Use 90 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol to clean your vinyl records. Do not use home-use rubbing alcohol or witch hazel—these chemicals contain additives that can damage your records.
You can also use dishwashing liquid to clean your vinyl records. Make sure to purchase the dishwashing liquid that doesn't contain moisturizers. The moisturizers will leave a residue on your records.
Apply 2 tbsp. of 90 percent or higher isopropyl alcohol or dishwashing liquid to a soft cloth and wipe the record's grooves. Try not to get the record label wet. If the record label does get wet, blot it dry with a soft cloth immediately. Do not rub the label—this will cause the label to come off the record.
If using dishwashing liquid, rinse off the soap with a soft cloth wet with lukewarm water. Do not let the soap dry on the record and do not submerge the record in water.
If the dishwashing liquid is too thick, mix 1 tbsp. of distilled water with the soap in a small bowl. Apply the mixture to the cloth and clean the record.
Do not use lighter fluid, gasoline or similar chemicals to clean your vinyl records. The chemicals may have a reaction to the vinyl as soon as you apply the chemical or over time. Also, do not use baby lotion to clean your vinyl records. The lotion may damage the record's label and leave a residue on the vinyl that can transfer to your record player's needle.
Use a record cleaning brush and 90 percent isopropyl alcohol or dishwashing liquid to remove any caked-on dirt from your records. Make sure you dry the record after cleaning it and never play the record wet with alcohol or soap on it. Playing a wet record can damage the grooves on the record and contaminate the entire disc. Playing a record wet will also clog up and damage your record player's needle.