Put the plug in the sink and add a few drops of of dish soap. Fill the sink with about 3 or 4 inches of warm, filtered water. Use bottled water or drinking water purified through a filter. Tap water's chemicals can leave residue on your record and damage it over time.
Handle the record delicately with the soft part of your palm barely touching the outside rim. Rotate the record in the water until the surface is completely wet. Keep the center sticker from getting wet or it will peel off or smudge the words.
Scrub gently with a washcloth or absorbent paper towel in the direction of the grooves. If the washcloth isn't enough, use a toothbrush to scrub away stubborn mold and dirt.
Rinse the record completely with cold water. Soap can cause a buildup, so make sure all the soap is removed.
With one washcloth covering your hand, hold the record and gently wipe it dry with another cloth.
Lay the record flat and allow it to dry completely before attempting to play it. A wet record will ruin your player by creating rust on the needle.
Pour a few drops of dish soap into a squirt bottle to use as your cleaning solution. Add warm, filtered water to the bottle.
Spray the solution onto a clean, dry cloth.
Wipe the record in a circular motion, following the grooves.
Use a cloth damp only with water to rinse the soap off the record.
Lay the record flat and allow it to air dry before playing.