Clearaudio Pure Groove Shellac Record Cleaning Fluid

Clearaudio Pure Groove Shellac is a ready-to-use, alcohol-free cleaning fluid that cleans both shellac and vinyl records right down into the groove.

That's exactly where it differs from the rest of the Clearaudio range: shellac actually starts to dissolve under ordinary vinyl cleaners, because their alcohol attacks the natural resin. The Shellac formula does without alcohol – and still cleans powerfully.

Why Pure Groove Shellac?

Because it's the only Clearaudio fluid the manufacturer approves for 78 rpm shellac records – and because it gets vinyl clean too, in the same breath. A mixed collection gets by with a single bottle instead of two fluids side by side on the shelf, with the risk of grabbing the wrong one at the wrong moment.

What you get

A quieter groove and less background noise, especially with records that have survived decades of dust, smoke and cellar air. The music slumbering beneath the surface often comes back surprisingly clearly after a proper wash.

Who is Pure Groove Shellac for?

For anyone with 78 rpm shellac records, and for mixed collections of shellac and vinyl. Bottom line: if you only ever wash vinyl and don't own a single 78, you don't strictly need it – against greasy vinyl finds, the alcohol-based Pure Groove is the sharper blade. But the reverse holds without exception: for shellac, nothing else will do.

Our verdict

The insurance policy for old records. Alcohol-free, ready to use, approved by the manufacturer for both record types – if your collection includes 78s, there's simply no alternative, and for mixed holdings it's the most convenient solution. Which size and which washing method suit your collection, we're happy to work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: ready-to-use record cleaning fluid
• Composition: alcohol-free
• Suitable for: shellac records (78 rpm) and vinyl records
• Effect: dissolves stubborn dirt right down into the groove, gentle on the natural resin
• Application: record washing machine (all Clearaudio models) or hand cleaning
• Condition: ready to use, no mixing needed
• Safety note: for shellac, use only fluids explicitly approved for it
• Available in: 0.1 L, 0.25 L, 0.5 L, 1.0 L and 2.5 L

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Pure Groove Shellac on shellac records?

Yes, that's exactly what it was developed for. The formula is alcohol-free and doesn't attack the sensitive natural resin of 78 rpm shellac records, yet still cleans right down into the groove. Clearaudio explicitly points out that only fluids explicitly approved for shellac should be used.

Does it also clean vinyl?

Yes. Clearaudio approves Pure Groove Shellac for shellac and vinyl alike. If you have both on your shelves, one fluid is enough. Against very greasy, sticky vinyl finds, though, the alcohol-based Pure Groove still works a bit more thoroughly.

What happens if I use regular Pure Groove on shellac?

You shouldn't. Shellac records are attacked by alcohol-based vinyl cleaners, the natural resin can start to dissolve – and that damage isn't repairable. Groove Care and the diluted Pure Groove Essence are also pure vinyl fluids. For 78s, Pure Groove Shellac remains the right choice.

Do I need to dilute or mix it?

No. Pure Groove Shellac is bottled ready to use and can be applied directly in the record washing machine or by hand. Diluting it with tap water would weaken the effect and leave limescale residue in the groove once the record dries.

Why buy Clearaudio Pure Groove Shellac from HD Zürisee?

Because old shellac records don't get a second chance, and we'll tell you upfront what works and what doesn't. Our experienced team works with these fluids every day and also advises on the washing method: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

For the rest of your collection: Record Cleaning, Turntables and Cartridges.