FAQ

Does Spin-Clean® really work?

Yes! Spin-Clean® has been on the market for 40 years, used worldwide, and lauded by record collectors, libraries, radio stations, the Library of Congress, and audiophiles everywhere. The Spin-Clean® Record Washer has been named The Absolute Sound 2011-2021 Editors’ Choice, the 2011 Product of the Year Award Winner, the 2010 Stereophile Accessory Runner-Up Award Winner, and a Stereophile Recommended Component! Using Spin-Clean® as directed, you should see results whereby output sensitivity is substantially increased, channel separation is improved, and amplified record noise is reduced.

Back to Top

How does Spin-Clean® work?

The Spin-Clean® Record Washer real effectiveness comes from its ability to impeccably clean both sides of any record simultaneously without using your turntable as part of the process. The “heavy lifting” is accomplished through Spin-Clean® Record Washer’s unique washer fluid. This special formula encapsulates the dirt that comes off the record from deep within the record grooves and sinks it to the bottom of the washer basin, so it is not re-deposited back on to your valuable LPs and 45s.

Back to Top

Why is Spin-Clean® bright yellow?

We chose bright yellow for the color of the Spin-Clean® so you can see the dirt collecting at the bottom of the unit. With the Limited-Edition “clear” unit, you can further witness this amazing cleaning process.

Back to Top

How many records will the 4 oz., 8 oz., 16 oz., and 32 oz. bottles of Spin-Clean® Record Washer Fluid clean?

Using Spin-Clean® as directed, you can expect to clean up to 700 records with the 4 oz. bottle, up to 1400 with the 8 oz. bottle, up to 2800 with the 16 oz. bottle, and up to 5600 records with the 32 oz. bottle. Remember to use two (2) capfuls of fluid with the 4 oz., 8 oz., and 16oz. bottles and one (1) capful with the 32 oz. bottle.

Back to Top

What is the difference between the Standard Unit and the Deluxe Kit?

The Spin-Clean® Record Washer Complete Kit comes with everything you need to clean up to 700 records: one pair of brushes, one pair of rollers, two washable, reusable drying cloths, and one 4 oz. bottle of washer fluid. With the Deluxe Kit, however, you get all of the above, plus an extra pair of brushes, five extra drying cloths, and an extra 32 oz. bottle of washer fluid, enough materials and fluid to clean up to nine times more records than with the Standard Unit at under twice the price — our best value!

Back to Top

How long will the brushes last?

With typical usage, you can expect your pair of Spin-Clean® brushes to last two to three years or around 4000+ record cleanings.

Back to Top

How long will the rollers last?

With regular usage, you can expect the rollers to last the lifetime of your unit.

Back to Top

What is the warranty on the Spin-Clean® Record Washer?

You may return items, purchased from our factory-direct web site at spinclean.com, that are complete and like new for any reason within 30 days for a refund less any shipping costs. Please call (800) 931-5850 for a return authorization and instructions. Once your return is received and processed, you will receive an email confirmation.

Please note: Spin-Clean International may refuse a customer return or charge a restocking fee when the returned item is not like new.

Warranty Claims After 30 Days

Spin-Clean® comes with a Limited lifetime warranty for direct replacement, on all parts with the exception of fluid, drying cloths, brushes, and rollers. Please contact Spin-Clean prior to returning any products for warranty or defective consideration at (800) 931-5850 or support@spinclean.com.

Back to Top

Why is the use of distilled water recommended?

While you can use tap water in cases where distilled water may not be available to you, tap water often contains minerals or other impurities that may be deposited in the grooves of your record, undermining the cleaning effectiveness of the brushes and fluid. In addition, these tap water impurities may become deposited on the brushes, further hampering the effectiveness of future cleanings.

Back to Top

Can I wash and reuse the included drying cloths?

Absolutely yes. In fact, we recommend that in order to unlock the full potential of the drying cloths, you pre-wash them. Remember when washing the drying cloths, if you’re washing with other clothes, wash ONLY with whites, detergent, and bleach — and refrain from using fabric softener or cling-free dyer sheets, as these materials can ultimately introduce unwanted contaminates to your records.

Back to Top

How dry do my records have to be before I play them?

Simply put, 100% dry. Leaving residual water in the record grooves, while not harmful to your vinyl records, will result in audible surface noise. Remember, if the drying cloths you’re using are wet or damp, your records will take longer to dry.

Back to Top

Is it safe to leave the brushes in the basin filled with water and fluid for an extended period of time?

While this is okay for a relatively short period of time (overnight, for example), we recommend that, in order to get the maximum life out of your brushes, you refrain from routinely leaving them submerged in the basin for extra long periods of time. Over-saturation of water and fluid may cause premature wearing of the brushes’ foam pads.

Back to Top

I’ve got a new Spin-Clean unit. Rotating records are a bit difficult. Should I be concerned with how tight the brushes are against my record?

There is a break-in period with most pairs of Spin-Clean brushes of approximately 50 cleanings (this number may vary with each unit). After that, the brushes will loosen their grip a bit, making it easier to rotate records. During this initial break-in period, you may find that thicker records, such as 180 gram discs or 78s, may be a little tougher to turn. This is normal until the break-in period with the brushes is complete.

Back to Top

Will the Spin-Clean® cleaning process damage the record label?

No. Spin-Clean’s patented record washer fluid is a non-alcoholic, encapsulating solution that will not damage the label and wipes off easily, should any water/fluid make contact with your record’s label.

Back to Top

Is it okay to run a really dirty record through the Spin-Clean® unit multiple times?

Yes, if you feel that a record requires more than one cleaning, there is no harm in giving a record more than one “bath.”

Back to Top

I’m hearing surface noise after running a record through Spin-Clean. What am I doing wrong?

From our experiences, resultant surface noise after using Spin-Clean could be due to any number of the following reasons:

– The use of certain microfiber cloths.  Through recent extensive lab testing, Spin-Clean has determined that the use of other drying cloths, especially that of many different microfiber towels currently on the market, often results in the collection and re-depositing of lint and other unwanted particles and materials, including static, onto your records.  In addition, depending upon the towel, the grade of microfiber, and your drying efforts, the friction applied when drying with microfiber towels can be abrasive to your vinyl.  Therefore, Spin-Clean only recommends the use of our Spin-Clean Drying Cloths for the best results and the safest drying process.

– Not using distilled water.  Please make sure that you’re using distilled water, as tap water or spring water may leave mineral deposits or other impurities behind in the record grooves.

– Not thoroughly drying the records.  You always want to make certain that the records are completely dry prior to playing, as remaining moisture in the record grooves can cause unwanted noise.

– The use of too much Spin-Clean Record Washer Fluid.  By using only the recommended amount of fluid (2 capfuls from the 4 oz., 80z, and 16oz bottles; and 1 capful from the 32 oz. bottle), you will ensure that, after drying, any water and fluid will have been easily wiped away.

– The brushes have become contaminated (perhaps from a previous cleaning session whereby a substance on a dirty record collected onto the brushes). Under warm water and with a soft toothbrush, gently but thoroughly scrub the brushes, so as to give them a new cleansing.  You may also want to periodically “wring out” the brushes by squeezing them together, pad to pad, while under lukewarm running filtered water.

– Your Spin-clean drying cloths are introducing lint, static, or other particles to the drying process.  To prevent this from happening, always make sure to pre-wash your Spin-Clean drying cloths, do not add any dryer sheets or other agents during the drying cycle, be certain that your cloths remain lint-free at all times (both out of the dryer and while being stored), and replace the cloths once they show noticeable signs of wear.

– Your stylus is damaged or needs replacing.  Be certain that your turntable is employing a stylus that is in good working order. A damaged or worn stylus can result in not only unwanted record noise, but also permanent and irreversible damage to your vinyl collection.

– Your Spin-Clean basin water needs to be changed.  Spin-Clean Record Washer Fluid contains a special encapsulating formula that causes the dirt from your record to sink to the bottom of the Spin-Clean basin and away from your record grooves. This allows you to clean up to about 50 records in a single cleaning session.  Occasionally however — and depending upon how dirty your records are and how many records you’re cleaning in a single session, you may want to discard the basin’s dirty water sooner than this guideline, so as to replenish your Spin-Clean bath with a fresher combination of water and Spin-Clean Record Washer Fluid.  Bottom line, if your bath water looks extremely dirty, it’s probably time to change it.

– You’re cleaning an audiophile piece of vinyl.While Spin-Clean is a marvelous tool for cleaning ALL records…from shellac 78s to 200 gram audiophile LPs, please be aware that a new audiophile record’s amazing sound reproduction might not be as forgiving with unwanted elements that you may have inadvertently introduced to the cleaning process, such as excess water / fluid, unclean brushes, or particles introduced during the drying process (as with microfiber towels), as mentioned above.  While Spin-Clean remains perfectly safe and effective for cleaning all of your audiophile records, extra care and concern should be practiced at all times to keep the environment – and your Spin-Clean process – clean, dry, and static-free.

Back to Top

Will Spin-Clean® remove the scratches from my records?

No. While your Spin-Clean® Record Washer unit can help in the removal of clicks, pops, and surface noise brought on by dust, dirt, fingerprints, etc., it cannot remove scratches or other physical imperfections inherent on the vinyl. A good analogy might be driving a scratched and dirty car into the car wash. While the car wash will remove the dirt and debris, it cannot remove scratches or dings from the car’s body.

How much water does the Spin-Clean basin hold?

When filling up the basin to the indicator line on the inner side-wall of the basin, you will use 24 oz. of water.

Is Spin-Clean® safe to use on my shellac 78 rpm records?

Unlike other record cleaning solutions, Spin-Clean’s Record Washer Fluid NEVER contains alcohol or any harmful agents. Therefore, cleaning your shellac 78s through a Spin-Clean system is perfectly safe.

Where can I find a Material Saftety Data Sheet on Spin-Clean’s Record Washer Fluid?

Spin-Clean’s Record Washer Fluid’s Material Safety Data Sheet can be viewed here.

Do you ship outside of the United States?

No. Orders placed via spinclean.com will only ship to the 48 contiguous United States. If you live in Canada, fill out the Canadian Shipping form, and we will help you find a Canadian re-seller. If you live outside of Canada, fill out the International Shipping form, and we will help you find a Spin-Clean re-seller in the country in which you reside.

What is the best way to dry my records, cloth drying or air drying?

Without question, it is of the utmost importance to wipe your records thoroughly and completely dry using the supplied Spin-Clean® drying cloths.  Conversely, air drying through the use of a supplemental dish rack or office file rack should NEVER replace the method of cloth drying, as it can result in noisy records due to moisture remaining in the vinyl grooves. Upon a thorough drying via the Spin-Clean® drying cloths, you can feel confident to immediately place your newly cleaned record into a new inner sleeve for storage until the next playing.

What is the best way to hold a record while rotating and cleaning it?

For optimal record rotation, it’s best to spin the record with the inside of your palms or fingers, with your hands placed at or around the 10 and 2 o’clock positions. Attempting to pinch and spin the record with one hand will add fingerprints to the vinyl and uneven weight distribution to the rollers, possibly causing them to pop out of their slots.

Does the Spin-Clean® Record Washer Fluid contain alcohol?

Absolutely not. From the beginnings of Spin-Clean® in 1974 through the present day, it has been of the utmost importance to never include any harmful agents or chemicals in the Spin-Clean® Record Washer Fluid, including that of alcohol. Alcohol is certainly detrimental to shellac 78s and can, over time, potentially be harmful to the vinyl polymers on other records.
 

Back to Top

Scroll to Top