How To Clean Records

Every music lover should know how to clean records. When vinyl is dusty or just plain old dirty, repeated playing will actually push that dust and grime into the grooves and will ruin not just the vinyl record, but can negatively impact the stylus as well. Regular maintenance each and every play, will keep your records in better condition.

Things you will need:

• Vinyl Cleaning Fluid (Found online or in a Record store)
• Micro fiber cleaning cloth
• Velvet Record cleaning brush
• Record Cleaning Machine (optional)

1. Wipe down the record with a micro fiber cleaning cloth or a Specialized vinyl cleaning brush. Do this each and every time, before and after playing your record.
2. Use a vinyl cleaning solution and a clean micro fiber cloth to clean the record when dusting isn’t enough. Vinyl cleaning solutions are best because they contain the purest ingredients and won’t harm your records. Look for solutions that do not contain alcohol as they can wear on the vinyl after prolonged use.
3. No touching. Like a CD, records will be impacted by your fingers and the little bits of oil and dirt on them. Hold a record on the edges.
4. Store your records properly. Lay them vertically to prevent warping and never crowd them together.

The best cleaning is done by a record cleaning machine. These machines suck out all of the dirt in each and every groove, creating the best possible sound. These machines are best saved for diehard vinyl record fans, as they can be quite expensive.