What's the best way to clean vinyl records?

This may be way over your idea for a cleaner but you asked for it.

The best version I have is the KL Audio LDP200 ultrasonic cleaner
Not cheap at $4,000 but it gives incredible results that really get out the unwanted material in the groove leading to better detail, low level resolution and quieter surfaces. Just lower the disc down into the machine and go about your business

I have a Loricraft cleaner as well and used the 4 stelp Walker process. It is very effective, especially for soiled records

The KL does a better job and doesn't require tons of your time
Change the distilled water every month and clean away

There is a similar ultrasonic cleaner the Audio Deck. Ut requires cleaning solutions and swapping out cleaning brushes but gives similar results.

This is like a major cartridge upgrade and even brings great improvement to new vinyl

i have used virtually all of the DIY options including steaming, strong cleaners, vacuums, and Ultrasonic. I really like the results using the scrubbing with a good brush (i like the mofi brush but have used several types) and using a steamer to heat the liquid before scrubbing. I vac after scrubbing and after two RO water rinse with great success. I have also built a Ultrasonic that IMO with the right cleaning solution is the best i have ever used. I built the vac cleaner and ultrasonic using techniques described on Diyaudio and here. For the really dirty records i pick up, i will do both cleaning with the scrubbing/rinse followed up by a Ultrasonic cleaning and final rinse with RO water. To many people cheap out on the rinse water and leave deposits on the records. I have over 4000 now and other than surface noise on some, they are remarkably quiet. I have my own cleaning solutions that i like but many commercial cleaners do an exceptional job. Good luck

I know Saki's method works very well and has modest cost. I suggest distilled water, max 5% isopropyl alcohol, dash of Dawn dishwashing soap (has alcohol as an ingredient). Rinse, rinse, rinse. Then I have used the "LAST" products (which I think are great) to finish off. Records are tougher than most think. When I've bought 'dirty' collections I've used soft brushes, gently, for washing and rinse. I've probably been more brutal than anyone would suggest-but it has salvaged records I would never have played - lest they rip out the needle.

Jump on a VPI 17F now..

For $199 investment you can get the manual RECORD DOCTOR cleaning system. Throw the ketchup bottle away