Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject Brush it is one of those inexpensive accessories that should live next to almost every turntable. A quick clean before playing a record removes the loose dust that would otherwise be carried straight towards the stylus, while the conductive carbon fibres also help reduce static charge.
It is important to understand what it is designed to do. Brush it is an everyday dry-cleaning tool rather than a replacement for a proper wet record cleaner. For the dust and fibres that naturally settle on a record between plays, however, it is quick, simple and requires no fluids or power.
Used as part of a sensible vinyl-care routine alongside a clean stylus and occasional deeper record cleaning, Brush it is an easy way to help keep both records and cartridge in better condition.
Pro-Ject Brush it Carbon Fibre Record Cleaning Brush
The Pro-Ject Brush it is a conductive carbon fibre brush designed for quick dry cleaning of vinyl records before playback.
Its fine carbon fibres collect loose surface dust while helping reduce electrostatic charge, making it a simple everyday accessory for keeping records cleaner and reducing the amount of debris that eventually reaches the cartridge stylus.
- Carbon fibre record cleaning brush
- Designed for use before playback
- Conductive carbon fibres
- Removes fine dust particles
- Helps reduce static charge
- Dry cleaning with no fluid required
- No electrical power required
- Quick everyday vinyl maintenance
- Helps keep loose debris away from the stylus
- Designed to support vinyl and stylus longevity
- Compact and easy to keep beside the turntable
Why Brush a Record Before Playing It?
Records naturally attract dust while they are being handled, stored and left exposed on the turntable.
Even a record that has previously been thoroughly cleaned can collect a light layer of airborne dust before its next play.
Using a carbon fibre brush before playback provides a quick way of removing this loose contamination rather than allowing the stylus to collect it as it travels through the groove.
Removes Fine Surface Dust
Pro-Ject specifically designed Brush it to remove fine dust particles from the record surface.
The numerous fine carbon fibres provide a much larger contact area than a conventional household brush and are suited to the delicate surface of a vinyl record.
A gentle pass before playback can collect loose particles that might otherwise end up gathered around the cartridge stylus.
Conductive Carbon Fibres
The Brush it uses conductive carbon fibres rather than ordinary synthetic bristles.
This allows the brush to address both physical contamination and electrostatic charge as part of the same everyday cleaning routine.
Helps Reduce Static Charge
Vinyl can accumulate static electricity through handling, playback and interaction with record sleeves.
Static is particularly unhelpful because it can attract lightweight airborne dust back towards the record surface.
Pro-Ject specifies the conductive carbon fibres used by Brush it as reducing electrostatic charge while the record is being cleaned.
Why Does Vinyl Become Static?
Sliding a record into and out of an inner sleeve, dry atmospheric conditions and normal handling can all contribute to static charge.
You may occasionally notice this as a record attracting dust particularly readily or hear the familiar crackle of static when removing an LP from its sleeve.
A conductive record brush is a useful part of controlling this during normal playback.
Static and Dirt Are Different Problems
Brush it helps with loose dust and reduces static charge, but it cannot remove every form of contamination. Fingerprints, grease and dirt embedded more deeply in the groove are better dealt with using a suitable wet record cleaning system.
Designed for Use Before Each Play
Pro-Ject describes Brush it as suitable for cleaning LPs before each playback.
That does not mean a record needs aggressive brushing every time. The idea is simply to remove any loose material that has settled on the surface since the record was last played or cleaned.
Because there are no liquids involved, it takes only a few moments and can easily become part of the normal routine of putting on a record.
How to Use a Carbon Fibre Record Brush
Using Brush it does not require a complicated cleaning procedure.
- Place the record on the turntable.
- Start the platter rotating.
- Hold Brush it lightly across the playing surface.
- Allow the fine carbon fibres to make gentle contact with the record.
- Let the record rotate beneath the brush so loose dust collects against the fibres.
- After a small number of rotations, gently draw the collected dust towards and off the outside edge of the record.
- Remove the brush before lowering the cartridge onto the record.
Let the Fibres Do the Work
There is no need to press Brush it firmly into the record. Light contact is sufficient for everyday loose-dust removal and avoids unnecessarily forcing debris across the playing surface.
Don't Scrub the Record
A carbon fibre record brush is intended to collect loose dust, not scrub the vinyl like a household cleaning brush.
Use minimal downward force and allow the rotating record to move underneath the fibres.
If contamination will not come away through gentle dry brushing, it is probably time for a more thorough cleaning method rather than increased pressure.
Dry Cleaning Without Fluids
Brush it requires no cleaning solution, distilled water or drying process.
That makes it particularly useful immediately before playing a record, when carrying out a full wet-cleaning cycle would be unnecessary and inconvenient.
When a Dry Brush Is Enough
Brush it is well suited to everyday surface contamination such as:
- Loose airborne dust
- Small fibres from record sleeves
- Light particles sitting on the record surface
- Dust that has settled between listening sessions
When a Dry Brush Is Not Enough
A carbon fibre brush should not be expected to remove contamination that has become attached to the vinyl or lodged more deeply within the groove.
Wet cleaning is more appropriate for:
- Fingerprints
- Grease and oily marks
- Dirty second-hand records
- Long-term accumulated contamination
- Records that have been poorly stored
- Persistent dirt that remains after dry brushing
Brush it or Spin Clean?
The two products perform different jobs rather than competing directly with one another.
Brush it
- Everyday dry cleaning
- Designed for loose surface dust
- Helps reduce static charge
- No cleaning fluid
- Takes only a few moments
- Ideal immediately before playback
Spin Clean
- Deeper wet cleaning
- Cleans both record surfaces
- Uses cleaning fluid and distilled water
- Targets more persistent contamination
- Manual drying process
- Better suited to periodic deep cleaning
The Pro-Ject Spin Clean Record Cleaner MKII is therefore useful when a record needs considerably more than a quick dry brush.
Brush it or a Vacuum Record Cleaner?
For collectors regularly buying second-hand vinyl or working through a large older collection, a powered vacuum cleaner can provide a much more comprehensive cleaning process.
The Pro-Ject VC-E2 applies wet cleaning before using a powerful vacuum arm to physically remove both the used fluid and contamination from the record.
Brush it remains useful afterwards for everyday dust removal before subsequent plays.
Brush it or Brush it Premium?
Pro-Ject also offers the more elaborate Brush it Premium for listeners who want enhanced static control.
Brush it
- Conductive carbon fibres
- Removes fine dust particles
- Helps reduce static
- Simple lightweight design
- Ideal everyday record brush
Brush it Premium
- Conductive carbon fibres
- Removes fine dust particles
- Metal handle
- Dedicated earthing cable
- More advanced static control
The Pro-Ject Brush it Premium includes a dedicated earthing cable, making it the more sophisticated option where static is a persistent problem.
Don't Forget the Stylus
A clean record naturally reduces the amount of contamination available for the cartridge to collect, but the stylus itself should still be inspected regularly.
Any dust gathered around the diamond can be removed carefully using the Pro-Ject Clean it Carbon Fibre Stylus Cleaning Brush.
Together, Brush it and Clean it provide straightforward everyday maintenance for the two surfaces that meet during vinyl playback.
Brush it and Clean it
Brush it
- For the record
- Full-width carbon fibre brush
- Removes loose surface dust
- Helps reduce record static
- Use before playback
Clean it
- For the stylus
- Small precision carbon fibre brush
- Removes stylus dust and deposits
- Helps eliminate static charge
- Use when the stylus needs cleaning
Helps Protect the Stylus From Dust
Every particle removed before playback is one less piece of debris available for the stylus to collect as it moves through the groove.
Pro-Ject lists increased vinyl and stylus longevity among the benefits of using Brush it regularly.
Helps Look After Your Records
Vinyl is a physical format, and sensible maintenance is part of keeping a collection in good condition.
You do not need to obsess over every speck of dust, but removing obvious loose contamination rather than repeatedly playing through it is a worthwhile habit.
Our Audio T guide to looking after your vinyl records covers other straightforward ways to protect a collection without turning record care into a full-time job.
Particularly Useful in Dry Conditions
Static electricity can become more noticeable when the atmosphere is particularly dry.
If records are regularly attracting airborne dust almost immediately after being removed from their sleeves, using a conductive brush before playback can be particularly useful.
Second-Hand Vinyl
Brush it is useful for removing loose dust from used records, but a second-hand purchase with an unknown history may require more thorough cleaning.
Years of accumulated contamination cannot necessarily be removed simply by passing a dry brush across the surface.
For heavily contaminated records, consider wet cleaning first and then use Brush it for ongoing maintenance afterwards.
New Records Can Need Cleaning Too
Being new does not guarantee that a record will arrive completely free from dust or fibres.
Packaging debris and particles from the inner sleeve can sometimes be present straight from the first opening.
A quick visual inspection and gentle pass with Brush it before the first play can therefore still be worthwhile.
Keep Your Inner Sleeves Clean
A freshly cleaned record returned to a dusty or deteriorating inner sleeve can quickly pick up contamination again.
If an old paper sleeve is shedding fibres or visibly dirty, replacing it can help keep the record cleaner between plays.
Don't Touch the Playing Surface
A record brush can remove loose dust, but it cannot prevent fingerprints if the record is handled carelessly.
Hold records by the outside edge and centre label whenever possible rather than placing fingertips directly onto the groove area.
Good Record Care Is Mostly Good Habits
Handle records by their edges, keep the inner sleeves clean, brush loose dust before playback and use wet cleaning when a record genuinely needs it. A few simple habits make more difference than constantly applying unnecessary cleaning products.
Keep the Brush Clean Too
A record cleaning brush should not become another source of contamination.
Avoid touching the carbon fibres unnecessarily with your fingers, particularly if your hands are greasy or dusty.
Keep Brush it somewhere clean and protected between listening sessions rather than leaving the fibres exposed to general household dust.
Don't Add Record Cleaning Fluid to Brush it
Brush it is designed for dry cleaning.
Do not soak the carbon fibres with record cleaning fluid in an attempt to turn it into a wet-cleaning brush.
Use a proper record cleaning system and a suitable fluid such as Pro-Ject Wash it 2 when deeper wet cleaning is required.
Dry Cleaning and Wet Cleaning Have Different Jobs
Brush it is intended to remove loose dust before playback. Do not increase pressure or add cleaning fluid when faced with stubborn contamination; move to an appropriate wet-cleaning method instead.
A Simple Everyday Turntable Accessory
There are no batteries, liquids, replaceable pads or setup procedures involved.
Keep Brush it beside the turntable and it is ready whenever a record has picked up a little loose dust before playback.
Recommended Everyday Vinyl-Care Routine
- Remove the record from its sleeve while handling it by the edge and label.
- Place it onto the turntable.
- Inspect the playing surface for loose dust.
- Start the platter rotating.
- Place Brush it lightly across the record surface.
- Allow the carbon fibres to collect loose particles.
- Gently remove the collected debris towards the outside edge.
- Remove Brush it from the record.
- Check the stylus for visible contamination.
- Clean the stylus with an appropriate stylus brush if necessary.
- Play the record.
- Return it to a clean inner sleeve after use.
Key Features
- Pro-Ject Brush it
- Carbon fibre record brush
- Vinyl cleaning brush
- Dry record cleaning
- Conductive carbon fibres
- Fine carbon fibres
- Removes fine dust particles
- Helps reduce static charge
- Designed for LP cleaning
- Designed for use before playback
- Quick everyday maintenance
- No cleaning fluid required
- No distilled water required
- No drying required
- No electrical power required
- Helps keep dust away from stylus
- Supports vinyl longevity
- Supports stylus longevity
- Suitable for routine record care
- Complements stylus cleaning
- Complements wet record cleaning
- Complements vacuum record cleaning
- Useful for new records
- Useful for second-hand records
- Compact turntable accessory
- Simple manual operation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject Brush it still current?
Yes. Brush it remains part of Pro-Ject's current Vinyl Cleaning and Care range.
What is Pro-Ject Brush it?
It is a conductive carbon fibre brush designed for quick dry cleaning of vinyl records before playback.
What are the fibres made from?
Carbon fibre.
Are the carbon fibres conductive?
Yes.
What does Brush it remove?
Pro-Ject specifies it for removing fine dust particles from the record surface.
Does Brush it reduce static?
Yes. Pro-Ject specifies reduced electrostatic charge as one of its functions.
When should I use Brush it?
It is designed for quick cleaning before playback.
Should I use it before every record?
Pro-Ject describes it as suitable for cleaning before each play. In practice, use it whenever loose dust is present rather than brushing unnecessarily.
Does it need cleaning fluid?
No. Brush it is designed for dry cleaning.
Should I put Wash it 2 on the brush?
No. Wash it 2 is intended for suitable wet record cleaning systems. Brush it should be used dry.
How hard should I press?
Use light pressure. The fine carbon fibres should contact the surface without being forced heavily into the record.
Should the record rotate while I use it?
A practical method is to allow the record to rotate underneath the brush while the fibres collect loose surface dust.
Can Brush it remove fingerprints?
It is primarily designed for loose fine dust. Fingerprints and grease normally require an appropriate wet cleaning method.
Can it deep-clean a record groove?
No. Brush it is an everyday dry-cleaning tool rather than a substitute for a wet record cleaning system.
Can it clean second-hand records?
It can remove loose surface dust, but heavily contaminated second-hand vinyl is better given a proper wet clean first.
Should I brush new records?
If loose dust or packaging fibres are visible, a gentle dry brush before the first play can be worthwhile.
Will it stop records becoming static?
It helps reduce electrostatic charge, although environmental conditions and record sleeves can cause static to build again over time.
What is the difference between Brush it and Brush it Premium?
Both use conductive carbon fibres. Brush it Premium adds a metal handle and dedicated earthing cable for more advanced static control.
What is the difference between Brush it and Clean it?
Brush it cleans the record surface. Clean it is the smaller carbon fibre brush designed specifically for the cartridge stylus.
Can I use Brush it on the stylus?
No. Use a dedicated stylus cleaning brush such as Pro-Ject Clean it.
Can I use Clean it on my records?
Clean it is specifically designed for the stylus. Brush it is the correct tool for everyday dry cleaning of the record itself.
Do I need Brush it if I own a Spin Clean?
Yes, they serve different purposes. Spin Clean provides periodic wet cleaning, while Brush it is useful for quick surface-dust removal before everyday playback.
Do I need Brush it if I own a VC-E2 or VC-S3?
It can still be useful. Vacuum cleaning provides the deeper clean, while Brush it removes loose dust that settles between subsequent plays.
Does Brush it help protect the stylus?
Removing loose dust before playback reduces the amount of debris available for the stylus to collect. Pro-Ject lists increased vinyl and needle longevity among the benefits of Brush it.
How should I handle records after brushing them?
Hold the record by its outer edge and centre label rather than touching the groove area.
How should I store Brush it?
Keep it clean and dry near the turntable and avoid contaminating the carbon fibres with fingerprints or household dirt.
Does Brush it need batteries or power?
No. It is a completely manual record cleaning brush.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject Brush it From Audio T?
Record care does not need to become complicated. A suitable carbon fibre brush, a clean stylus and sensible handling will deal with much of the everyday maintenance, while deeper wet cleaning can be kept for records that genuinely need it.
Audio T can help you choose the right cleaning method for your collection, from a simple Brush it for daily dust removal through to Spin Clean and Pro-Ject's powered VC-E2 and VC-S3 vacuum cleaning machines.
- In-store vinyl-care advice
- Carbon fibre brush guidance
- Everyday record-cleaning advice
- Static-control advice
- Correct record-handling guidance
- Stylus cleaning advice
- Clean it guidance
- Brush it Premium advice
- Wet record-cleaning guidance
- Spin Clean advice
- VC-E2 and VC-S3 advice
- Wash it 2 guidance
- General turntable advice
- General record-care advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store for advice on keeping your records and stylus clean or choosing the right record cleaning products for your collection.