This subject was brought to my attention by  Foxpiper

A big question from lots of people is, "How Do I Clean My Vinyl?"

First off, avoid anything made by Discwasher. It's garbage. I say this from experience.

There are MANY ways. If you can afford one, get a wet vac cleaning machine. Wet cleaning is the best way keep your records dust, dirt and static free. I personally own a VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine. If you have as much vinyl as I do, investing a little money on something like this is well worth it.

http://www.soundstagedirect.com/vpi.....-machine.shtml

I've had mine since the early 90s and it's still going strong. A real workhorse.

Other decent ones are the The Nitty Gritty Record Cleaning Machine. They have a multitude of models to choose from starting around $400. Music Hall makes one, Project makes a nice one for under $200.

Now, if money is a real issue, there are a few nice options for under $100.
One is the Spin Clean. Note, this is completely manual. But, if you don't mind that, check it out.
http://www.spincleanrecordwasher.com

Other tools of the trade are record brushes to remove dust before dropping the needle down. I use a HUNT EDA Mark 6. But there are many great ones out there. Record cloth. This is a non abrasive cloth used in dusting and drying your LPs after a wet clean.

Cleaning solution.
Your best bet is to make your own. It's VERY simple. Don't get roped into blowing $30+ on 24oz bottles of something you can make for pennies. Here's the classic formula. I use this religiously.

#1) 1 part 91% or higher isopropyl alcohol. (You can find it at any pharmacy including Walgreens, CVS & Right Aid if you live in the states) Anything higher than 91% might be found at your local hardware store. You can also order it on line. Just make sure your area allows for delivery. I've been using 91% and it's been working just fine.

#2) 2 parts DISTILLED water. DO NOT use tap, purified or spring water. Too many minerals. It can leave residue.

#3) a few drops per quart of Photo-Flo. This is a chemical used in photography. It allows your cleaning solution to sheet over the surface of your records. You don't want it to beed up. This can be found in ANY photo shop and on line. I got mine at Olympic Camera in RI.
NOTE: It is the most expensive of all the components, BUT you will only have to buy this ONCE. You only need drops at a time. I bought my bottle back in '92. STILL USING IT.
http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-Photo-F...../dp/B00K335F6S

#4) This is optional. A few drops of clear liquid dish soap. I know VPI adds it to their solution. Usually Dawn or Ivory. MAKE SURE IT IS CLEAR and UNSCENTED.

NOTE: this solution is for VINYL records. DO NOT use it on 78rpm unless they are the later style made from vinyl. Alcohol based solutions can ruin old, shellac based 78s.

So, that's it. I hope this is informative. Feel free to ask questions and comment below.

CHEERS!