How to Get Dust Off Vinyl

Co-authored by Elias Weston

Last Updated: March 26, 2021 References

Vinyl records have a warm tonal quality when they’re played, and they’re durable enough to last you a long time. But whether they’re new or vintage, vinyl records can easily collect dust and need to be cleaned regularly. Luckily, getting dust off of vinyl records is super easy as long as you use the right materials. There are also a few simple things you can do to keep your records clean and dust-free.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Removing Dust

1
Wipe vinyl with a microfiber cloth for a quick clean. Lay your record flat on a soft towel so you don’t scratch the surface. Take a microfiber cloth and gently rub the vinyl in a circular motion to remove any dust on the surface. Flip the record over and do the same thing on the other side.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 30 January 2021.}
- A microfiber cloth won’t leave behind small threads or lint on the surface of your records.
2
Use a vinyl cleaning brush for a deeper clean. Place the record on your turntable and start the turntable so the vinyl is rotating. Hold a vinyl cleaning brush gently against the surface of the record at a 90-degree angle. Allow the record to turn so the brush cleans along the grooves. Gradually move the brush from the inside grooves to the outside grooves.^{[3]
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- You can find vinyl cleaning brushes at music supply shops or by ordering one online.
- Don’t use a wire or bristled brush or you could damage the record.
Alternative: If you don’t have a turntable or record player, lay the record flat on a clean, soft towel and run the vinyl cleaning brush around the record to clean the grooves.

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3
Try using a record cleaning solution for stubborn grime. Record cleaning solutions are specially formulated to remove dust and grime from your records without leaving residue behind or stripping the vinyl. Locate the areas with dusty buildup on your record and spray them with the cleaning solution. Then, take a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub in a soft, circular motion to lift any dusty buildup from the surface.^{[4]
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- A few drops or spritzes will do just fine. Don’t apply so much that it streaks off the record.
- Avoid getting any of the liquid on the label in the center of the record or it could damage or discolor it.
- You can find record cleaning solution at music supply shops and by ordering it online.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Your Vinyl Clean

1
Wipe down your vinyl records before and after you play them. Make it a habit to wipe down your record with a clean microfiber cloth every time you use it and before you put it away to help keep dust from building up on the surface. If you pull out an old record to play and you notice a grimy buildup on the surface, use a record cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to remove it.^{[5]
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- If you don’t listen to your vinyl records often, take them out to clean them at least once a year.
2
Store your vinyl records in sleeves to keep them protected from dust. Slide your record into a paper or plastic inner sleeve to keep the surface safe from scratches and dust. Then, slide the inner sleeve into the album cover. If you want to add an additional layer of protection, place the album cover into another plastic sleeve.^{[6]
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- Album sleeves are available at record stores or by ordering them online.
3
Keep your turntable stylus clean to avoid getting dust on your records. The stylus on your turntable can actually transfer dust and grime to your records if it's dirty. Use a stylus brush, which is a small bristled brush specially designed to clean the stylus on a record player. Take your stylus brush and gently brush the underside of the stylus to remove any dust built up on it.^{[7]
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- The stylus is delicate and can easily break, so brush it very gently.
- You can find a stylus brush at your local music supply store or by ordering one online.

Warnings

Never use a stiff-bristled or wire brush to clean your records or you could scratch the surface and ruin them.

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