Vinyl records are the symbol of nostalgia in which analog audio recordings are pressed in vinyl. Vinyl records have been a delight to all audio listeners since 1900. Cleanliness is the crucial element in maintaining vinyl records for a more extended period. The worry of most of the vinyl record-holders is how to clean vinyl records.
The dirt and dust deposited on the vinyl records will make it skip the tracks and interferes with its sound quality. Hence, if you adhere to all the measures to keep the vinyl records clean, you will maintain all your adored music collections.
Let us explore more facts about vinyl records and how to keep them clean for more extended usage.
Wipe to Clean
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your records to remove dust and dirt. One should usually keep the records clean all the time by wiping them periodically. Deposited dust and dirt may cause damage to the record tracks. Hence, it is always good to clean the records before and after you use them.
Sometimes you may also observe dirt in between the grooves of the records. In this case, you can rinse it with cool water. To be precise, you may opt for distilled water as it will prevent the impurities from tap water from getting deposited in the grooves of a record. You should ensure that the record is thoroughly dried before playing it.
Use Vinyl Record Brush
Sweeping before using any liquid to clean the record will facilitate the removal of static and dust. While using long and gentle brush strokes, ensure that the surface of vinyl records is not scratched. Brush also helps dust and deposits from the grooves of the record effectively.
Record Cleaning Solution
Apart from regular washing and cleaning vinyl records, an excellent deep cleaning solution also plays a vital role. The cleaner usually consists of enzymes or water to help clean the vinyl records most effectively.
Using a solution properly to clean the vinyl records is very important. Apply the cleaner solution on a soft, lint-free cloth and clean the record in a circular motion. While cleaning the record using solution, ensure that the label on your record is not wet. Dry the record properly before playing it.
Cleaning Machine
The use of a cleaning machine is a bit of a costly affair. Hence, it depends on your choice that whether you want to own one or not. It is ideal for vinyl record libraries or huge vinyl record collection libraries.
Record cleaning machine helps clean your vinyl records deeply by removing dust and dirt from the grooves. A cleaning machine is also good for improving vinyl records’ sound quality by eliminating unnecessary deposits.
Maintaining Records Properly
It would help if you did not experiment with any home remedies to clean the vinyl records. Home solutions and their chemicals can harm your vinyl records and subsequently hamper the sound quality too. In many cases, it is seen that people use alcohol to clean their vinyl records, but one should avoid using it as it is harmful to vinyl records.
Storing the vinyl records is also essential in keeping them safe and clean for a more extended period. The records should be kept in a cool and clean place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Records should be kept vertically, and enough space should be kept between the records to avoid pressing records against each other.
Wrap Up
Most people wonder how to clean vinyl records. Keeping the vinyl records clean is a process, but regular cleaning and maintenance will help them stay safe for a long time. Avoid accidental mishandling and usage of harmful solutions to clean the records. Adhering to proper cleaning methods will help you keep your records safe and improve sound quality.
