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Vinyl Cleaning: Things You Need to Know
You’ve put your favourite record on the turntable, dropped the needle on it, and as the first few notes sound, they’re accompanied by hissing, crackling, and popping. Your heart sinks as you remove the record and inspect it. You’re relieved not to find any scratches, but you do notice several grimy splodges that you’re sure weren’t there the last time you spun the record. Thankfully, dust and grime on a record are no reason to panic.
Unless the vinyl surface has been scratched or damaged in another way, a good cleaning is all it takes to get your record back to good playing condition. The trick is knowing how to do it, as vinyl cleaning requires a very different approach to washing the dishes.
Why do you need to clean your vinyl?
Records generate static electricity that attracts particles from the air, leading to dust and grime buildup. Dirt or natural oils can also be transferred from your hands to your records whenever you handle them.
This doesn’t only affect playback quality. Dirt, dust, and grime can cause micro-abrasions that eventually impact the quality of the vinyl, so a good cleaning can extend your records’ lifespan.
Another reason to clean your vinyl is that dust and grime in the grooves can collect on the needle, which could damage your records and cause the needle to wear out much faster than you expected.
How to tell when your records need cleaning
There are a few ways to tell when your records need cleaning, including looking for visual clues, listening for auditory cues, and considering how frequently you play them.
● Visual clues: Inspect your record for dust, dirt, and grime on the surface, especially in the grooves. You should also look for fingerprints and mould, which can degrade vinyl.
● Auditory cues: Listen for increased surface noise such as clicks, pops, or a noticeable hiss, and pay attention to whether the overall sound is distorted or muffled.
● Frequency of play: The more you play your records, the more you need to clean them. Even the brand-new records you buy from us here at Dig In Records will benefit from being cleaned, as the static they generate attracts dust quickly.
How often should you clean your vinyl?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for cleaning vinyl, but your cleaning routine should depend on whether your records are new or used, and how often you play them.
Before playing a used record, it’s a good idea to give it a deep clean. Dust and grime can build up in the grooves over time, affecting sound quality and potentially damaging your stylus. On the other hand, new or sealed records don’t usually need an intensive clean straight out of the sleeve. A light wipe with an anti-static brush can help remove any leftover manufacturing residue or static buildup that might attract dust.
It’s also a good idea to clean the records you play most frequently, even if you can’t see any dirt on them. Gently wiping your vinyl before and after you play it can help stop dust from building up and extend the life of both the record and your needle.
Cleaning your vinyl records
Right, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning vinyl records, starting with the basic materials you need for the job.
Basic vinyl cleaning materials
Gather these basic materials for cleaning your records:
● Good-quality commercial cleaning solution designed for records, such as Near Mint, HumminGuru Ultrasonic, or Tonar QS Vinyl Cleaner
● Distilled water
How to clean your vinyl records
Cleaning vinyl is usually a hassle-free task that you can do in a few minutes. Follow this step-by-step guide to clean your vinyl records:
- Choose a soft, flat, and clean work surface, as dirt or grime can be transferred from the surface to your records.
- Gather the records you want to clean and the basic materials you need to clean them.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your records, even if they appear clean to you.
- Remove the record from the sleeve, ensuring you only touch the edges, and inspect it.
- Use the anti-static brush to remove dust on both sides of the record, brushing in the direction of the grooves rather than across the disc.
- After brushing with the anti-static brush, use the microfibre cloth to remove dust and dirt that might be in the grooves. Use gentle circular motions and work in the direction of the grooves.
- Inspect both sides of the record again, holding it up to the light or shining a torch on it to check for built-up dust, fingerprints, grease, or grime.
- Place the record on a soft, flat surface and apply a small amount of vinyl cleaning solution to any problem areas you spotted. Work with gentle circular motions in the direction of the grooves until you’ve removed the debris.
- Inspect the record again to check for remaining residue. If you see any, dampen a clean microfibre cloth with distilled water and work in gentle circular motions in the direction of the grooves until you’ve removed the residue.
- Dry the record with a clean microfibre cloth or let it air dry.
- Brush the dry record with your anti-static brush once it has dried.
- Put the record into an anti-static sleeve or pop it on your turntable, put the needle on, and enjoy some of your favourite tunes.
Materials to avoid when cleaning vinyl
While vinyl from Dig In Records can last for decades when cared for properly, records are actually quite fragile. This means you need to be aware of the cleaning materials that you should never use on your vinyl, including:
● Abrasive cleaning tools such as scouring pads and hard-bristle brushes.
● Common household cleaners such as washing-up liquid, glass cleaners, and shower gels.
● High-pressure air, which can push debris into the grooves and damage the record.
● Tissues and paper towels, which can leave lint in the grooves.
● Products containing alcohol or solvents.
● Tap water, which can lead to contaminants or minerals building up in the grooves.
Clean your vinyl for great sound quality
If you love vinyl as much as we do here at Dig In Records, you’ll agree that cleaning your records isn’t a chore – it’s a necessity.
Putting in a few minutes’ work when needed and storing your vinyl correctly is the best way to extend its lifespan and enjoy great sound quality, spin after spin.