Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject Spin Clean is one of the simplest ways to give a vinyl collection a proper wet clean without investing in an electric record cleaning machine. There are no motors, vacuum pumps or mains cables involved: fill the basin, add the supplied cleaning fluid and rotate the record through the brushes by hand.
What makes it considerably more effective than simply wiping a record is that the two brushes clean both sides simultaneously while the cleaning fluid loosens contamination from within the grooves. Dirt carried away from the record settles at the bottom of the basin rather than remaining on the playing surface.
For anyone building a record collection, regularly buying second-hand vinyl or wanting to give older records a deeper clean, the Spin Clean offers a relatively inexpensive step up from everyday dry brushing while remaining compact enough to store away between cleaning sessions.
Pro-Ject Spin Clean Record Cleaner MKII
The Pro-Ject Spin Clean is a manual wet record cleaning system designed to clean both sides of a record at the same time without requiring electricity or permanent installation.
A pair of brushes sits inside the cleaning basin while adjustable rollers support the record. Rotate the record through the cleaning solution and the brushes work across both groove surfaces before the supplied washable cloths are used for drying.
- Manual wet record cleaning system
- No electricity required
- No installation required
- Cleans both sides simultaneously
- Suitable for 12-inch LPs
- Suitable for 10-inch 78 RPM records
- Suitable for 7-inch 45 RPM records
- Three adjustable roller positions
- Snap-in roller design
- Wedge-fit stay-in-place brushes
- Alcohol-free cleaning fluid
- 4oz / 118ml washer fluid supplied
- Two washable drying cloths supplied
- Easy-clean basin
- Integrated feet for additional stability
- Compact 370mm-wide design
Why Wet Clean Records?
A conventional carbon fibre or anti-static brush is useful for removing loose surface dust immediately before playing a record, but not every contaminant simply sits on top of the vinyl.
Dust, fingerprints and other contamination can become lodged deeper within the groove. Wet cleaning gives the cleaning solution an opportunity to loosen this material so it can be removed rather than simply pushed around the playing surface.
This can be particularly worthwhile with:
- Second-hand records
- Older collections that have spent years in storage
- Dusty records
- Fingerprinted records
- Records with persistent surface contamination
- New records carrying packaging or manufacturing debris
Completely Manual Cleaning
The Spin Clean does not use an electric motor to rotate the record.
Instead, the record is turned manually while supported between the two rollers and cleaning brushes.
That keeps the system mechanically simple, means there is nothing to plug in and allows the complete cleaner to be stored away easily when it is not being used.
Clean Both Sides at the Same Time
The record sits vertically in the cleaning basin with one brush against each playing surface.
As the record is rotated, both sides therefore pass through the cleaning brushes simultaneously.
You do not need to wash one side, turn the record over and repeat the complete process as you would with many single-sided cleaning methods.
Two Cleaning Brushes
The Spin Clean uses a pair of opposing brushes positioned inside the basin.
The brushes contact both groove surfaces as the record passes between them, helping the cleaning solution work into the groove and loosen accumulated contamination.
Wedge-Fit Stay-in-Place Brush Design
The current design uses wedge-fit brushes intended to remain securely in position while records are rotated through the cleaning bath.
The brushes can be removed afterwards for rinsing and drying before the next cleaning session.
Dirt Is Carried Away From the Record
Spin-Clean's cleaning fluid is designed to encapsulate loosened dirt so that it falls towards the bottom of the basin.
This helps keep the contamination away from the portion of the record passing between the cleaning brushes.
The distinctive bright basin also makes accumulated dirt relatively easy to see when the cleaning session is finished.
Three Record Sizes
The Spin Clean uses three different roller positions to accommodate the main record formats.
12-Inch LPs
- 33? RPM records
- 12-inch diameter
- Use the outside roller position
10-Inch Records
- Typically 78 RPM records
- 10-inch diameter
- Use the centre roller position
7-Inch Singles
- Typically 45 RPM records
- 7-inch diameter
- Use the inside roller position
No Separate Arm Required
- Reposition the supplied rollers
- No separate 7-inch cleaning arm
- No additional record-size kit required
Snap-In Roller System
The current Spin Clean uses snap-in rollers that fit into the appropriate pair of slots inside the basin.
Move the rollers according to the diameter of the record you are cleaning rather than trying to use one position for every format.
Check the Roller Position Before Adding the Record
Use the outer slots for a conventional 12-inch LP, the centre slots for a 10-inch record and the inner slots for a 7-inch single. Both rollers should always be fitted to matching positions.
Alcohol-Free Cleaning Fluid
The standard Spin Clean package includes a 4oz / 118ml bottle of record cleaning fluid.
The cleaning solution is alcohol free, which is particularly important when the system is being used with shellac 78 RPM records as well as conventional vinyl.
How Much Cleaning Fluid Should You Use?
With the supplied 4oz bottle, Spin-Clean's current instructions specify two capfuls of cleaning fluid for a prepared basin.
The fluid is poured over the top of the fitted brushes after the basin has been filled to the marked water level.
Two Capfuls From the Supplied Bottle
The standard package includes the 4oz bottle, for which the manufacturer's current instructions specify two capfuls per basin. Larger replacement bottles may use a different cap size, so follow the directions supplied with the fluid you are using.
Use Distilled Water
Fill the Spin Clean basin with water up to the indicator line on the inside wall before adding the cleaning fluid.
Pro-Ject recommends distilled water for the cleaning bath. Using distilled water avoids introducing the mineral content commonly found in domestic tap water onto a freshly cleaned record.
20 to 50 Records From One Cleaning Bath
Spin-Clean states that a freshly prepared cleaning bath can typically be used for approximately 20 to 50 records.
The actual number depends on how contaminated the records are. A batch of relatively clean records will naturally leave considerably less dirt in the bath than a collection of dusty second-hand LPs.
Change the Water When It Becomes Dirty
The 20 to 50 record figure is a guide rather than a target. If the cleaning bath has visibly accumulated significant dirt, replace it rather than continuing simply because you have not yet reached a particular number of records.
Three Rotations in Each Direction
The current Spin-Clean instructions specify a straightforward cleaning cycle.
- Rotate the record three complete turns clockwise
- Then rotate it three complete turns counter-clockwise
Using both directions allows the brushes to work through the groove from either direction while both sides of the record are being cleaned simultaneously.
How to Hold the Record
Spin-Clean recommends placing your hands around the 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions and using the inside of your palms or fingers to rotate the outside edge of the record.
This gives more even pressure across the rollers and avoids pinching the record surface between your fingers.
Keep Your Fingers off the Playing Surface
There is little point cleaning fingerprints and grease from a record only to put new ones straight back onto it. Handle the disc by its outside edge and label area whenever possible.
Washable Drying Cloths Included
Two reusable drying cloths are supplied with the Spin Clean.
Once the record has completed its cleaning rotations, lift it from the bath and thoroughly dry both sides with the cloths.
The cloths can be washed and reused rather than treated as disposable consumables.
Pre-Wash the Drying Cloths
Spin-Clean recommends washing the supplied drying cloths before their first use.
This helps make them softer and more absorbent before they come into contact with a freshly cleaned record.
Avoid Fabric Softener and Dryer Sheets
Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets when washing the Spin Clean drying cloths. These products can leave substances behind on the fabric that you do not want transferred onto the record surface.
Dry the Record Thoroughly
Spin-Clean recommends wiping the record completely dry with the supplied cloth rather than relying on an external drying rack as the primary drying method.
Once the record has been thoroughly dried, it can be played or returned to its sleeve.
Use a Clean Inner Sleeve
Cleaning a heavily contaminated record and then returning it to an old dusty inner sleeve can undo some of the work you have just completed.
For records receiving a thorough first clean, replacing a dirty or deteriorated inner sleeve at the same time is worth considering.
Easy-Clean Basin
The current Spin Clean features an easy-to-clean basin designed to make the maintenance after a record-washing session straightforward.
Once the used solution has been discarded, the basin and rollers can be thoroughly rinsed with warm water and allowed to dry before storage.
Clean the Brushes After Use
The brushes should be removed from the Spin Clean when the cleaning session is complete.
Rinse them thoroughly with warm water, press out the excess water and leave them to air dry.
Don't Leave the Brushes Sitting in Cleaning Solution
Spin-Clean specifically recommends removing the brushes from a filled basin whenever you are not actively washing records. Rinse them and allow them to dry before the next session.
Can You Keep the Cleaning Solution for Another Session?
Yes. If you have only cleaned a small number of records, Spin-Clean states that the prepared solution can be left in the covered basin for up to one week.
The brushes must still be removed, rinsed and dried during this period and should only be returned to the basin when you are ready to clean more records.
Cleaning the Spin Clean After a Session
If you are finished with the cleaning solution, the manufacturer's routine is simple:
- Remove the brushes.
- Rinse the brushes thoroughly with warm water.
- Press out excess water and allow the brushes to air dry.
- Discard the used cleaning solution.
- Rinse the basin thoroughly with warm water.
- Rinse the rollers.
- Allow all components to dry fully.
- Return the clean components to the unit ready for the next session.
Basin Lid Included
The supplied lid closes over the top of the cleaning basin when the Spin Clean is not being used.
This helps keep dust and general household contamination away from the brushes, rollers and inside of the washer between cleaning sessions.
Improved Stability
The current version incorporates feet beneath the basin to provide additional stability while records are being rotated manually.
This is particularly useful because cleaning requires both hands to be focused on controlling the record rather than holding the washer itself in position.
Compact Enough to Store Away
Unlike a powered vacuum record cleaner, the Spin Clean does not require permanent shelf space or access to a mains socket.
Current dimensions are:
- Width: 370mm
- Height: 140mm
- Depth: 154mm
- Weight: 0.8kg
At only 140mm high and 154mm deep, it can be stored relatively easily between cleaning sessions.
Spin Clean or Pro-Ject VC-E2?
Both products provide wet cleaning, but they approach the job very differently.
Spin Clean
- Manual operation
- No mains power
- Cleans both sides simultaneously
- Manual cloth drying
- 33?, 45 and 78 RPM compatibility
- Compact and easy to store
- Ideal entry point into wet cleaning
VC-E2
- Powered record rotation
- 30 RPM cleaning speed
- Powerful vacuum extraction
- Record dry within one to two rotations
- 12-inch records as standard
- Optional 7-inch cleaning kit
- Better suited to regular intensive cleaning
If you only clean records occasionally or want a straightforward and affordable manual system, the Spin Clean makes a lot of sense. If you regularly buy second-hand records or expect to clean larger numbers of discs, the Pro-Ject VC-E2 Vinyl Record Cleaning Machine adds motorised rotation and vacuum extraction.
No Electricity Required
The Spin Clean is entirely mechanical.
There is no external power supply, mains lead, motor or vacuum system, which also means there are very few mechanical components involved in normal operation.
What Comes in the Box?
- Pro-Ject Spin Clean record washer basin
- Basin lid
- One pair of cleaning brushes
- One pair of snap-in rollers
- Two washable drying cloths
- 4oz / 118ml Spin Clean washer fluid
Recommended Cleaning Routine
- Remove the lid and cleaning accessories from the basin.
- Fit the brushes into their positions.
- Position both rollers for the size of record being cleaned.
- Fill the basin to the marked level with distilled water.
- Add two capfuls from the supplied 4oz Spin Clean washer-fluid bottle.
- Insert the record vertically between the brushes and onto the rollers.
- Hold the outside edge of the record with both hands.
- Rotate the record three times clockwise.
- Rotate the record three times counter-clockwise.
- Carefully lift the record from the basin.
- Thoroughly dry both sides using the supplied reusable cloths.
- Play the clean record or place it into a clean inner sleeve.
- Repeat for the remaining records in the cleaning batch.
- When finished, remove and rinse the brushes.
- Discard the solution when it is no longer suitable for reuse.
- Rinse the basin and rollers and allow all components to dry.
Key Features
- Pro-Ject Spin Clean
- Manual record cleaning system
- Wet record cleaning
- No electricity required
- No installation required
- Cleans both sides simultaneously
- 12-inch LP compatibility
- 10-inch record compatibility
- 7-inch record compatibility
- 33? RPM record cleaning
- 45 RPM record cleaning
- 78 RPM record cleaning
- Three roller positions
- Snap-in roller design
- One pair of rollers supplied
- Two cleaning brushes
- Wedge-fit brush design
- Stay-in-place brushes
- Both groove surfaces cleaned together
- Dirt settles at bottom of basin
- Alcohol-free cleaning fluid
- 4oz / 118ml fluid supplied
- Two capfuls per basin from 4oz bottle
- Distilled water recommended
- 20 to 50 records per typical bath
- Three clockwise rotations
- Three counter-clockwise rotations
- Two drying cloths supplied
- Washable drying cloths
- Reusable drying cloths
- Easy-clean basin
- Basin lid included
- Stabilising feet
- Compact storage
- 370mm width
- 140mm height
- 154mm depth
- 0.8kg weight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject Spin Clean still current?
Yes. Spin Clean remains part of Pro-Ject's current record-cleaning range.
Does the Spin Clean need electricity?
No. It is a completely manual record cleaning system.
How does the Spin Clean clean records?
The record is rotated manually through a bath of cleaning solution between two brushes that clean both playing surfaces simultaneously.
Does it clean both sides at once?
Yes. One cleaning brush sits against each side of the record.
Can it clean 12-inch LPs?
Yes. Fit the rollers in the outside position for 12-inch records.
Can it clean 7-inch singles?
Yes. Fit the rollers in the inside position for 7-inch records.
Can it clean 10-inch records?
Yes. The centre roller position accommodates 10-inch records.
Can it clean 78 RPM records?
Yes. Its 10-inch roller position is designed to accommodate 78 RPM records.
Do I need a separate 7-inch kit?
No. The supplied rollers can be moved to the appropriate position for 7-inch records.
How many times should I rotate the record?
The current Spin-Clean instructions specify three clockwise rotations followed by three counter-clockwise rotations.
Why rotate the record in both directions?
This allows the brushes to work through the groove from either direction during the cleaning process.
Does Spin Clean washer fluid contain alcohol?
No. The cleaning fluid is alcohol free.
How much cleaning fluid should I use?
With the supplied 4oz bottle, Spin-Clean specifies two capfuls for each prepared basin.
Do I need to dilute the fluid?
Yes. The washer fluid is added to the water already in the cleaning basin.
What water should I use?
Pro-Ject recommends distilled water.
How many records can I clean with one basin?
Spin-Clean gives a typical figure of approximately 20 to 50 records, depending on how dirty the records are.
Where does the dirt go?
The cleaning fluid is designed to carry loosened contamination to the bottom of the basin, away from the record.
Are drying cloths included?
Yes. Two washable reusable drying cloths are supplied.
Should I wash the drying cloths before using them?
Yes. Spin-Clean recommends pre-washing them so they become softer and more absorbent.
Can I use fabric softener on the drying cloths?
No. Spin-Clean advises against fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Should I air dry the records?
The manufacturer's preferred method is to dry the record thoroughly using the supplied cloths rather than relying on air drying as the primary method.
Should I use a new inner sleeve after cleaning?
It is recommended where the existing sleeve is dirty or contaminated so a freshly cleaned record is not immediately exposed to old debris.
Do the brushes need cleaning?
Yes. Remove them after the cleaning session, rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow them to air dry.
Can I leave the brushes sitting in the cleaning solution?
No. Spin-Clean recommends removing, rinsing and drying the brushes when you are not actively cleaning records.
Can I reuse the cleaning solution later?
Yes. Spin-Clean states that solution can be retained in the covered basin for up to one week, provided the brushes are removed, cleaned and dried between sessions.
How do I clean the basin?
Discard the used solution, rinse the basin and rollers thoroughly with warm water and allow everything to dry before storage.
What comes with the Spin Clean?
The standard package contains the washer basin and lid, one pair of brushes, one pair of rollers, two washable drying cloths and 4oz / 118ml of cleaning fluid.
How big is the Spin Clean?
370mm wide, 140mm high and 154mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
0.8kg.
Is Spin Clean a vacuum record cleaner?
No. Records are dried manually using the supplied cloths. For vacuum extraction, consider a powered cleaner such as the Pro-Ject VC-E2.
What is the difference between Spin Clean and VC-E2?
The Spin Clean is a manually operated bath cleaner that cleans both record surfaces simultaneously. The VC-E2 uses powered 30 RPM rotation and a vacuum arm to extract the cleaning fluid from one side at a time.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject Spin Clean From Audio T?
Record cleaning does not need to be complicated, but using the correct amount of fluid, positioning the rollers properly and handling freshly cleaned records carefully all help you get the best from a manual cleaning system.
Audio T can help you decide whether the simple manual Spin Clean is right for your collection or whether a powered vacuum cleaner such as the VC-E2 or VC-S3 would be a better long-term choice.
- In-store advice
- Wet record-cleaning guidance
- Correct roller-position guidance
- 33?, 45 and 78 RPM setup advice
- Cleaning-fluid guidance
- Record-handling advice
- Drying guidance
- Brush-cleaning advice
- Record-sleeve advice
- Spin Clean versus vacuum-cleaner advice
- General vinyl-care advice
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to discuss the best way to look after your record collection or whether the Spin Clean, VC-E2 or VC-S3 is the most appropriate cleaning solution for you.