Lay your vinyl down on a soft, flat surface. On the problem areas you identified, apply a small amount of your chosen cleaning fluid to the area, being extremely careful to avoid the inner label. Work in the direction of the grooves with gentle circular motions until the debris is gone. Do another quick inspection.
Mix 1/4 alcohol to 3/4 distilled water, with 1-2 drops dawn dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Shake to mix. Wet record; spray on cleaning solution; Scrub with the pad in a circular motion with the grooves. Rinse. Rinsing works best with sink spray hose if you have it. Dry with microfiber cloth.
To clean vinyl flooring properly, begin by sweeping or vacuuming to remove debris. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap or vinyl floor cleaner with warm water and mop the floor. For tough stains, apply undiluted cleaner, let it sit, then gently scrub. Rinse the floor with clean water to remove any residue.
Easily the best way to deep clean a vinyl record is to use a special record cleaner. These vacuum-powered devices are made especially for cleaning vinyl old and new. They work by sucking up the dirt and dust that have settled in the grooves while maintaining a low pressure to protect your prized hits.
Using natural substances like vinegar or baking soda can an effective, gentler cleaning method. In addition, removing stains from vinyl tile, planks or sheet vinyl flooring this way is more budget friendly and safer for pets. Baking soda is a natural method that avoids harming the finish.
Best Practices for Cleaning Records
Dish soap or baby shampoo are commonly recommended. Distilled water: Use distilled water to avoid minerals present in tap water, which could leave deposits on the record. Soft brush or cloth: Apply the soap and water mixture with a soft brush or lint-free cloth.
One of the most effective and sustainable ways to clean vinyl floors is with white vinegar. Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply it using a mop, ensuring it does not oversaturate the floor.
The first ingredient to use to revive your vinyl flooring is baking soda. The next time you get ready to mop (using an appropriate mop head for vinyl floors) add a few tablespoons of baking soda to your usual cleaning solution, shake until it's dissolved, and then mop as usual.
At the Minimum, Use Microfiber Cloth: There are several ways to clean vinyl records. At the very least, start with a solution made for cleaning vinyl records and microfiber cloth. To step it up, consider a “spin clean” type record-bath cleaner for about $100 to get deeper into the record's grooves.
You can use a small amount of dish soap or a mixture of water and white vinegar. The only “down-side” of vinegar is that it is acidic, and if you live in a climate where mold and mildew are a problem, an acidic environment can promote that growth. Don't use natural vinegar. Only white vinegar.
It's usually best to leave dealing with severe scratches to a professional. However, some lighter scratching can be buffed out using a specialized vinyl brush and cleaning solution. Not all records are worth the effort to repair. While vinyl restoration can be relaxing and rewarding for some, it's a chore for others.
You can also clean your records with a vinyl vacuum cleaner—not to be confused with your average Roomba. Using a high-powered “vinyl vac” removes impurities in seconds. As the record rotates on the machine, an internal vacuum sucks dirt and debris from the record surface. You'll see and hear a noticeable difference.
The most effective way to clean vinyl is to buy a record-cleaning kit. But there are some alternative DIY methods for those looking to spruce up records using household items. The key to cleaning vinyl is to remove grease and dirt, as well as dust to avoid any static damage when spinning the record.
To make your LP vinyl records shine like new, gently clean them with a microfiber cloth and a vinyl cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals. For stubborn dirt, use a soft-bristle brush.
Generally speaking, most luxury vinyl planks can be cleaned using soap and water and don't require a special LVP cleaner. A dishwashing soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it will cut grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer.
One of the most common issues with LVP floors is residue left by improper cleaning products. Soap-based and oil-based cleaners, while often effective on other surfaces, can leave a sticky film on LVP flooring. This residue dulls the finish and attracts more dirt, making the floor look dirty.
Apple cider or even white vinegar are great natural cleaners for vinyl flooring. To create your cleaning solution, mix one cup of vinegar with a gallon of very warm water. Use this for mopping in place of a commercial cleaning solution. To clean up stains, consider creating a baking soda paste.
Jangro Safety Floor Cleaner is ideal for removing ingrained dirt, grease and marks from non-slip safety floors. Also suitable for cleaning a variety of flooring surfaces including vinyl, rubber and concrete.
“90% distilled H20, 10% isopropyl, and 2 drops of surfactant per one gallon of H2O. It is a necessary ingredient needed to break down the surface tension of the H2O – without it, the fluid mixture will not make contact with the bottoms of the grooves.
Abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool, hard-bristle brushes, and other abrasive scrubbers can scratch vinyl records.
Murphy Oil Soap is known for being gentle on surfaces, making it a potentially safe option for vinyl siding. It effectively removes dirt, grease, and some stains without the harshness of chemicals that can degrade vinyl materials over time.