The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Vinyl Records Without Causing Damage
Vinyl records have become immensely popular among music lovers in the past few years. Their rich, warm music cannot be replaced by any digital form of music. The enhanced audio quality, their long-lasting nature, and the freedom to design your custom vinyl records with creative patterns and pictures have made them the favourite collection among music enthusiasts. Despite the advancement of technology, these vinyl records have retained their charm and continue to spell their magic.
To enjoy the best quality music, it is of utmost importance to maintain and clean them regularly. Over a period, there is a high chance that dust, dirt, and debris may accumulate on the surface and cause unwanted noise. In addition, if the records are not well cleaned with the right set of tools, the process itself may damage the records.
We have curated this blog to help you maintain your records with ease. In this blog, you will learn how to safely clean the records with step-by-step instructions and tips and tricks to preserve them for a long time. Whether you have just purchased your records or are a seasoned collector, this guide is for you.
Vinyl Cleaning Tools and Materials
Record Cleaning Brush:
Use a dry brush with soft bristles to ward off the dust and dirt from the record surface.
Cleaning Liquid:
Select a professional cleaning solution that comes in the form of gel, sprays, or liquids. This step is necessary after dry cleaning because there might be minute dust particles stuck to the surface, which can cause scratches later.
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth:
Use a soft microfiber and linen cloth to wipe off the excess solution from the record.
Record Cleaning Machine:
If you possess multiple custom vinyl records, then switching to a cleaning machine might be a better choice. It uses a vacuum to deeply cleanse the surface and does not leave behind any tiny particles. However, this machine is expensive and may not be suitable if you just have one or two records to clean.
Record Cleaning Kit:
Just like you store all your makeup items in a makeup pouch, make sure to invest in a record cleaning kit to house all your cleaning accessories.
The Process of Cleaning Vinyl Records
Here are the step-by-step instructions for cleaning your records:
- Start by dusting the bigger dust particles or debris from the surface by using a record cleaning brush. Clean in the circular motion from the outer edge and moving towards the inner circle. Be gentle and do not apply excess pressure.
- The next step is to use a cleaning solution. Use a sprayer to spray some liquid on the wiping cloth. Do not put the liquid directly on the record.
- Wipe the vinyl record in circular motions along the grooves. Do not forget to clean the edges and finally wipe them evenly.
- The final step is to dry the record completely. Either wipe it with a dry cloth or just leave it open for some time to get it dried.
Tips and tricks for maintaining a clean record collection
Store your records properly:
Store your records upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Make sure the records are not too tightly packed together, as this can cause warping or damage to the records.
Handle your vinyl records:
By the edges or the label, and avoid touching the surface of the record with your fingers. The oils and dirt from your fingers can cause damage to the record.
Clean your records regularly:
Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your records in top condition. Clean your records using a high-quality cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush, following the step-by-step instructions for cleaning vinyl records.
Replace inner sleeves:
Over time, the inner vinyl record sleeves can become dirty or damaged. Replace them regularly to prevent dirt and debris from getting onto the surface of the record.
Keep your turntable clean:
A dirty turntable can cause damage to your records. Keep your turntable clean by wiping it down regularly with a soft cloth and avoiding the use of harsh cleaning chemicals.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning vinyl records
- Using the wrong cleaning solution can damage your records. Avoid using household cleaners or other solutions that are not specifically designed for vinyl records.
- Applying too much pressure when cleaning your records can cause damage to the surface. Use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle when scrubbing the surface of the record.
- It is important to let your records air dry completely before playing them.
- Touching the surface of the vinyl record with your fingers can transfer oils and dirt onto the surface, causing damage. Always handle your records by the edges or the label, and avoid touching the surface of the record.
Wrapping Up
At Impress Vinyl, we are passionate about custom vinyl records and committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and how we can help you maintain a clean and beautiful record collection.
