How to Clean LPs With a Toothbrush
Whether you are an avid collector of LPs or recently came across an excellent buy at a garage sale or thrift store, the albums must be cleaned regularly. No matter how carefully you handle or store these vinyl records, they still accrue oils and dirt from your hands and accumulate dust over time. Cleaning the LPs periodically results in better sound quality and ensures the long life of your albums and the record player. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Mild liquid dish-washing detergent
- Soft toothbrush
- Washcloth
- Soft, lint-free cleaning cloths
- Dish drying rack
Instructions
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Run warm water -- not hot -- into your sink. Hot water may damage the label. It is important that you work quickly and do not soak the LPs in the water.
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Add just a drop of mild liquid dish-washing detergent to the water and swish it around. Avoid detergents with bleach or added moisturizers. A drop of the detergent creates surface tension in the water, which helps to clean the records thoroughly.
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Dip a washcloth into the soapy water and wipe one side of the LP while holding it in your non-dominant hand. Avoid getting the label wet if you can.
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Dip a soft toothbrush into the soapy water and use it to clean the grooves in the LP. Follow the grooves in a circular motion for the best results. Rotate the album while you are working to speed up the process.
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Repeat the method on the flip side of the LP.
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Rinse the LP well with warm water and then dry it with a soft, lint-free cleaning cloth on both sides.
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Grab another soft cloth and wipe the LP dry again on both sides.
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Stand the LP up in a dish drying rack to enable it to air dry while you wash other LPs. Replace the LP in its sleeve once it is completely free of moisture.
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Tips & Warnings
Always replace your LPs in their sleeve after playing. This protects them from dust particles and helps ensure a long life.
References
- Photo Credit Thinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
