I've seen advertisements for Spin-Clean in various audio and music magazines for more years than I can remember. I'd notice the bright yellow plastic photo out of the corner of my eye and...turn the page, interested but not enough to explore further. When I first began listening and collecting records I'd clean them with a dry, soft cloth which I found only increases the amount of static electricity and static cling. Pulling the record out of the record sleeve and wiping with a dry cloth only became a magnet for dust. But, we all have to learn somehow.
When I worked in stereo retail we sold Dishwasher record cleaners. I quickly learned that applying a small amount of the magic Discwasher fluid (slyly hidden inside the hand held brush) on one edge of the brush was a much better way of cleaning. The fluid and fine brush hairs seemed to pull dirt, dust and grime from the grooves and an efficient and affordable manner. We sold tons of Discwasher products along with extra fluid. And that little brush, to clean the larger brush!
I finally decided in 2023 that I wanted to try the Spin-Clean. At only $79.00 including fluid, special cleaning cloths, rollers and the basin itself it seemed like an economical way to try a manual record cleaning machine. No, it doesn't plug into the wall. It's an all analog and manual process. The Spin-Clean Kit comes with the basin and basin lid, a pair of adjustable snap-in rollers, 'thick & plush' velvet cleaning brushes, two cotton cloths for drying and a bottle of their secret sauce record washer fluid. You supply the distilled water*. Thanks to the lovely Moneypenney for the wonderful Christmas gift!
Simply fill the basin up to the line with distilled water and pour two caps full of their fluid over the cleaning brushes. Before filling the basin slide the two cleaning brushes and snap in rollers in place. Fill the basin. Then manually place the LP in the water, lined up with the two rollers and in between the two brushes. Manual spin the record three times left and three times right. Done. Pull out the record and (this is where each person may wipe and dry in their own preferred way), I lay the record down on one cotton cloth, hold it into place with one hand while cleaning the LP with your other hand and cloth in a circular motion.
I write this review because I've found that the Spin-Clean is a fantastic, low cost product for cleaning records. Cleaning your old, tired records with a Spin-Clean will bring them back to life, resulting in much better clarity and sound. Will Spin-Clean fix scratches? No, but you'll be amazed at just how the clicks and pops you hear are simply from static electricity, dust and grime. I found the differences to be amazing. Spin-Clean also suggests cleaning your brand new records- during the stamping process there may be some residue left on them before they are inserted into the record sleeve.
All the above said and done, the process can be a bit tedious however the results can be stunning. Clean, shiny black discs brought back from the used bin dead. Dial up some music and spin your old, tired and new vinyl clean.
Extra Spin-Clean fluid, rollers and cleaning rags are available on their website and HINT: only use the Spin-Clean cloth rags. They make a big difference in your results. I found that following their directions in the manual are very important in order to experience the best results.
And by the way. once cleaned consider ridding yourself of the original paper sleeve and replace it with an inner sleeve from Mobile Fidelity for added protection and cleanliness.
Spin-Clean. Made in the USA. Highly recommended.
Spin-Clean https://www.spinclean.com/
Mobile Fidelity Inner Record Sleeves https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Fidelity-Sound-Inner-Sleeves/dp/B001LQSFKY/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3C2Q4XB6DI4EL&keywords=mobile%2Bfidelity%2Binner%2Bsleeves&qid=1705609084&sprefix=mobile%2Bfidelity%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-3&th=1
*Distilled water...1.40/gallon at my local grocery store.
