Reddit reviews Studebaker Vinyl Record Cleaning System with Cleaning Solution and Soft Pads Included

Wet wash them. Wet wash all your records. Wet wash old/used AND new records. Wet wash every single record that you get at least once.

Some options:

• official Spin Clean
  
• $40 clone
  
• DIY route

If you're only seeing large dust particles on the surface but not hearing much in terms of popping and crackling, then I'd go with just a basic carbon fiber brush like this AudioQuest one. If you're new to vinyl and don't already have one, it's a good thing to pick up anyway. It's good practice to brush each side before each spin. While these types of brushes won't clean a truly dirty record, they'll help your clean records stay clean.

If your records are noticeably loud and noisy then you'll probably have to go the route of wet cleaning. I see kits like this one a lot but I don't think they're really worth the money. You can do a better (and cheaper) job with:

• Microfiber Cloths - Run them all through a cycle in your washing machine (just water, no detergent) to get rid of any fuzz.
  
• Isopropyl Alcohol & Distilled Water - Put a solution of 1 part alcohol and 2 parts water into a spray bottle. You could even use as little as 1 to 4, I don't think it makes a huge difference. Make sure to get 90% plus alcohol and avoid any types of additives like menthol.
  
  You can lay one cloth flat to set the record on, spray it down and scrub around lightly with one of the cloths (it can help to dampen this with the distilled water). Personally I like to then dry the record with another cloth, spray it down with just distilled water to rinse it then dry again and repeat on the other side but you can find a method/system that works for you. If you're being super particular about it then remember to flip and replace the cloth the record is on so as not to contaminate the side you just cleaned. Also if you're worried about getting your labels wet, car applicator pads like these actually cover a label almost perfectly and they can also be used in place of a microfiber cloth to scrub the record, they work great.
  
  If you plan on sticking with vinyl for awhile though it's worth it to save up for a SpinClean. I was a skeptic for a long time but I'm glad I finally got one, it really is worth the money. It does a good job, it's well built and it's stupidly easy to use. If $80 seems too steep for a yellow plastic trough (which it really is, unfortunately) there are cheaper models such as this. Doesn't have a lid and comes with different cleaning fluid but it doesn't seem like a half bad option.
  
  Whichever option you go with always make sure you're putting your newly cleaned records into clean inner sleeves. If they were dirty in those sleeves it's very likely those sleeves are dirty too. Also remember to keep your turntable mat and stylus clean.

It should go without saying that you need the right care and calibration tools to make your day to day listening the best. This is what I use for those purposes;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KR15HU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2AMSYS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HRJ9NAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KAFG8EG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ERPWAK2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GOOAEVK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Of these things, the OnZow is probably the most important, along with the Studebaker record cleaner. If you buy used records a cleaner is a MUST, and even new out of the wrapper records have crap on them. The OnZow gets the junk off your needle, which is a must.

AFTER those things are taken care of, cart or preamp. Both have the most immediate effect on the sound, presuming you are playing quality good condition records.

Rubbing with a microfiber cloth will create static especially if you press down a little too hard. Wet wash should fix up the issue. Spin Clean type cleaner for sure, btw, I have one for sale since I have a vacuum system, or get this one from Amazon for 30 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GOOAEVK

https://www.amazon.com/Record-Cleaning-System-Solution-Included/dp/B01GOOAEVK/ works for me just fine, though I'm by no means a vinyl pro - someone else might be able to provide you with more info.

Here is a Spin Clean knock off. Half the price but looks the same pretty much:
https://www.amazon.com/Record-Cleaning-System-Solution-Included/dp/B01GOOAEVK/ref=sr_1_42?ie=UTF8&qid=1519320429&sr=8-42&keywords=vinyl+cleaner

If $50 is more in your price range, my neighbor has one of these and likes it. http://amzn.to/2hmKXSS - and there are other sellers there selling it for a few bucks less (about $44).

Anyone have thoughts on a knock off like this one

I have this cheap knock off from Amazon and it works great for me. Cleans the records. I fill the bay with distilled water and put some record cleaning solution on the pads.

I've actually heard this one (basically a clone of a Spin Clean) works great

Interesting find on amazon yesterday. This looks exactly like a spin-wash, significantly cheaper. Anyone heard of it?