When cleaning an LP, start with the easiest possible problems---this may save you trouble in the long run. Clean the record using a simple homemade solution of warm, soapy water. Mix just a few drops of a mild dish detergent, together in a sink of warm water. Be careful, however, not to use hot water. This can warp and irrevocably damage the LP. A soft cotton cloth is ideal for LP cleaning. A harsh or rugged cleaning tool, like a heavy duty sponge, may further scratch the record.
If soap and water isn't powerful enough to clean your LP, don't run out to the record store for an expensive chemical cleaner. You can make your own right at home. A common solution made of household items includes distilled water, rubbing alcohol and windshield washing fluid. Combine three parts water with one part rubbing alcohol. For every gallon of water, add about 12 drops of windshield washing fluid. This is used as an alternative to professional photographic wetting agents. Avoid adding too much of this fluid, as doing so may make the record unnecessarily sudsy and difficult to clean.
Keeping your LP in top shape requires more than a little cleaning solution. After washing and rinsing the LP, use simple rubbing alcohol to gently wipe it down with a clean cotton cloth. This speeds the drying process, removes any lingering soap residue and gives the record a squeaky clean sheen. Let it sit in a clean dish rack to air dry.