Whether you’re new to the turntable world or have spent years curating your collection, a clean vinyl record is crucial. Not only does dirt affect how the record sounds, but it might also damage your needle. That’s why you might want to invest in a high-end record cleaner.
Even though you can wipe your records by hand, an ultrasonic record cleaner is the best way to get rid of any dirt that’s stuck in the grooves of your vinyl. Additionally, you won’t risk scratching your records while cleaning them.
Still, this is a huge purchase, so you need all the information you can get about the cleaner. You also need to consider your budget and what you’re looking for in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Thankfully, in this article, we’ve compiled a list to help you find the best ultrasonic vinyl record cleaners. Let’s dive in!
1. Best Overall: Wewu Rounds LP Vinyl Record Cleaner
Wewu Rounds record cleaner can leave your vinyl records spotless and shiny.
There’s no doubt that it can thoroughly clean all your records in only one round. Still, it can go four rounds in only one minute. Furthermore, it can hold five records at once, so this is definitely a time-saving choice.
This ultrasonic cleaner is fully automatic. It doesn’t include a vacuum or a drying rack, yet you can easily raise the records after cleaning and let them dry for a couple of minutes.
Anyone can easily use the Wewu Rounds record cleaner. You don’t need any fancy equipment or special solvent. In fact, you can make your own cleaning solution, just make sure it’s safe for your records.
Cleaning your records can harm the paper labels. Thankfully, Wewu Rounds innovated a solution which is a silicon label saver. The silicon ring goes over the record’s label, protecting it from the cleaning solution. Not only can this cleaner help your records sound new, but it also freshens up their look!
Pros
- Great for beginners as it’s easy to use
- Time-saving thanks to its large capacity and speed
- Includes a silicon label ring to protect your records’ labels
Cons
- Unappealing design that might stick out next to your records
- Its motor is noisy
2. Runner-Up: Creworks Ultrasonic Vinyl Cleaner
Creworks ultrasonic vinyl cleaner is a best-seller for many reasons. What makes this cleaner so great for beginners is that it’s incredibly easy to use. It has convenient copper drainage that won’t spill everywhere. This way, you can easily release the used water.
Although it’s not made for cleaning vinyl records, it comes equipped with a rack that can hold up to three vinyls at a time. It’ll also suit many tastes as you can choose between a digital controller and a knob controller.
Creworks can deeply clean your records due to its powerful motor and perfect ultrasonic frequencies. The frequencies aren’t too low that they’re ineffective and aren’t too high to damage your records.
Users also read: Spin Clean vs Vinyl Styl
If you also need to sanitize your children’s toys, you can simply use Creworks cleaner as it’s completely safe!
Pros
- 200W motor that ensures powerful cleaning
- Convenient to use due to its adjustable settings and drainage
- Durable stainless steel hardware
Cons
- Time-consuming
- Small capacity as it can only hold three records at once
3. Best Record Cleaner on a Budget: Record Doctor
If you’re on the hunt for an ultrasonic record cleaner, you probably know it isn’t a cheap purchase. However, Record Doctor is the exception.
Just because Record Doctor is on the cheaper end of the scale doesn’t mean its quality is poor. In fact, the manufacturer was able to keep this product affordable by skipping out on some of the trivial technology while still using high-quality materials.
The Record Doctor still has some advanced technology! The cleaner is also equipped with a vacuum. This means you won’t need to wait for your records to dry; you can play them right after cleaning!
Overall, Record Doctor cleaner would be perfect if you’re a serious vinyl user who plans to regularly clean your records. It does a great job removing microscopic dirt.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable when compared to other ultrasonic cleaners
- Made of high-quality materials despite its price
- Will last you a long time as it comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Time-consuming as you’ll need to manually turn the vinyl records
- The motor is incredibly loud
- Doesn’t work properly with 7’’ LPs
4. Quietest Record Cleaner: Pro-Ject VC-S2
The Pro-Ject VC-S2 is a favorite among audiophiles for so many reasons. It’s convenient and easy to use because it actually spins the records for you! The Pro-Ject VC-S2 can give your vinyl records a new life as it eliminates any clicks or scratches that are hard to clean.
Everything regarding vinyl record cleaning is included in the Pro-Ject VC-S2.
First off, it features a dust brush, so you’ll be able to regularly dust your vinyl records even if they don’t require any deep cleaning!
Its exterior consists of aluminum panels that can withstand any fluid spills. These aluminum panels also muffle any noises from the motor which makes for a quieter cleaning process.
As for the motor, it’s incredibly powerful as it can clean your records in only one rotation! It can be hard to imagine such a powerful motor being so quiet, yet Pro-Ject was able to create it.
Since Pro-Ject is well-known for its high-end turntables, you should expect the same quality in its record cleaners.
Not only that, but this ultrasonic cleaner also has a unique, modern design. So, it won’t stick out like an eyesore among your sleek turntables and vinyl record collection.
Pros
- Made of high-quality materials and by a reputable turntable brand
- Matches many tastes due to its sleek design
- Easy to use, so it’s beginner-friendly
Cons
- Not suitable if you’re on a budget
- The motor can get louder after a couple of uses
5. Most Convenient Cleaner: CGoldenWall
If thorough, quick cleaning is what you’re looking for, look no further than CGoldenWall. It can remove even the smallest amount of dirt. Furthermore, CGoldenWall is multifunctional. You can use it to clean your watches, jewelry, as well as your vinyl records.
CGoldenWall can greatly save you time and effort. It can clean up to six vinyl records at the same time. The great thing about this ultrasonic cleaner, though, is that it fits both 7’’ and 12’’ LPs. This means you can clean dozens of records while barely lifting a finger.
The cleaning process gets even easier with CgoldenWall. That’s because the record cleaner includes an automatic lifter and a drying rack.
What’s more is that CGoldenWall also greatly cares about its customers. The customer service team responds to any inquiries before your purchase, often checks up on your product, and provides replacements and repairs in case of any defects.
Pros
- Cleans multiple records at once
- Can clean other items such as watches, jewelry, and lab equipment
- Great customer service
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t include a user’s manual, so it might be hard to use
6. Best Multi-Purpose: Acmesonic Ultrasonic Cleaner
Acmesonic is a professional in the field of ultrasonic cleaners, so you know your records are in good hands. The cleaner is compatible with 7’’ to 13’’ records. Though it comes in two sizes, 6L and 30L, the smaller one should be enough for your vinyl records.
Related: best ultrasonic record cleaners
This ultrasonic cleaner is made of high-quality stainless steel, so it can’t tarnish or erode no matter the type of cleaner you use. It should also last you a long time while still working as well as when you first purchased it. What’s more is that Amnesonic provides a lifetime warranty!
The Acmesonic cleaner is incredibly easy to use. It comes equipped with a knob that you can turn to your desired settings. However, since this cleaner isn’t specialized for vinyl records, it can also heat up, which can damage the records.
So, make sure you keep adequate temperature settings.
Moreover, you can use it for your vinyl records as well as any jewelry or lab equipment, making it the best for multi-purpose use.
Pros
- Multi-purpose since it can clean other items
- Comes with a stainless-steel case to increase its longevity
- Available with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Time-consuming as you’ll need to manually turn the record
- Noisy
7. Largest Capacity: iSonic P4875II
The iSonic P4875II is made with vinyl in mind. This ultrasonic cleaner is gentle on your records and even has label protectors to keep your vinyl records looking their best. iSonic P4875II comes with label protectors that you can glue back-to-back with the included double-sided tape.
Even though the iSonic P4875II doesn’t have a vacuum for drying the records, it includes a microfiber cloth that you can use to wipe the vinyl records after washing.
With this ultrasonic cleaner, you can adjust the cleaning process to your liking. That’s because it has a timer that ranges from five to 15 minutes. Luckily, the temperature doesn’t go higher than 95 Fahrenheit, which is unlikely to damage your records.
iSonic P4875II is large enough for 10’’ or 12’’ records. It can also hold as many as ten records on its stainless steel spindle.
Yet, if you want to clean fewer than ten records, it also comes with spacers. You can use these spacers in between the records so that they won’t scratch each other during the cleaning cycle.
Pros
- Has adjustable settings, making for convenient use
- Can hold up to ten vinyl records at once
- Has a label protector
Cons
- Isn’t compatible with 7’’ vinyl records
- Can be complicated to assemble
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ultrasonic Record Cleaners Worth It?
Ultrasonic record cleaners are definitely the best way to clean your records. You might not even know how much your records’ sound has changed over the years due to the built-up dirt. This can all change when you use an ultrasonic cleaner.
You can only go so far by hand-cleaning your vinyl records. Ultrasonic cleaners can clean old, stained vinyl records as they can reach deep within the record’s grooves.
Do Ultrasonic Record Cleaners Damage Records?
Ultrasonic record cleaners don’t damage your records at all. The cleaning process is non-invasive and doesn’t include any hard scrubbing, making it the least damaging way to clean your vinyl records.
The way ultrasonic record cleaners work is by creating high-frequency waves that agitate the cleaning solution. Then, these waves create bubbles that can penetrate the grooves within the vinyl record and remove any trapped dirt.
The only way an ultrasonic record cleaner may damage your records is if you use the wrong settings.
Some cleaners aren’t made specifically for vinyl records, so they include temperature settings. The warm cleaning solution may warp your records.
How Long Does It Take Ultrasonic Cleaners To Clean Your Records?
This depends on the record cleaner. Each ultrasonic record cleaner has rounds per minute. The more rounds, the faster it’ll clean.
Still, you have to measure whether the cleaner automatically turns the vinyl records during the cleaning cycle or if you have to manually turn them and start a new cycle.
Typically, your records should be cleaned within three to six minutes of operating the ultrasonic cleaner. However, if your records are older or dirtier, they might need a couple more minutes.
If your ultrasonic record cleaner doesn’t have a vacuum, you should also wait about 30 minutes for your vinyl records to dry before attempting to play them.
What Solution Should I Use With An Ultrasonic Record Cleaner?
Most ultrasonic record cleaners come with a cleaning liquid. However, this solution is bound to run out at one point. You can purchase more of the same liquid, but it might be expensive or discontinued.
Thankfully though, you can easily make your own cleaning solution.
Ideally, you want to use distilled water, but if you don’t have any, then tap water would be fine.
Afterward, you’ll need to add two tablespoons of dishwashing detergent and one teaspoon of ammonia per two cups of water.
After mixing your solution, add it to the ultrasonic cleaner and let it run so that the liquid can mix well. After that, you can clean your vinyl records with the homemade solution!