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Two of the most common questions in vinyl forums are whether a Spin-Clean is "good enough" and whether an ultrasonic cleaner is worth many times the price. The honest answer depends on how many records you clean and how dirty they are. This guide compares how the two work and who each suits. We have not lab-tested these machines; the comparison is based on manufacturer specifications and long-running collector discussion.
How a Spin-Clean works
The Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII is a basin filled with distilled water and a measured amount of its alcohol-free fluid. Pads/brushes sit either side of the record, and rollers support it at the right depth for LPs, 45s or 78s. You turn the record a few times each way, lift it out, and dry it with the included lint-free cloths. The maker says its fluid holds dirt at the bottom of the basin so it is not re-deposited.
Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII Complete Kit
Manual washer basin; alcohol-free fluid (4 oz); brushes; rollers for 33/45/78; 2 drying cloths
Pros
- No power needed; cleans both sides at once
- Handles 33, 45 and 78 sizes with rollers
Cons
- Manual work; drying cloths need washing
- Bath water gets dirty and must be changed
How an ultrasonic cleaner works
Ultrasonic machines send high-frequency sound through water, creating tiny bubbles that collapse and lift dirt from the grooves without brushes touching the surface. The HumminGuru HG01, for example, uses 40 kHz ultrasound, needs about 350 ml of distilled water, has auto clean and dry cycles, and measures roughly 13.5 x 6 x 11 inches according to its listing.
HumminGuru HG01 Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
40 kHz ultrasonic; auto clean & dry; 350 ml distilled water; 7/10/12 in; 13.5 x 6 x 11 in
Pros
- Contactless 40 kHz ultrasonic clean plus fan dry
- Uses only 350 ml of distilled water
Cons
- Large up-front cost
- 7 and 10 inch records need adapters (check listing)
Side-by-side
| Spin-Clean MKII | Ultrasonic (e.g. HumminGuru HG01) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning action | Brushes + fluid, by hand | Ultrasound, contactless |
| Drying | Hand-dry with cloths, then air-dry | Built-in fan drying |
| Power | None | Mains power |
| Effort per record | Higher | Lower (load and wait) |
| Record sizes | LP, 45, 78 via rollers | 12 in; 7 and 10 in depend on model/adapters |
| Cost | Low | Much higher |
| Product | Key specs | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII Complete Kit | Manual washer basin; alcohol-free fluid (4 oz); brushes; rollers for 33/45/78; 2 drying cloths | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Spin-Clean Record Washer MKII Deluxe Kit | Manual washer; 4 oz + 32 oz fluid; extra brushes and cloths | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| HumminGuru HG01 Ultrasonic Record Cleaner | 40 kHz ultrasonic; auto clean & dry; 350 ml distilled water; 7/10/12 in; 13.5 x 6 x 11 in | Check price on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Specs are from manufacturer and retailer listings and can change between versions; check the listing before you buy. We don't show prices because they change often; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
Which should you buy?
Choose a Spin-Clean if
- You have under a few hundred records, or only clean new arrivals.
- You want something with no power and little storage space.
- You often buy very grimy thrift records and want a first scrub.
Choose ultrasonic if
- You clean many records each month.
- You want consistent results with less manual work.
- You can justify the cost and the space.
Spin-Clean Complete or Deluxe?
Both use the same basin. The Deluxe adds a large bottle of fluid plus extra brushes and drying cloths. If you will clean a lot of records, the extras may be useful; otherwise the Complete Kit is enough to start.
Limits of both
Neither fixes scratches or groove wear. Some collectors and researchers have raised concerns about repeated long ultrasonic cycles and strong additives, so follow the maker's recommended cycle times and fluid amounts.
FAQ
Does a Spin-Clean really work?
For removing surface dirt and grime it is widely used and recommended by collectors. It is less thorough on deep groove debris than ultrasonic cleaning, according to many user reports.
Can I use tap water?
Distilled water is recommended for both, because minerals in tap water can leave residue.
Do I still need a brush?
Yes. A dry brush before play removes fresh dust; see carbon fibre vs velvet brushes.