You should avoid using isopropyl alcohol or cleaning solutions that have isopropyl alcohol in them to clean your records. Isopropyl alcohol will clean your records fine, but with time it damages the protective coating on the vinyl.
In particular, we recommend avoiding any that contain isopropyl alcohol. While it will clean the muck off your record, many people report that over time it'll also damage the protective coating on your vinyl. If you are going to use a solution with isopropyl alcohol – use is sparingly.
“Isopropyl alcohol, in low concentration to total volume, appears to be safe to use on vinyl records”, explains Steve. “We don't like it. But it is very popular with DIY record cleaning fluid makers. Some of the recipes we have seen are pretty scary.
Often used hand-in-hand with tap water, dish detergent is another household cleaning product that should never be used to clean records. Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Lactic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Limonene, Geraniol, Citral, Linalool, Colorants, Vinegar.
If more than just dust and dirt is present on a record, it may be better to use a dry carbon fiber brush or a static brush for deep cleaning. Ultimately, using baby wipes to clean vinyl records can be an effective and safe solution when used with caution.
While most wipes are safe to use on hard, non-porous surfaces like laminate, sealed granite, vinyl, and fiberglass, they are not safe to use on unfinished wood or extremely worn surfaces. Always test in a small area to make sure there is no etching or discoloration.
Some other things to avoid are commercial cleaning products (i.e. Windex, Comet, Borax, etc.) under the kitchen sink. Most often they attack the vinyl itself or, at the very least, block your grooves with even more gunk than they are trying to clean.
Distilled white vinegar is a natural degreaser, disinfectant, and cleaner that is safe to use on all kinds of surfaces, including vinyl floors. The acidic compounds in white vinegar break down buildup and remove dirt without harming your floor's finish.
Squeaky Cleaner, COREtec Clean Spray, and Bona Pro are great for the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and any other room in your home. They're ideal for vinyl floors and work on a variety of hard surfaces. You can order a single 32 oz. bottle or gallon of concentrate.
Both the 70% & 99% mixtures are non corrosive to metals and are plastic safe too.
To clean your vinyl records, grab a microfiber cleaning cloth to remove the dust and static from the record. Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth (preferably with distilled water) and lightly wipe the record surface in a circular motion — but steer clear of the middle of the record.
Let's start with the basics: touching the record surface is a big no-no. Our hands contain natural oils, grease, and dirt – none of which we want anywhere near our records. This grime builds up over time, compounding dust and dirt while also contributing to stylus wear. Always handle your records by the outer edge.
Vinyl Records can start to warp at around 60°C (140°F) so make sure never to leave them in a car if transporting on a hot day… or take them down to the beach… On the other hand, don't keep them too cold, they can become brittle and shatter much easier.
Cleaning Non-Absorbent Leather or Vinyl
Allow to dry. Follow with denatured or rubbing alcohol on all areas, including any absorbent spots. Pour the alcohol onto a rag, not the surface itself. Wipe the surface in smooth, fast strokes.
On the other hand, if you notice that your vinyl siding has been recently affected by oil-based paints like acrylic, siding contractors recommend using a stronger solution to remove it. Put rubbing alcohol on a cloth, and wipe off as much paint as possible.
Dawn is great at cutting through grease in dirty pans, but it also does the same thing on vinyl floors.
To clean your vinyl floors, you can use a gallon of water mixed with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. This is a very effective solution for removing all sorts of stains from vinyl floors. You'll also need to pour a second bucket of hot clean water mixed with nothing.
On a soft, wet sponge apply a tiny bit of dishwashing soap, clean the LP in a circular motion by soaping down the vinyl (don't get the label wet). Rinse the LP well under the light stream of water from the sink, dry and buff LP in a circular motion with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
*For records that are really coated-with-grime dirty, soak a paper towel in your soap/water solution and rub the surface of the record well before starting with the brush cleaning. You can clean a LOT of records with that much solution.
Clean off general surface dirt with vinegar. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar (without the mother) cuts through grime. It's an excellent option to spiff up your vinyl floor without chemicals. Vinegar is also great for removing any floor stickiness.
Disinfecting Wipes including Clorox, Green Works, PDI Sani-Cloth HB Wipes, Lysol, Oxivir, Virox, and CaviWipes. Note: Disinfecting wipes that contain bleach are acceptable on vinyl.
Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes may be appropriate for vinyl, plastic, aluminum and sealed wood, and can easily wipe away built up dust and grime.
Vinyl can crack, chip, or break if hit with something heavy, but unlike wood, vinyl isn't prone to rot, decay, warp, or attract bugs.