Technically you can use glass cleaner or Windex on your vinyl records but it is debatable whether or not you should. A lot of vinyl users that have been around the block for a long time say that this is the only method they have used consistently.
Water-based cleaners such as Windex or Lysol can be used to clean the interior of your vinyl windows. You should only spray a small amount onto the window and then remove the cleaner using a soft cloth.
High alcohol content should be avoided when choosing a record cleaning solution. Many record cleaning experts, including GrooveWasher and their predecessors, have warned against fluids with high amounts of isopropyl alcohol – stating that iso alcohol can remove plasticizers from the vinyl and make the groove brittle.
The biggest concern with using window cleaners on your vinyl records is ammonia and the second biggest is alcohol. You can and should buy a glass cleaner that is ammonia-free and alcohol-free if at all possible. This is because both ammonia and alcohol can eat pits into your vinyl.
Absolutely you can clean vinyl records with water. It is best if you use distilled or deionized water in order to remove all potential deposits and contaminants from the water. You do not want to use tap water as calcium deposits and chemicals can leave behind residue on the vinyl record itself.
What is the best cleaner for vinyl windows? Cleaning your vinyl windows is easy and can be done with Windex or Lysol. Make sure to spray a small amount of the cleaner onto the window then remove it using a soft cloth. Clean your windows with vinegar!
Spray the vinyl with a vinyl window cleaner and wipe clean using a microfiber or lint free cloth. (We use Custom Window Systems Vinyl Window Coating, but any cleaner specifically for vinyl windows will work.) You can also use a mixture of 1/4 cup woolite and 1 gallon of water.
No matter where your boat lives, use high quality, gentle soap and a soft cloth on a weekly basis to keep your vinyl clean. Be sure not to use detergents as they'll dull the surface. Just gently scrub the clear vinyl using a clean, soft cotton cloth and soap, spray it down, and then use a new, dry cloth to dry it.
A common reason your records may skip is dust and dirt that gets into the grooves. While it may occur on old records due to storage, paper sleeves or dust in the environment, new records may also have dust or dirt.
Wash The Record
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.
Wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free. For best results, start at the bottom of the house and work up and rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries.
The Recommended Way to Clean Vinyl:
Wash with soap (not detergent) and water using a soft cloth or sponge. For stubborn dirt, use a soft bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow to dry. Avoid harsh cleaners, abrasives, petroleum distillates and alcohols.
When cleaning your clear vinyl windows, polycarbonate or acrylic, rinse them well with clear water and pat dry with a synthetic chamois or soft clean cloth. Never wipe your windows when dry, or with a paper towel. This will scratch the surface.
Vinegar & Water:
There are a couple of different ways to clean your exterior vinyl windows; however, a safe route for a clean and non-abrasive cleaning solution is the old fashioned vinegar and water. Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner for almost any housekeeping project.
Cleaning Solution (We highly recommend Sunspace Vinyl Cleaner though solutions like soap & water, Murphy's Oil Soap, and vinegar & water can be used as well. Do not use products containing abrasives, ammonia, or other chemicals as they can damage the vinyl.) Vacuum.
No, it is not okay to use Windex glass cleaner as a vinyl record cleaner. Windex contains amounts of ammonia and alcohol. Regardless of the amount, these substances are harmful to vinyl records. Ammonia and alcohol cause vinyl records to corrode.
Can I use Murphy's Oil Soap on luxury vinyl floors? Yes-Murphy Oil is a great choice for vinyl floor cleaning since it's clear and 98% derived from natural ingredients.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution Using Dish Soap and Water
The next step is to make a cleaning solution for your vinyl records using dish soap and water. I'd highly recommend adding isopropyl alcohol to the mix, but if you can't get your hands on any of that, some water and a few drops of dish soap will do just fine.
Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to apply to the floor, rinsing the mop frequently with clean, hot water from another bucket or your sink. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
Poly, PVC, or Vinyl Tarps
Poly, PVC, and vinyl tarps are also easy to clean. Use mild soap as your cleaner. Blue Dawn dish soap is a good choice when it comes to dish soap.
Pledge Multi Surface cleaner claims to tackle most everything (except porous stone and unsealed wood). So to truly test its cleaning power, we tried it out on glass, wood, wood laminate, stainless steel, mirror, electronics and plastic.
Dish soap or laundry soap mixed with warm water are efficient at cleaning your siding. Oxygenated non-chlorine bleach like Oxy-Clean or a natural cleaning solution like Simple Green are both environmentally kind choices. And plain old white vinegar is great for stubborn mold spots.