Begin by handling a record at its edges and center label. For routine dust, use a clean carbon-fiber brush with the disc turning slowly, following the groove direction rather than pressing hard across the surface. Brush before each play if needed, and clean the brush itself regularly. This simple step can reduce loose particles, but it will not remove fingerprints, dried residue, or dirt embedded in the grooves.
For a deeper clean, use a product intended for records and follow its instructions. Apply fluid sparingly with a clean microfiber cloth or a suitable record-cleaning tool, keeping moisture away from the label. Avoid household cleaners, paper towels, and rough fabrics; they may leave residue or create fine scratches. If you use a wet method, let the record dry fully before returning it to its sleeve or placing it on the turntable.
Clean hands and a tidy workspace matter as much as equipment. Keep records away from food, drinks, direct sunlight, and dusty surfaces, and never wipe a disc with your shirt. A record that still crackles after cleaning may have groove wear or pressing noise rather than removable dirt. Do not keep repeating aggressive cleaning in search of silence. Use a gentle routine, listen for improvement, and accept that some imperfections are part of a record’s history.
Also on this site: All coverage