The Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII is a manual record-cleaning system that washes both sides of a vinyl record in a shallow bath of cleaning solution. Instead of using a motor, vacuum pump or ultrasonic transducers, it relies on removable brushes, adjustable rollers and your hands to move the record through the fluid.
Its appeal is straightforward: it offers a more thorough washing routine than simply spraying and wiping a record, without the cost, noise or maintenance associated with powered cleaning machines. The trade-off is that you need to handle the washing, drying and cleanup yourself.
Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII: Quick Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cleaning method | Manual fluid bath with two brushes and adjustable rollers |
| Supported record sizes | 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch |
| Record speeds | 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM record formats |
| Power requirement | None |
| Basin capacity | Approximately 24 oz. of water to the fill line |
| Cleaning per bath | Approximately 20–50 records, depending on their condition |
| Cleaning fluid | Concentrated, alcohol-free Spin-Clean solution |
| Complete Kit | Basin, lid, brushes, rollers, drying cloths and 4 oz. fluid |
| Deluxe Kit | Additional brushes, cloths and cleaning fluid |
| Origin | Made and assembled in the USA |
The manufacturer’s stated cleaning capacity depends on the kit and fluid supplied. The standard 4 oz. bottle is rated for up to 700 records, while the Deluxe Kit’s additional 32 oz. bottle increases the advertised total supply to approximately 6,300 records.
Who Is the Spin-Clean MKII For?
The Spin-Clean is a practical option for vinyl listeners who want to establish a proper record-cleaning routine without investing in an expensive machine.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Beginners who want something more substantial than a basic record-cleaning brush.
- Collectors buying used records that need an initial wash.
- People who prefer a quiet, electricity-free cleaning process.
- Vinyl owners with modest collections who clean records occasionally.
- Collectors who want a manual cleaning option alongside another machine.
The system is also compact and does not require a dedicated power outlet or complicated setup.
Who Should Consider Another Cleaning Machine?
The Spin-Clean is less convenient if you regularly process large batches of records. Each disc must be rotated manually, removed carefully and dried before you move on to the next one.
It also requires a little more preparation and cleanup than a quick brush-based routine. You need to prepare the bath, keep the brushes and cloths clean, and replace the solution when it becomes visibly dirty or after an appropriate cleaning session.
If speed and convenience are your priorities, a vacuum or ultrasonic record cleaner may be a better fit. See our comparison of the best record cleaning machines for alternatives.
How the Spin-Clean Record Washer Works
The MKII uses a basin filled with water and concentrated cleaning fluid. Two removable brushes sit on either side of the record, while adjustable rollers support it and allow it to rotate without the record label sitting in the cleaning bath.
As you turn the record, the brushes contact both sides of the vinyl. The cleaning solution is formulated to help loosen and collect dirt, allowing particles to settle toward the bottom of the basin rather than remaining in circulation.
This is different from wiping a record with a damp cloth, where loosened dirt can remain on the cloth or be moved across the surface.
The system does not repair scratches, damaged grooves or pressing defects. Its purpose is to remove removable contamination, not restore physically damaged vinyl.
Setup and Cleaning Process
The Spin-Clean does not require electrical installation or mechanical adjustment. However, following the manufacturer’s preparation and cleaning instructions is important.
1. Prepare the Basin
Place the basin on a stable, level surface and install the rollers in the appropriate positions for your record size.
The system supports:
- 12-inch LPs
- 10-inch records
- 7-inch records
Fill the basin with distilled water to the marked fill line. The manufacturer’s instructions allow tap water if distilled water is unavailable, but distilled water is a sensible choice when you want to minimize mineral residue.
2. Add the Cleaning Fluid
Add the Spin-Clean concentrate according to the instructions supplied with your fluid bottle. The recommended amount can differ between fluid versions, so follow the current bottle label rather than relying on an older manual or an approximate number of capfuls.
The concentrate must be diluted in the basin. It is not intended to be applied directly to a record.
3. Rotate the Record
Place the record between the brushes and rollers, making sure it is seated correctly.
The manufacturer’s standard procedure is to rotate the record three times clockwise and then three times counterclockwise. This allows the brushes to contact both sides during the wash.
Hold the record around its outer edges and avoid touching the playing surfaces.
4. Remove and Dry the Record
Lift the record carefully from the basin and dry it using the supplied, clean drying cloths.
The cloths should be pre-washed before their first use, without fabric softener or dryer sheets. Keep them clean between sessions and replace them if they begin shedding lint or show signs of wear.
Make sure the record is completely dry before playing it or returning it to its sleeve. A clean replacement inner sleeve is also worth considering.
5. Clean the Components After Use
Remove the brushes, rinse them thoroughly with warm water and allow them to air-dry. Rinse the basin and rollers after discarding the used solution.
Keeping the brushes, rollers and drying cloths clean is important. Dirty accessories can undermine the cleaning process by transferring contamination back onto records.
Cleaning Performance: What to Expect
The Spin-Clean’s main advantage is that it washes both sides of a record in a fluid bath rather than relying on a surface wipe.
The cleaning solution is designed to help loosen dirt and allow it to settle at the bottom of the basin. This can be useful for records with dust, fingerprints and other removable contamination.
However, results depend on the condition of the record and how carefully the cleaning process is carried out. A heavily soiled used record may need more attention than a lightly dusty LP, and no cleaning machine can remove scratches or repair damaged grooves.
It is also important not to treat a reduction in surface noise as guaranteed. Cleaning may reduce clicks and noise caused by removable dirt, but noise from wear, scratches, pressing defects or damaged grooves will remain.
For best results, use clean brushes and drying cloths, change the bath when it becomes visibly dirty, and avoid rushing the drying process.
Spin-Clean Complete Kit vs. Deluxe Kit
The main difference between the kits is the amount of cleaning supplies included.
| Feature | Complete Kit | Deluxe Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Basin and lid | Included | Included |
| Brushes | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
| Rollers | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Drying cloths | 2 | 7 |
| Cleaning fluid | 4 oz. | 4 oz. + 32 oz. |
| Advertised cleaning capacity | Up to 700 records | Up to 6,300 records |
The Complete Kit is enough to get started and includes the essential components. The Deluxe Kit makes more sense if you expect to clean a large collection or want additional brushes and drying cloths available.
The advertised record counts are estimates based on the manufacturer’s recommended fluid usage. Actual results depend on how dirty the records are and how often you need to replace the bath.
Spin-Clean vs. Vacuum and Ultrasonic Record Cleaners
The Spin-Clean uses a manual fluid bath, while vacuum and ultrasonic machines use different cleaning methods.
| Cleaning method | Main advantage | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-Clean manual bath | Affordable, quiet and washes both sides | Requires manual rotation and drying |
| Vacuum cleaning machine | Removes cleaning fluid using suction | Usually more expensive and requires power |
| Ultrasonic cleaning machine | Uses high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath | Higher purchase cost and additional maintenance |
There is no single method that is automatically best for every record collection. A manual bath can be perfectly adequate for occasional cleaning, while a powered machine may be more convenient for frequent cleaning sessions.
For a closer look at the differences, read our guide to ultrasonic and manual record cleaning.
Final Verdict
The Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII is a straightforward, reusable cleaning system for vinyl owners who want to wash their records without buying a powered machine.
Its strengths are its simple operation, compact design, lack of electrical components and ability to clean both sides of a record in one pass. The Complete Kit is a sensible starting point, while the Deluxe Kit offers more supplies for larger collections.
The main compromise is convenience. You need to rotate each record by hand, dry it carefully and maintain the cleaning components. If you are comfortable with that routine, the Spin-Clean is a practical entry into more thorough vinyl care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many records can the Spin-Clean clean at once?
The manufacturer recommends cleaning approximately 20–50 records per basin filling. The actual number depends on how dirty the records are. Replace the solution sooner if it becomes visibly dirty.
How many records can one bottle of Spin-Clean fluid clean?
The manufacturer’s stated capacity for the 4 oz. bottle is up to 700 records. Larger bottles are rated for proportionally more records when used according to the supplied instructions.
Does the Spin-Clean require electricity?
No. It is completely manual and does not use a motor, pump or electrical connection.
Can the Spin-Clean clean 7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch records?
Yes. Its adjustable roller positions accommodate all three sizes. It is also designed for 33⅓, 45 and 78 RPM record formats.
Is distilled water necessary?
The manufacturer recommends distilled water but says tap water can be used if distilled water is unavailable. Distilled water helps reduce the possibility of mineral deposits being left behind during drying.
Does the Spin-Clean remove scratches?
No. It can help remove dirt, dust and other contamination that contributes to surface noise, but it cannot repair scratches, worn grooves or physical damage.
Is the Spin-Clean better than an ultrasonic cleaner?
They use different cleaning methods and suit different needs. The Spin-Clean is less expensive and requires no electricity, while an ultrasonic machine automates more of the cleaning process. The right choice depends on your collection size, cleaning frequency and budget.
Can I reuse the cleaning solution?
The manufacturer recommends changing the solution when it becomes dirty. Its instructions also allow a prepared bath to be saved for a limited period if the brushes are removed, rinsed and dried between sessions. Follow the current manual for storage and reuse guidance.