| Care & cleaning |
Record cleaning
For a cleaner, better listening experience
If you want to unlock the full sonic potential of your records, regular cleaning is a must. Whether by hand or by machine: cleaned records crackle less, the stylus tracks more cleanly – and your vinyl treasures last longer.
| At a glance |
Dust and deposits in the groove cause clicks and noise – a wash removes them thoroughly.
Dirt abrades the stylus tip. Clean grooves mean less wear on your cartridge.
Deposited particles are pressed into the groove walls during playback. Cleaning protects the vinyl.
Many pressings carry residue of release agents from the pressing plant – a first wash is worthwhile.
| Straight to the details |
| 01 · Why clean? |
Barely visible to the naked eye, dirt particles collect in the grooves. A record groove is only a fraction of a millimetre wide – even the finest dust disturbs the stylus. The result: clicks, noise and premature wear.
A thorough wet clean loosens these deposits, and subsequent vacuuming or drying removes them from the groove. Your record sounds true to the original again – clear, dynamic and with a quiet background.
| — | Dust, fingerprints and release-agent residue sit in the groove |
| — | The stylus “ploughs” through particles – it clicks, crackles and hisses |
| — | Dirt is pressed into the groove walls and abrades the stylus |
| — | The groove is clear – the stylus follows the modulation undisturbed |
| — | Quieter background, finer detail and more dynamics |
| — | Less wear on record and stylus |
| 02 · Methods compared |
Records can be cleaned in several ways – from simple hand cleaning to a professional record cleaning machine. Which method suits you depends on your collection and your expectations.
Our tip: The combination is key. A thorough wet clean for new arrivals and dirty records, plus a quick sweep with the carbon brush before every play – and your collection stays clean for good.
| 03 · Step by step |
| — | Use dedicated record cleaning fluid or distilled water |
| — | Keep the label dry |
| — | Let records dry completely before sleeving them |
| — | Put cleaned records into new, clean inner sleeves |
| — | Tap water – it leaves limescale deposits |
| — | Household cleaners, washing-up liquid or glass cleaner |
| — | High alcohol concentrations – and no alcohol at all on shellac records |
| — | Paper tissues or kitchen roll on the groove |
| 04 · Our cleaning service |
No time or no machine of your own? Then let us do it for you. We clean with the Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic – one of the most sophisticated record cleaning machines on the market. High-quality German engineering, intelligent control electronics and Sonic technology deliver the best, consistently reliable results.
| — | Both sides cleaned in one pass |
| — | Sonic technology for a particularly thorough deep clean |
| — | Precise vacuuming of fluid and loosened dirt |
| — | Electronically controlled – for consistently reliable results |
Simply add the service to your order when buying records.
Deep cleaning with the Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic, followed by a new lined inner sleeve.
Cleaning as above, followed by treatment with Formula LAST Record Preservative for lasting protection of the groove.
| 05 · FAQ |
How often should you clean records?
A thorough wet clean makes sense for new arrivals, second-hand records and visibly dirty records. After that, with good storage in clean inner sleeves, a quick dry clean with the carbon brush before each play is usually enough.
Should you clean new records too?
Yes, it often pays off. Many new pressings carry release-agent residue and dust from the pressing plant or packaging. A first wash ensures a quieter background from the very first play.
Can you clean records with tap water?
We advise against it. Tap water contains limescale and minerals that leave residue in the groove once dry. Use distilled water or a dedicated record cleaning fluid.
Does cleaning damage my records?
No – with the right method and suitable products, cleaning is very gentle. Avoid harsh household cleaners, keep the label dry and let the record dry completely.
Which is better: brush-and-vacuum machine or ultrasonic?
Both clean thoroughly. Brush-and-vacuum machines loosen dirt mechanically and vacuum it off; ultrasonic cleaners use cavitation to lift it particularly deep from the groove. For collectors with large collections, both are an excellent investment.
How much does Klangheimat’s cleaning service cost?
Professional cleaning with the Clearaudio Double Matrix Professional Sonic costs €1.59 per record, cleaning with subsequent preservation €2.90. A new lined inner sleeve is included in both cases.
Can shellac records be cleaned the same way?
Shellac records are more delicate than vinyl. Never use fluids containing alcohol – alcohol attacks shellac. Products specifically designed for shellac and very gentle hand cleaning are best.
Isn’t a carbon brush enough?
A carbon brush removes loose surface dust and is ideal before every play. But it doesn’t lift stubborn deposits, fingerprints or release-agent residue deep in the groove – that takes a wet clean.
Whether you own a few LPs or look after a large collection: cleaning your records is an essential step for anyone who listens to music attentively. In this category you’ll find everything you need – cleaning systems, cleaning fluids, brushes and accessories. And if you have questions about the right solution, we’re happy to advise you personally.
