Keep it simple01
I just want clean records.
Straightforward cleaning advice requiring minimal equipment.
Show Me the Simple MethodRecord Care Lab
Clean records.
Better listening.
I’ve spent years experimenting with record-cleaning fluids, brushes, vacuum machines, ultrasonic cleaners, rinsing methods and plenty of things that turned out not to matter nearly as much as I thought.
Record Care Lab is where I share what I’ve learned and how I clean the records in my own collection.
BEFORE THE NEEDLE DROPSA little care goes a long way.
A note from the cleaning bench
Hi, I’m Rick.
For me, listening to records turned into wanting to understand what happens before the stylus ever reaches the groove.
Record cleaning became an obsession.
I’ve experimented with detergents, surfactants, brushes, vacuum machines, ultrasonic frequencies, rinse methods and cleaning routines. Some made a difference. Some didn’t. I've dispelled some myths along the way, and discovered the approach I use today.
I created Record Care Lab to put everything I’ve learned in one place.
I care about the vinyl playback experience.More About Me
Find your starting point
How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
You don’t need an elaborate cleaning system to enjoy records. Start wherever you’re comfortable. Simple is better than nothing, and you can always go deeper later.
Go deeper02
I want really clean records.
For collectors interested in better rinsing, vacuum cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning and more thorough techniques.
Build a Better Cleaning SystemI’m obsessed03
Tell me everything.
Surfactants, residues, ultrasonic frequencies, cavitation, rinsing, chemistry and experiments.
Enter the Cleaning LabMy method
How I Clean My Records
My cleaning routine has changed many times over the years. What you see here is where I am today.
Provisional workflow · Final instructions to be added
- 01
Liquinox Manual Wash
- 02
Vacuum
- 03
Citranox Manual Wash
- 04
Vacuum
- 05
Tergitol 15-S-9 Ultrasonic Clean
- 06
Vacuum
- 07
Distilled-Water Ultrasonic Rinse
- 08
Vacuum
- 09
Distilled-Water Ultrasonic Rinse
- 10
Vacuum
- 11
Fresh Inner Sleeve
Do you need to do all of this?
Probably not.
This is the routine I use for my own collection. I’ll show you the entire process, explain what each step accomplishes, and tell you which parts you can safely skip.
Walk Through My Complete RoutineThe process, in person
Watch Me Clean
a Record
Want the details?
The video shows you what I do. The written guide explains why I do it.
Read the Step-by-Step GuideMy cleaning bench
The products that earned a permanent place in my routine.
I’ve bought plenty of record-cleaning products that I no longer use. These are different.
Cleaning Fluid
The cleaning fluid on my bench.
Read why I use it
Manual Cleaning
The brushes and tools I reach for.
Read why I use it
Surfactant
Why a surfactant matters.
Read why I use it
Ultrasonic Cleaning
My ultrasonic cleaning setup.
Read why I use it
Vacuum Cleaning
The vacuum equipment in my routine.
Read why I use itSome links may be affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or would buy myself.
The Cleaning Lab
Let’s test some assumptions.
Record collectors have strong opinions about cleaning. I’d rather test them. This is where I experiment with fluids, equipment, techniques and some of the things vinyl enthusiasts have been arguing about for decades (literally decades).
40 kHz vs. 120 kHz Ultrasonic Cleaning
Two frequencies. A comparison that starts with the method.
4 min read
Can You Over-Clean a Record?
Examining an often-repeated concern about record cleaning.
5 min read
Do You Really Need to Rinse After Cleaning?
A closer look at the rinse step and the questions behind it.
2 min read
Notes, questions & experiments
From My Cleaning Bench
What I’m testing, changing and learning right now.
40 kHz vs. 120 kHz Ultrasonic Cleaning
Two frequencies. A comparison that starts with the method.
4 min read
Can You Over-Clean a Record?
Examining an often-repeated concern about record cleaning.
5 min read
Do You Really Need to Rinse After Cleaning?
A closer look at the rinse step and the questions behind it.
2 min read
Part of a bigger love of records
Record Care Lab is brought to you by The Joy of Vinyl.
For me, records have never just been about equipment or sound quality. They’re about sitting down, putting on an album and actually listening.
The Joy of Vinyl is where I write and talk about everything surrounding that experience, be it turntables, cartridges, record collecting, music, and occasionally wondering if need to align my cartridge again for the millionth time.