Actually you can use fairly hot/warm water - hot but not so hot as to scald yourself or warp the vinyl. You should be able to just about put your hand in it. Into this pour a fairly large portion of detergent (FAIRY LIQUID) use a soft cloth or sponge soaked in this to work the fluid into the grooves. then plunge the record into it! Rinse off the detergent in warm water and allow to dry. This gives true clarity to your old records. You have removed the years of grease and sweat that has gathered in the grooves.