Are your vinyl records getting dusty? Let your records spin well into the future by keeping them clean. Follow these few easy steps to get your records clean as new.
Acquire all the materials you need: a record-cleaning pad or carbon-fiber record brush and record-cleaning fluid. Optionally, get an anti-static gun and record-cleaning machine.
Step2
Wash your hands.
Step3
Clean the stylus first, if necessary. See the Related eHows for instructions.
Step4
Place record on turntable, handling record by edges and labeled areas.
Step5
Use an anti-static gun, if you have one, to neutralize dust.
Step6
Dry-clean the record if it is not very dusty and has been cleaned regularly.
Step7
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying fluid if you decide on wet-cleaning.
Step8
Hold the ends of brush or pad between your fingers.
Step9
Manually rotate the platter in a clockwise direction while pressing the cleaning brush gently into the grooves.
Step10
Sweep the brush up and away to lift dust from the record surface.
Step11
Use a brush holder, credit card or similar object to scrape dust off the brush - do this away from the turntable.
Step12
Repeat until you can't see dust on the record.
Pre-Cleaning Heavily Soiled Records
Step1
Place record on clean, soft, lint-free cloth or sheet of plastic.
Step2
Wet-clean record, working in a spiral from center to rim.
Step3
Air-dry or use a 100 percent cotton, lint-free cloth.
on 7/20/2006
I have found that regular Swiffer cloths (the ones that go on the sweeper) are great to have next to the turntable. That way you can give them a quick wipe to remove dust before they go back in their sleeves. The dust clings to the cloth and the cloths seem to be very gentle on the records.
on 2/12/2007
Never, EVER use dish soap on your records. I am stunned by the casual and ignorant use of dish detergent to clean vinyl records. Dish soap and household detergents contain chemicals that will leave residue on your records--exactly the thing you want to avoid, right? Typically, distilled water and a diluted amount of denatured alcohol will do the job. Check websites for recipes, and research various methods. Without endorsing a specific product, I advise you to check products used by or manufactured by conservationists/preservationists. Say NO to dishsoap!
on 2/12/2007
I've used this for years without a problem. Run tepid or warm (not hot!) water from your faucet over the surface of the record to remove any dust. Leaving the beaded water on the record, place a few drops of liquid soap on the record and, using a clean cloth or sponge, gently rub the soap-water over the record. The direction you rub doesn't matter; however, rubbing parallel to the grooves will probably remove embedded particles better. Next, place the record under the faucet and run tepid or warm water directly on the record (be careful of the label portion!). Your record will be as clean as the day it was first used! Blot the record dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
on 6/11/2007
I have been dealing with a company for nearly 15 years now for my LP supplies. They have a very good, and relatively cheap, cleaning solution for LPs. They carry most accessories that I need. I hope this helps someone. www.bagsunlimited.com
on 4/29/2007
I have used this mehtod since the 70s when I was shown it by an 'audiophile'. The records come up shining and very clean. Use 1-2 drops mild handwash into 1/2 cup filtered water and 1 cap of Methylated Spirits. The 'soap' acts on the deep dirt, the water is just the medium to get it into the grooves and the Metho is used to dry it out. Using a toothbrush, with only enough of the mixture to wet the record, work in the direction of the grooves from inside out, in sections, for 2x around the record. Then tilt the brush 45 degrees to the surface with the same action, 1-2 times around. Wipe off with a slightly damp foam cloth in the direction of the grooves, rolling the material to pick the grunge up and away from the surface. The results will amaze you on really dirty records.
Comments
Anonymous said
on 7/20/2006 I have found that regular Swiffer cloths (the ones that go on the sweeper) are great to have next to the turntable. That way you can give them a quick wipe to remove dust before they go back in their sleeves. The dust clings to the cloth and the cloths seem to be very gentle on the records.
Anonymous said
on 2/12/2007 Never, EVER use dish soap on your records. I am stunned by the casual and ignorant use of dish detergent to clean vinyl records. Dish soap and household detergents contain chemicals that will leave residue on your records--exactly the thing you want to avoid, right? Typically, distilled water and a diluted amount of denatured alcohol will do the job. Check websites for recipes, and research various methods. Without endorsing a specific product, I advise you to check products used by or manufactured by conservationists/preservationists. Say NO to dishsoap!
Anonymous said
on 2/12/2007 I've used this for years without a problem.
Run tepid or warm (not hot!) water from your faucet over the surface of the record to remove any dust. Leaving the beaded water on the record, place a few drops of liquid soap on the record and, using a clean cloth or sponge, gently rub the soap-water over the record. The direction you rub doesn't matter; however, rubbing parallel to the grooves will probably remove embedded particles better. Next, place the record under the faucet and run tepid or warm water directly on the record (be careful of the label portion!). Your record will be as clean as the day it was first used! Blot the record dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Anonymous said
on 6/11/2007 I have been dealing with a company for nearly 15 years now for my LP supplies. They have a very good, and relatively cheap, cleaning solution for LPs. They carry most accessories that I need. I hope this helps someone. www.bagsunlimited.com
earthflute said
on 4/29/2007 I have used this mehtod since the 70s when I was shown it by an 'audiophile'. The records come up shining and very clean. Use 1-2 drops mild handwash into 1/2 cup filtered water and 1 cap of Methylated Spirits. The 'soap' acts on the deep dirt, the water is just the medium to get it into the grooves and the Metho is used to dry it out. Using a toothbrush, with only enough of the mixture to wet the record, work in the direction of the grooves from inside out, in sections, for 2x around the record. Then tilt the brush 45 degrees to the surface with the same action, 1-2 times around. Wipe off with a slightly damp foam cloth in the direction of the grooves, rolling the material to pick the grunge up and away from the surface. The results will amaze you on really dirty records.