Set up a work space for cleaning the vinyl records. Place a table or other flat surface in a clean well-lighted area. Lay a soft towel down on the surface to protect the vinyl records.
Remove the vinyl record from the record sleeve. Hold the record between your thumb and fingers without touching the grooves. Inspect both sides of the record to determine how much dirt, grime and other contamination is on it. If the records have been stored for a long time, they might have mold on them as well.
Apply the vinyl record pre-cleaner to the top side of the record. The application method depends upon the particular pre-cleaner you are using. Some pre-cleaners are aerosols that are sprayed on with a light mist. Other pre-cleaners require application with a wet sponge. Apply the pre-cleaner and allow it to sit on the record one to three minutes.
Dry the vinyl record with a microfiber towel. Work in the direction of the grooves. Allow the record to completely air-dry. Another option is to place the record in a vacuum-cleaning record machine rather than cleaning it with the microfiber cloth.
Place the vinyl record in a paper or plastic record sleeve before placing it inside the record cover. The sleeve protects the vinyl surface from the interior side of the cardboard case.