Vinyl Record Cleaning: 12 & 10 Inch Care Tips

By The Yetee | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your 12 inch and 10 inch vinyl records sounding great with this simple cleaning routine. Learn the right tools, steps, and storage habits to prevent scratches and dust buildup.

Quick Answer

Clean your 12 inch and 10 inch vinyl records with a carbon fiber brush before each play and a gentle wet cleaning solution every few months to remove embedded dust and oils.

Why 10 Inch Records Need Extra Care

10 inch records spin at the same speed as 12 inch ones, but their smaller diameter means the grooves are packed more tightly. This makes them more vulnerable to dust and static buildup, so a pre-play brush is especially important for 10 inch vinyl.

When to Skip the Wet Clean

Wet cleaning is great for removing grime, but it's not for every record. If you have a record with paper labels that are already lifting or a vintage pressing with fragile grooves, stick to dry brushing and a microfiber cloth to avoid moisture damage.

Step-by-Step Vinyl Cleaning Routine

Dust Before Every Play: Hold a carbon fiber brush at a slight angle on the spinning record, letting the bristles catch dust without touching the label. Start from the outer edge and move inward slowly. Common mistake: pressing too hard. Let the brush's own weight do the work to avoid scratching.
Deep Clean Every 3–6 Months: Mix a few drops of distilled water with a drop of mild dish soap. Apply to a microfiber cloth, not directly to the record. Wipe in a circular motion following the groove direction, then rinse with distilled water. Checkpoint: Never use tap water—its minerals leave residue that attracts more dust.
Dry and Store Correctly: Pat the record dry with a clean microfiber cloth and let it air dry vertically for 15 minutes. Store in a poly inner sleeve inside the outer jacket, upright and away from heat sources. Common mistake: laying records flat or stacking them. Always store vertically to prevent warping.
Handle by the Edges and Label: Always hold a record by its outer edge and center label. Oils from your fingers transfer to the grooves and attract dust over time. Checkpoint: If you see smudges after handling, clean the record before your next play.

Recommended Products for This Routine

Pink Elephant [Indie Exclusive Total Meltdown LP]: Limited Indie Exclusive Edition 1xLP pressed on Total Meltdown Colored Vinyl, includes a 64-page booklet and alternative album cover art. Colored vinyl can be more prone to static, so regular brushing before play is essential to keep the grooves clean and reduce pops.
Pink Elephant [Indie Exclusive Total Meltdown LP]
Lonely Magic 10": 10 inch on Angelic Green Vinyl with music and album art by Rebecca Sugar. The smaller 10 inch diameter means the grooves are tighter, making a carbon fiber brush a must for removing dust before each spin.
Lonely Magic 10"