One of the biggest challenges of owning a vinyl collection is the cleaning.

Let’s be honest, most of us were less than careful when we were teenagers so keeping our record collection in tip top condition was not ever very likely, certainly not in my case.

There is not much you can do about scratches but, over time, records collect dust and dirt in the cracks and there are a number of methods and gadgets out there to help restore vinyl, almost, to it’s former glory.

I have tried a number of things and have found a few useful tools which I will share with you…

Arguably the best tool I have come across is the ‘Tonar tacky-cleaner’

A great tool for lifting dirt from the cracks. I have just finished cleaning my original Master of Reality LP by Black Sabbath. A fairly valuable record, but not in the condition it was in. There was so much static and crackling it was virtually unlistenable.

I tried cleaning it a number of times without success, until that is, I bought the Tonar tacky-cleaner. Now, the LP is perfectly listenable with some light static in places and  just a few audible scratches but nothing significant.

Basically, just run the ‘tacky-cleaner’ over the grooves to lift deep seated dirt out of the cracks. After use you can wash the cleaner in soapy water, rinse and leave to dry.

I normally use the ‘tacky-cleaner’ first on any vinyl I clean. Next step which helps to remove any loose stuff left behind as well as remove static, I use the ‘disco-antistat’ bath.

Place the LP on the spindle, position in the ‘disco-antistat’ which is filled with an antistatic liquid, and rotate a few times. Lift up, let it drain a bit and then place it in the stand to dry.

If you are left with any drying marks you can always use a soft vinyl cleaner together with the appropriate liquid spray if necessary to get your vinyl looking spiffing!

When it comes to playing the record, I always give it a quick run over with a carbon fibre cleaner to remove any loose dust that may have settled in the grooves.

And if you need a soft cloth to remove any surface dust those good quality cleaning cloths you get with any Apple device are as good as anything.

One final thing, and as important as anything, you need a stylus brush to make sure there is no dust or fluff attached that is going to affect playback. If you don’t have a stylus brush I have found that a pastry brush works just as well (just don’t tell the wife!)

No doubt there are many other methods and gadgets out there so if anyone has any ideas please feel free to add your words of wisdom.