasts longer: for the price of a good cleaning, you can extend the life of your collection by years.
A professionally washed record sounds measurably and audibly better - less noise, more dynamics, more precise spatiality. And it lasts longer: for the price of a good cleaning, you can extend the life of your collection by years.
| FAQ - Frequently asked questions |
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My records look clean - do I really need to wash them?
Yes - the relevant dirt is invisible. The finest particles, pressing residues and electrostatically bound micro-rod sit deep in the groove and are not visible to the naked eye. Anyone who has ever looked at a groove under a microscope will immediately understand why optical cleanliness is no yardstick. The change in sound after the first professional wash is astounding for most customers.
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Is washing also worthwhile for brand new, shrink-wrapped records?
Absolutely. Release agents are used during the pressing process to prevent the vinyl from sticking to the mold. These residues remain in the groove and impair the sound quality from the first time the record is played. There are also microparticles from the production process and dust from packaging and transportation. For us, a professional first wash is a matter of course - especially for audiophile pressings and expensive collector's items.
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How often should I wash my records?
That depends on how often you use your records. As a rule of thumb, every newly purchased record - whether new or used - should be professionally washed once. After that, dry cleaning with a carbon brush before every play is sufficient for records that are regularly cared for. For heavily used or second-hand records, we recommend a new wet cleaning after 50-100 playing hours at the latest or when crackling and hissing increase.
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Can I clean records myself?
Regular dry cleaning with a good carbon brush before playing is sensible and recommended. The following applies to deep wet cleaning at home without a vacuum: The loosened dirt remains on the record and settles into the grooves again when drying. Important: Never use washing-up liquid, household detergents or low-quality alcohol - these leave residues that remain permanently in the grooves and are almost impossible to remove.
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Can washing a record remove scratches?
No - mechanical damage to the groove structure (scratches, hairlines) is permanent and cannot be removed by cleaning. What washing does, however, is that sometimes scratches are simulated visually and sonically by adhering dirt particles. After cleaning, it becomes clear whether the damage is real or just dirt. Many "scratched" flea market records sound surprisingly good after the first wash.
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What is the difference between washing and sealing?
Washing removes dirt from the groove - it returns your record to the best possible clean condition. The subsequent sealing with Formula LAST Record Preservative goes one step further: it applies a wafer-thin, durable protective film to the groove, which reduces friction between the stylus and vinyl and makes new deposits more difficult. This combination is the ideal treatment for high-quality collector's items and favorite records that are played frequently.
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Will my label be damaged during washing?
No - the Clearaudio Double Matrix Sonic has an integrated label protection that keeps the record label dry during the entire cleaning process. Neither the cleaning fluid nor the suction will touch the label. Original labels remain untouched and in their original condition.
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How do I send in my records - and how safe is shipping?
Please only send your LPs in their inner sleeves and without record covers - this protects the covers and reduces weight. Only use insured parcels and suitable LP shipping boxes. Alternatively, you can use our nationwide collection service: We will send you a sturdy LP shipping box (up to 88 records), collect from you and send back cleaned.
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Can I also send in old, very dirty records?
Yes - the service is particularly worthwhile for heavily soiled, decades-old or second-hand records. With the Superclean program, the Clearaudio Double Matrix Sonic offers maximum cleaning intensity for difficult cases. Records that have not been played for a long time and on which mold spores or bacterial deposits have formed are cleaned with particular care.
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What happens to my old inner sleeve?
Your original inner sleeve is always enclosed and sent back with the record - unless you expressly request that it be disposed of (please note this in the order comments). Old paper sleeves are a frequent source of new dust accumulation, which is why we enclose a new antistatic, inner-coated PE sleeve after every wash.
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Which formats can you wash?
We clean LP (12 inch) and EP/Single (7 inch). The Clearaudio Double Matrix Sonic is designed for both formats. We accept shellac records (78 rpm) on request - please contact us in advance, as special cleaning fluids without alcohol must be used for shellac.
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How long does it take for my records to be returned?
As a rule, your records will be cleaned and on their way back to you within 5-10 working days of receipt. For larger quantities (from approx. 50 plates), please contact us - we will be happy to give you a binding estimate.
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Is the service also worthwhile for inexpensive records?
Klang has no minimum record price. Even an LP found for a few euros at a flea market can offer a surprising sound experience after professional cleaning - and save the needle, which is considerably more expensive than the cleaning. Our tip: Flea markets and record stores in particular are an excellent source - but almost every used record benefits from a thorough first wash.
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Any more questions? We will be happy to answer them personally - via our ticket system or directly in the store. Visit our detailed FAQ section for more information about vinyl care and our services.
