If you are noticing a lot of clicks, pops, and skips from your vinyl records, it is probably time to clean your collection. Though not all damage is caused by dust (proper storage is a big factor too), a thorough cleaning can really make a huge difference in the way records ultimately sound.
So much of the crackling and crunching we associate with records is from dust on the surface, and you will be amazed at the before and after difference. Even just touching your discs can cause damage, since the natural oils from your fingers and hands pick up dust which can mess up the record’s grooves.
If you want to keep the vinyl records in the right condition so that they look and sound their best and make sure that they will have a long life, you should know how to clean vinyl records.
There are various cleaning methods for vinyl and it is easier than you would think to clean them. You can include a record cleaning machine, like a record vacuum cleaner or record washer. You can also clean your vinyl collection by hand, which is the most cost-effective and easiest cleaning method.
- Dust off your vinyl
First, remove dust or any loose debris from your record’s surface with a record cleaning brush. Vinyl experts recommend using a carbon fiber brush as its bristles will remove the static electricity that holds dust to the surface of the record and causes it to crackle when one plays it. Gently brush away the particles in a circular motion in the grooves’ direction.
- Find a solution
You can buy a record cleaning kit coming with a cleaning brush and a special cleaning fluid. You can use a cleaning solution without isopropyl alcohol as it can damage the record’s surface. Do not use dish soap as this can leave a film on your vinyl record. Use distilled water, and avoid using tap water and household cleaning products.
- Clean the record
Take a microfiber cloth and wrap it around your finger. Lightly dip the finger into a record cleaning solution, and slowly run it along the grooves in a clockwise direction, starting from the center. Upon reaching the outer edge of the record, reverse your direction and follow the grooves back to the center in a counter-clockwise direction. Make sure your nails do not hit the surface as this could scratch the record.
- Repeat and dry
Once you have cleaned the entire record, re-examine for any other grime build-up. Wipe these spots again, using a clean cloth and fresh cleaning solution. Examine for any wetness in the record and pat it dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not put the wet records back n=in their inner sleeves as the moisture can cause warping.
We hope the steps above will help you keep your collection in pristine condition. If you are looking for the best solution for vinyl record cleaning, visit thevinylcleaner.com.
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