Here’s How to Clean Your Vinyl Records Without Damaging Them (2024)

FAQs

Here’s How to Clean Your Vinyl Records Without Damaging Them? ›

To clean your vinyl records, grab a microfiber cleaning cloth to remove the dust and static from the record. Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth (preferably with distilled water) and lightly wipe the record surface in a circular motion — but steer clear of the middle of the record.

Wipe gently.

Remove all dust and static using a microfiber cloth, using very little pressure to avoid driving any particles further into the grooves in the vinyl. Your goal is to pick up larger dust and dirt particles on the record without damaging the surface.

Mix distilled water with several drops of dish soap.

Just fill a small bowl with distilled water and add several drops of dish soap. Then, stir the soap and water together. Alternatively, use a vinyl record cleaning solution. These either come as concentrates that you mix with distilled water or ready-to-use sprays.

A liquid cleaner, often called a surfactant or wetting agent, is exactly what it sounds like – a concentrated cleaning solution that you apply directly to the disc when diluted with distilled water (as a side note, it's important to always used distilled, as tap water can contain impurities that are harmful to vinyl).

Record Washing

Simply put a few drops of dish soap into a tub of water. Avoid using tap water if you are creating your own solution. This will help to keep minerals that could damage the vinyl away from the records that you are cleaning. Di-ionized or distilled water is ideal for cleaning records.

You should avoid cleaning vinyl records with alcohol. Although it's an effective cleaning agent, the alcohol will destroy the protective coating of the vinyl over time. Isopropyl alcohol, however, is a popular ingredient in many DIY record-cleaning fluids.

Don't use natural vinegar. Only white vinegar. Always use a clean sponge and cloth. A simple swipe with a new, lint free anti-static cloth is sufficient for new or not played often records.

Mix, but do not shake, a couple drops of dishwashing liquid in a cup of distilled water; moisten a soft cloth with the solution. Using light pressure, wipe the record in a circular motion (with the grooves). Rinse with clean distilled water, then use a dry felt cloth to remove wet residue.

“90% distilled H20, 10% isopropyl, and 2 drops of surfactant per one gallon of H2O. It is a necessary ingredient needed to break down the surface tension of the H2O – without it, the fluid mixture will not make contact with the bottoms of the grooves.

The problem: Windex contains harsh chemicals that leave a residue on records. It's among the vinyl record care products you should avoid, regardless of what the internet tells you. It damages your record's surface and its label, and may impact its long term playability.

What not to do with vinyl records? ›

Avoid stacking records horizontally or leaning them against each other, as this can lead to deformation and affect playback quality. Exposing to Direct Sunlight: Keep vinyl records away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause warping, fading, and damage to the vinyl material.

Only use distilled water to clean a vinyl record. Skip any solvent-based cleaners that contain a high level of alcohol, ammonia, or acetone that will degrade sound quality.

If you notice persistent dust or dirt in the grooves of the records, then rinse your records with cool water. Ideally, you want to use distilled water to avoid impurities from your tap getting into the grooves of the record. Try to avoid the label when cleaning with water. Dry the record completely before you play it.

But you want something, because you don't want to be collecting dirt on your records. It spoils the sound and gets on your needle. It's not great for either your equipment or your vinyl.

The best way to repair a warped record is by using a dedicated record flattener. Below is a simple and easy guide on how to effectively use one: Step 1: Simply sandwich the record between both halves of the flattener. Step 2: Turn the vinyl flattener on and allow it to run for the specified time.

The problem: Windex contains harsh chemicals that leave a residue on records. It's among the vinyl record care products you should avoid, regardless of what the internet tells you. It damages your record's surface and its label, and may impact its long term playability.

Stacking records without protective inner and outer sleeves or placing them in environments where they can rub against each other can cause scratches over time. Furthermore, a damaged or worn-out stylus on a turntable can also scratch the surface of the record as it plays.