Record Doctor Clean Sweep Brush

Ultra-Fine Nylon Bristles That Wick Debris Out of the Groove

The Record Doctor Clean Sweep is sold each. Its ultra-fine nylon bristles reach into the record groove and wick away dust and other contaminants. Use it dry on its own, or with your favorite record cleaning fluid.

The groove of an LP is narrower than a human hair, and most of what makes a record noisy is sitting in it rather than on the flat land between grooves. A bristle that cannot get down there is polishing the parts that were never the problem.

What It Does, What It's Safe On, and How It Works

Bristles and Materials

The bristles are ultra-fine nylon, chosen to reach groove depth and to wick — that is, to draw contamination up into the bristle by capillary action rather than simply pushing it along the groove ahead of the brush.

Wicking is the distinction worth understanding. A brush that sweeps moves debris sideways until it falls somewhere; a brush that wicks lifts it out and holds it until you wipe the bristles clean.

It works dry on its own, and it works with any record cleaning fluid. Record Doctor is our own brand, so this is the brush designed alongside the machines and the fluids rather than bought in to fill a gap.

Who Is the Clean Sweep Best For?

• You want a brush that reaches groove depth — ultra-fine nylon rather than a general-purpose bristle
• You clean both wet and dry — Record Doctor designs it for either
• You want debris lifted rather than moved — wicking takes it out of the groove instead of along it
• You already own Record Doctor equipment — the brush belongs to the same range as the machines and fluids
• Static is your main complaint — a conductive carbon brush addresses that more directly; see record brushes

How Do You Use It?

Dry, hold the bristles lightly against the spinning record for two or three revolutions and draw the dust outward to the edge. Wet, apply fluid to the record first and use the brush to work it along the groove direction, then lift the fluid and the debris away. Wipe the bristles clean afterwards either way.

Pairs Well With

What most owners of a record brush shop next.

• Record cleaning solutions — fluid loosens what a dry brush cannot lift
• Record cleaning machines — for the deep clean a brush precedes rather than replaces
• Stylus cleaning — the brush that matters as much as this one
• Record cleaning accessories — sleeves and the rest of the kit

On Its Own, or as Part of a Program

A brush works perfectly well on its own, and sweeping before every side is the cheapest habit in vinyl. For even better results it belongs in a full treatment program: a fluid to release what is bonded into the groove, a brush to carry it away, and a stylus cleaner at the other end. The fluids are in record cleaning solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many do I need?

One. Some people keep a second so that one stays permanently dry and the other is used wet.

What does wicking mean?

The bristle draws contamination up into itself by capillary action rather than pushing it along the groove. The debris ends up in the brush, where you can wipe it out.

Can I use it with any cleaning fluid?

Yes. It works dry on its own and with whichever fluid you prefer.

How do I clean the brush?

Wipe the bristles on a clean cloth after dry use, and rinse and dry them after wet use. A brush holding yesterday's debris puts it back on today's record.

See It in Action

See the Clean Sweep Brush Used with the Record Doctor VI — Audio Advisor

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Learn More

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