Your vinyl records are probably unclean after sitting around. New records are staticky and attract dust, and old records have been sitting in crates for a while.When properly cared for, your vinyl record collection will last a lifetime and beyond. Most importantly, clean vinyl records sound fantastic.
So how do you go about cleaning your records?
You'll need some basic supplies, including:
-Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Soft, lint-free cloths for wiping the records dry.
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-Record Cleaning Solution: A mild cleaning solution designed to remove dirt and other contaminants.
-Anti-static Brush: To remove dust and reduce static buildup.
-Soft Bristle Brush: To clean records before applying the cleaning solution.
-Distilled Water: To combine with cleaning solution for effective cleaning.
You can also consider investing in Vaccum & Ultrasonic cleaning machines to make your life easier, which we'll get into later on in the guide.
1)Make sure your hands are clean and dry before starting cleaning your vinyl record to avoid transferring dirt and oils to the surface. Examine the record under a bright light source for visible dirt and debris.
2) Gently remove loose dust and grime from the surface with a carbon fibre or anti-static record brush. Hold the brush at an angle and gradually rotate the record clockwise while it is in contact with the surface. Repeat for a couple of rotations.
3)Wipe the surface gently with a clean, dry microfiber towel to remove any leftover particles. Wipe along the grooves in a straight line.
You can use a commercially approved vinyl cleaning solution or create your own.
-When using a commercial solution, follow the manufacturer's application instructions.
-You can make your solution by combining distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. Make a solution of 80% distilled water and 20% isopropyl alcohol. Tap water should be avoided since it can leave mineral deposits.
1)Moisten with the cleaning solution a clean, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth or a special record cleaning cloth. It has to be damp but not dripping wet.
2) Gently place the damp cloth on the record and move it in a straight line from the outer edge to the center. You don't want to push too hard and risk damaging the grooves, so be gentle. If the record is particularly unclean, you may need to repeat the process several times, each time using a clean area of the cloth.
Allow the record to air dry vertically in a dust-free spot after wiping it with a damp towel. You can use a clean dish drying rack or a vinyl record drying rack. When the record has dried completely, view it again under bright lighting to make sure there are no streaks or residue.
Dust, debris, and even vinyl residue can build up on the stylus over time, interfering with playing and potentially harming both the stylus and the records. There are two ways to clean the stylus: using a stylus brush or applying a special cleaning solution.
A stylus brush is a small, soft-bristled brush used to clean the stylus. It's a gentle and risk-free method of removing loose material. To remove any dust or particles, carefully brush the stylus from back to front.
A stylus cleaning solution is a specifically prepared to help in the dissolution of harder to remove debris from the stylus. Using a specialist applicator or a fine brush, apply a small drop of the solution to the stylus. Before using the turntable, let the solution evaporate.
To avoid accidental movement, turn off the turntable before cleaning the stylus.
If you're using a brush: Hold the brush firmly but gently. Brush the stylus a few times going back and forth from the back to the front. Brushing in the same direction as the tonearm is advised.
If you're using a cleaning solution: A small drop of cleaning solution should be applied to the stylus. Allow a minute or two for it to evaporate before using the turntable.
How often should I clean my stylus?
If you only play records on occasion, cleaning the stylus every 5-10 hours of audio playback is sufficient. Consider cleaning the stylus after every 3-5 hours of playback if you use your turntable more frequently. If your room is very dusty, more frequent cleaning may be required. Keep in mind that over-cleaning can be just as damaging as under-cleaning. Always take care when handling the stylus and avoid applying excessive force or abrasive materials.
Vacuum cleaning machines use a motor-powered vacuum system that applies a cleaning solution to the record and extracts it along with all contaminants. These machines go deep into the grooves of the record to remove all dirt that manual cleaning can miss. The vacuum arm is fitted with a suction tube and a soft nozzle, which follows the curves of the groove.
Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to penetrate into the tiniest grooves of records, removing all dirt that hand cleaning methods may miss. They generate minuscule high-frequency pressure waves in the cleaning solution. These waves create millions of small bubbles, which implode and produce high-energy shock waves. These shock waves then create microscopic scrubbing movements, which efficiently clean the surface of the record submerged in the cleaning solution.
It is advised to use solutions formulated specifically for vinyl records. Regular household cleaning products may include strong chemicals that could ruin the vinyl or degrade the sound quality.
For routine maintenance, soft brushes, microfiber cloths, and cleaning solutions can be beneficial. However, vacuum or ultrasonic devices are recommended for deep cleaning and best results.
The grooves of 78 RPM records are wider and made of different materials. While similar cleaning methods can be used, it is essential to use equipment and processes meant for 78 RPM records.
Cleaning won't fix warps because they are physical defects in the record. If the warp is severe, you should speak with a specialist to see if the record can be repaired.
Yes, new records often contain production residues that can degrade sound quality. These residues can be removed with a light cleaning before the first play.