If you need a record-cleaning machine (RcM), then there really is only the one option: Keith Monks.

Not only is the brand acknowledged as the best in its field; its products have been used by the BBc and other notables for some 40 years.

These genuinely professional machines are true heavy-duty workhorses engineered to clean records non-stop, all day and every day, if required. For example, the normal home of the customised vacuum pump they employ is a kidney dialysis machine, where failure is not an option.

This pump is used in every model across the range, so domestic buyers enjoy the same level of performance and reliability that the BBC, other major broadcasters and archivists experience.

Eco-friendly cleaning

The cleaning fluids recommended for use with the machines are Monks proprietary discovery solutions that contain no alcohol, artificial chemicals or additives.

Totally treehugger- friendly, the biodegradable liquids claim to remove all manner of contamination from records, including muck and grime from your charity-shop purchases and particle residue from pressing stampers on your brand new albums.

Damage prevention

The classic Mk.IIc is a single-brush cleaning system with a combined deck-mounted brush cradle and built-in fluid-dispensing system for 12-inch records.

It's supplied with a dedicated cleaning brush that's engineered to reach safely and effectively to the bottom of the record groove. Equally noteworthy is the proprietary vacuum-and-buffer-thread record-drying system, which safeguards the record from any potential damage while it's being dried.

The 'classic' name is entirely appropriate here, because this is a near exact copy of the original machine that was launched in 1969, except that it enjoys improved quality and reliability and better finishes, including classic White, Royal Blue and english oak.

As with the first machines, fluid is still applied to the disc using a manual screenwasher pump button from the Mini – that's the original Sir Alec issigonis/Leylanddesigned Mini and not the more recent BMW-built pretender.

Hefty machine

Getting to the stage of using the cleaner involves a little preparatory work, not the least of which is taking the classic out of its packaging. Don't try this unaided if you have any back problems, as the machine weighs 32kg.

Once it's unpacked, you need to fit a component that supports the cleaner's deck while you work inside, before removing a couple of transit fittings from the pump and the scrubbing brush. Then all that's left is to fit and adjust the counterweight on the suction arm.

Once you have your machine set up according to the comprehensive instructions (which would benefit from a few helpful illustrations for those who don't enjoy ploughing through pages of text), then it's time to fire up the cleaner and rejuvenate some vinyl.

It's worth kitting yourself out with a stock of new record sleeves, because there's little sense in putting your shiny discs back in the old ones.

Cleaning method

Operation of the machine is simplicity itself: having filled the cleaning-fluid reservoir, you place the record on the special platter mat and throw the main toggle switch to 'wash', which starts the assembly rotating.

You then position the record-cleaning brush over the disc and push the washer button to release the discovery liquid. The brush encourages the fluid to penetrate into the groove and dissolve or loosen any solid contaminants.

Finally, you swing the washer arm back to its rest position, switch the main switch to 'dry' and lower the suction arm onto the disc label, from where it tracks back to the outer edge of the disc, sucking up the fluid as it goes.