Want to keep your vinyl records sounding great and lasting for decades? Here's how:
- Clean regularly: Dust and dirt can cause pops, clicks, and even damage your records.
- Use the right tools: A carbon fiber brush, microfiber cloth, and distilled water are essential.
- Follow proper steps: Brush off dust, clean with a solution, rinse with distilled water, and air dry.
- Avoid mistakes: Don’t use tap water, apply too much pressure, or touch the playing surface.
- Store properly: Keep records upright in anti-static sleeves in a cool, dry place.
Vinyl Care 101 - How to Clean Your Records, Handle, and ...
Required Cleaning Tools
Having the right tools is crucial to keep your vinyl records in great shape and avoid damage. Here's what you'll need to maintain your collection.
Carbon Fiber Brush Basics
A carbon fiber brush is perfect for tackling dust and static. With ultra-fine bristles, it removes surface dust effectively while cutting down on static electricity. Use it both before and after playing a record to maintain sound quality.
Microfiber Cloth Use
Microfiber cloths are gentle yet effective for cleaning vinyl. Their fine fibers can reach deep into grooves to lift dirt without scratching. Use one cloth for applying a cleaning solution and a separate one for drying. Regularly wash them to keep them clean and effective.
Vinyl Cleaning Solutions
These solutions help dissolve oils and remove dirt while protecting your records. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and avoid applying the solution directly to the record. Instead, apply it to a microfiber cloth first.
Distilled Water Facts
Distilled water is a must for rinsing records, as it doesn’t contain the minerals found in tap water that can leave residue behind. Tap water often has calcium, sodium, and magnesium, which can cause chalky deposits and affect sound quality. When using distilled water, follow these tips:
- Rinse records thoroughly.
- Let them air dry naturally.
- Store distilled water in a sealed container to avoid contamination.
Using these tools correctly will help you enjoy better sound quality and extend the life of your vinyl records.
4 Steps to Clean Records
Here’s how to clean your vinyl records step by step.
1. Brush Off Dust
Start by placing your record on the turntable:
- Turn on the turntable but don’t lower the tonearm.
- Hold a carbon fiber brush perpendicular to the grooves.
- Gently press the brush as the record spins.
- Let it rotate 3–4 times.
- Tilt the brush slightly to collect the dust.
"A carbon fiber brush is used to remove dust particles and static charge from vinyl records." - LongPlayVinyl
After brushing, clean the brush itself by moving it side to side away from the turntable. This clears it of any dust. Once done, you’re ready to use a cleaning solution for deeper grime.
2. Add Cleaning Solution
Avoid applying the solution directly to the record. Instead:
- Dab a small amount onto a microfiber cloth.
- Make sure the cloth is damp but not soaking wet.
- Keep the label dry to avoid any damage.
- Use an alcohol-free or low-alcohol cleaning solution to protect the vinyl.
3. Clean with Microfiber
Using the damp microfiber cloth:
- Wipe in circular motions, following the grooves.
- Start at the center and move outward.
- Apply gentle, even pressure.
- Switch to a clean section of the cloth as you work.
4. Rinse and Let Dry
Finish up by rinsing and drying your record:
- Rinse with cool distilled water, being careful to keep the label dry.
- Stand the record upright in a rack to air dry completely. Never play a wet record - it can harm both the vinyl and the stylus.
Once dry, inspect the record under good lighting. For a final touch, use your carbon fiber brush again before playing.
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What Not to Do
Here’s what to avoid when caring for your vinyl records.
Skip Using Tap Water
Tap water might seem convenient, but it’s not ideal for cleaning or rinsing vinyl records. It contains minerals and impurities that can settle in the grooves once the water evaporates, impacting sound quality. Always opt for distilled water when rinsing your records.
Don't Apply Too Much Pressure
When cleaning, use light and steady pressure. Let the cleaning solution do its job. Pressing too hard can damage the grooves on your records. Also, avoid unnecessary direct contact with the record's surface.
Keep Your Hands Off the Playing Surface
Touching the playing surface transfers oils from your skin, which attract dust and lead to buildup in the grooves. This can degrade playback quality. Always handle records by their edges and the label area. If you accidentally touch the surface, clean it right away using the correct cleaning methods and products.
"Pictured below is the advised way to hold a vinyl record, using your thumb on the edge and your index finger on the label. This helps the natural oil from your fingers making contact with the vinyl, which in turn attracts dust." - Rich Records
Keep Records in Good Shape
Store Records Properly
Keep your records upright in a cool, dry, and shaded spot to avoid warping. Use HDPE inner sleeves to shield your records inside their jackets. Make sure the opening of the inner sleeve faces upward, aligning with the top edge of the jacket.
"Put the record in the inner sleeve, and then put the inner sleeve back in the jacket with the opening of the inner sleeve facing up. So it's up against the top of the jacket line."
Pair consistent cleaning habits with proper storage to keep your records in great condition over time.
When to Clean Records
To keep your records sounding their best, stick to this cleaning routine:
- Brush off dust before each play.
- Look for smudges, fingerprints, or scratches.
- Deep clean whenever visible marks show up.
Handle Records with Care
Handling your records correctly is just as important as storing and cleaning them. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. When picking up a record, place your index, middle, and ring fingers on the center label, while your thumb rests on the outer edge for a secure grip.
When removing records from their sleeves, pull them out horizontally to prevent bending. For added protection, consider using a small, soft paper square between your fingers and the record edge. These simple steps help preserve your collection for countless plays.
Conclusion
Main Points Review
Keeping your vinyl clean not only ensures better sound quality but also helps them last longer. A good cleaning routine involves using a carbon fiber brush for dust, a microfiber cloth for detailed cleaning, and vinyl-safe cleaning solutions. Always stick to distilled water to avoid leaving mineral deposits behind.
"If you damage the grooves, then it's permanently done forever. That little knick is permanent." - Cole Wheeler, Goner Records
Pay attention to how you clean - use the right amount of pressure, follow the grooves, and keep your records dust-free before and after each play. These simple habits go a long way in maintaining your collection.
Getting Started Tips
Here are a few basics to kick things off:
- Use a brush daily, both before and after playing a record.
- Deep clean new records before their first play and whenever they show visible marks.
- Store records upright in anti-static inner sleeves to keep them safe.
"You're removing some static, as well as brushing any dust off the surface of the vinyl before you drop the needle. That's just daily maintenance." - Doyle Davis, Co-owner of Grimeys Records
Taking proper care of your records is essential. By following these cleaning tips and handling your collection carefully, you'll enjoy great sound and keep your vinyl in top condition for years to come.