Wetting agents like Kodak Photo-Flo, Ilford Ilfotol or Tergikleen were developed to prevent droplets on surfaces. They break the surface tension of water promoting the formation of a continuous and homogeneous fluid film on the vinyl record.

This has two benefits: One is that the cleaning action is enhanced since the cleaning fluid can enter all the nooks and crannies around dirt particles in the grooves, which enables the cavitating bubbles to get closer to the dirt.

​The second benefit is that a smooth fluid film significantly shortens the drying process.