Clearaudio Pure Groove Record Cleaning Fluid

Clearaudio Pure Groove is a ready-to-use, alcohol-based cleaning fluid for vinyl records that dissolves even stubborn dirt right down to the bottom of the groove.

The alcohol content here is no side effect but the whole principle: it dissolves grease and, together with strong vacuum extraction, ensures the residual fluid leaves the record without a trace. The mixture is antistatic on top of that.

Why Pure Groove?

Because it's the strongest of Clearaudio's ready-to-use vinyl fluids. Fingerprints, old grease films, pressing residue – Pure Groove removes what milder products need two attempts for. It's designed for use with record cleaning machines and doesn't foam, which for vacuum machines isn't a matter of taste, it's a requirement.

What you get

A noticeably quieter background and details that used to sit under a veil of dirt. Especially with flea-market finds carrying a sticky film, the difference after the first wash is often bigger than that between two cartridges – hand on heart, hardly anyone likes to admit that.

Who is Pure Groove for?

For anyone with a record cleaning machine and a collection that's seen more than dust. Straight talk: Pure Groove is for vinyl only. Shellac records are attacked by this vinyl cleaner – for 78s made of natural resin there's the alcohol-free Pure Groove Shellac, and that's where the line stays. For gentler care, take Groove Care; for high volume, budget with the Pure Groove Essence concentrate.

Our verdict

The in-house reference: no mixing, no discussion, simply the most effective vinyl fluid Clearaudio bottles ready-made. Which size suits your washing rhythm – and whether the Essence might be the smarter calculation after all – we're happy to work out with you by phone at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: ready-to-use cleaning fluid for vinyl records
• Composition: alcohol-based, higher ethanol content than Clearaudio Groove Care
• Properties: antistatic, non-foaming, dries residue-free
• Effect: dissolves stubborn dirt right down to the bottom of the groove
• Use: record cleaning machine (Clearaudio and other manufacturers)
• Suitable for: vinyl records
• Not suitable for: shellac records (78 rpm) – the alcohol attacks the natural resin
• 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 for shellac records?

No. Shellac records are attacked by Pure Groove's vinyl cleaner – the sensitive natural resin can't tolerate alcohol-based cleaners. For 78s, use only a fluid explicitly approved for them, like Clearaudio Pure Groove Shellac, which is formulated alcohol-free and cleans both shellac and vinyl.

Do I need to dilute Pure Groove?

No, Pure Groove comes bottled ready to use. Diluting it with tap water would weaken its effect and leave limescale in the groove after drying. Anyone wanting to mix their own and save money should reach for the Pure Groove Essence concentrate instead.

Does Pure Groove work in every record cleaning machine?

Yes. Clearaudio approves the fluid for record cleaning machines, and it doesn't foam – exactly what the manufacturer explicitly requires for its own machines. Cleaning by hand is possible in a pinch, but you only get the full result with vacuum extraction from the groove.

What's the difference to Groove Care and Pure Groove Essence?

Pure Groove is the strongest ready-made mix with the highest alcohol content. Groove Care contains less ethanol, cleans more gently and is friendlier to ship. Pure Groove Essence is the concentrate you mix with alcohol to make Pure Groove yourself. All three are intended for vinyl only.

Why buy Clearaudio Pure Groove at HD Zürisee?

Because there's someone on the phone who washes records themselves rather than just shipping boxes. We know the Clearaudio fluids from our own workshop and tell you which one suits your machine and your collection: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

It's only truly clean as a package: record cleaning, cartridges and phono preamps.