QA

Quick Answer: What To Clean Records With

How To Clean A Vinyl Record On A Budget Warm water. Some people say you should use hot water, but there’s no real benefit to that. Dish soap (or record cleaning solution) Dish soap is the cheapest option, but it will leave a bit of residue on your records. Carbon Fiber Brush. Soft, Lint-Free Cloth.

What can you clean vinyl records with?

Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water (distilled water is preferred), and lightly wipe the entire surface of the record in a circular motion with the grooves of the record, being careful to avoid the center label.

Is it OK to clean vinyl records with alcohol?

Wash The Record In particular, we recommend avoiding any that contain isopropyl alcohol. While it will clean the muck off your record, many people report that over time it’ll also damage the protective coating on your vinyl. If you are going to use a solution with isopropyl alcohol – use is sparingly.

What should you not clean your records with?

High alcohol content should be avoided when choosing a record cleaning solution. Many record cleaning experts, including GrooveWasher and their predecessors, have warned against fluids with high amounts of isopropyl alcohol – stating that iso alcohol can remove plasticizers from the vinyl and make the groove brittle.

Can I use Windex to clean my vinyl records?

You can now proceed to use Windex. Remember, as it’s harsher than just water and soap, so only spray a little on the records. A few sprays will do as you’re going to spread the solution by using your microfiber cloth anyway. Wipe the records gently until the Windex dries up and polishes the records.

Can you clean vinyl records with soap and water?

Absolutely you can clean vinyl records with water. It would also help to rinse or use a standard record brush with a solution on the groove surface prior to cleaning with soapy water in order to remove the larger dirt, dust, and other contaminants on the surface that could scratch during the cleaning process.

Can you use vinegar to clean vinyl records?

Sum everything up, the best way to clean the record is cleaning vinyl records with vinegar. It is very good for cleaning. I use white vinegar and distilled water 50-50 for many years, it gives an excellent result. I highly recommend this to all vinyl lovers.

Can you use glasses cleaner on records?

By all means laugh and deride but I have found Spectacle Lens cleaner (Specsavers Lens Bright) does an excellent job of wetting the disc surface and removing any trace of surface dirt. Judging from the playing after it also digs into those grooves too.

How do you clean vinyl records yourself?

Mix 1/4 of 96-99% isopropyl alcohol, 3/4 distilled water, and one or two drops of rinse agent. The best way to do this is to add these ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well. Place the record on a microfiber cloth. Spray the solution on the record by making sure none of it gets on the label.

Can wood glue clean records?

You’ll find lots of cleaning products on the market for vinyl maintenance (I use Groovy Cleaner) to simply spray and gently wipe the record. But for those thrift store LPs that have been collecting dirt for years, the wood-glue method is excellent.

Can you use dish soap on vinyl records?

3. Prepare a Cleaning Solution Using Dish Soap and Water. The ideal cleaning solution consists of one part distilled water, one part isopropyl alcohol, and a couple of drops of dish soap. This exact mixture is a tried and tested mixture to clean vinyl records with a DIY mixture that’s pretty easy to put together.

Can you clean a vinyl record with a paper towel?

*For records that are really coated-with-grime dirty, soak a paper towel in your soap/water solution and rub the surface of the record well before starting with the brush cleaning. You can clean a LOT of records with that much solution. When you’re done with your cleaning session, toss the leftover solution.

How often should I clean my record stylus?

Stylus: If used regularly, the stylus should be cleaned weekly or even more frequently if you notice debris and dust on the record. Records: Your records should be cleaned regularly, especially when there is visible dust or debris on the record.

Can scratches be removed from vinyl records?

Apply a thin line of epoxy or wood glue to the scratched area. If there are multiple scratches, apply glue to the entire record as it spins on your turntable. Place the tip of the glue bottle to the inner label of the record and lightly apply pressure. Stop once you’ve reached the outer edge of the record.

Can you clean vinyl records with wd40?

WD-40 is a great vinyl record cleaning product. It does not contain any ammonia or alcohol, and it is a volatile solvent. After use, it will remove the dirt or dust, evaporate and leave behind a non-volatile lubricant. All you require is a lint-free cloth, the WD-40, and time.

What causes crackling sound on records?

A dirty record is one of the most common reasons for crackle. Dust and dirt lodged in the record grooves act as an obstacle for your turntable’s stylus, and when the stylus hits one of these microscopic particles it will jump and create that popping sound associated with crackle.

Can you clean vinyl with glasses cloth?

Vinyl Cleaning Products Microfiber cloths are made up of woven fibers that are super small. These small fibers make the cloths great for cleaning delicate surfaces, like glasses, lenses, and records.

How do you get mold off a record cover?

Steps to Remove the Mold or Mildew: Gently remove heavy deposits of mold, mildew or dust with short strokes of a clean toothbrush over a DRY album cover. Blow off any loose debris. Finally, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to gently wipe DRY album covers.