Topics
Proper Cleaning of Vinyl
Cleaning a Record Cover
Cleaning Your Equipment
Playing Your Records
Handling Records
Dust Cover: On or Off?
How Do Turntables Work?
Some General Rules for Record Storage
Proper Cleaning of Vinyl
We do have a detailed discussion on cleaning vinyl records.
Avoid Dust as much as possible, keep your records away from dust. Once dust settles into a record's grooves, the necessary dust removal can become expensive. Keep records in their sleeves and jackets when not in use, and store them properly (see Storing for helpful tips).Records will accumulate dust, though, as most things do! When that happens, you'll have to clean your records.
To clean vinyl (an LP): Use a solution up to 20% isopropyl alcohol (one part isopropyl alcohol to four parts water), and gently wipe the record in a spiral motion, using a soft cloth, from the center out to the edge. Pat it dry with a clean, anti-static cloth. A fine camel hair paint brush can remove visible dust particles.
To clean shellac (78s): Never use alcohol-based fluids-alcohol dissolves shellac. Water is a better choice, although water may cause some 78s to swell up due to their lamination. If you use a water-based cleaning solution (such as small amounts of diluted hand soap or dishwashing liquid dissolved in water) clean in the same manner as you would an LP. Rinse with clear water.
If you have the funds, clean your 78s with a vacuum cleaning machine (a professional record cleaning device). Good record cleaning machines can be purchased for as little as $200.
Cleaning a Record Cover
You may do more harm than good if you try to clean a record cover or its label, especially if it's a matte cover. If it's a glossy cover, one or several of the following cleaning tips may remove unsightly marks. (Warning: Attempt at your own risk.)
Remove dirt by wiping with a damp towel.
Erase markings with a rubber eraser.
Eliminate pen marks by spraying a small amount of hair spray on a cloth, then wiping on cover.
Remove tape, labels, or stickers by first heating them with a hair dryer.
Clean cover only after removing the record from inside.
Once again, try these only on a glossy cover-even then, you may damage your cover. Be careful.
Cleaning Your Equipment
To clean equipment:
Keep your turntable mat clean.
If you have a felt mat, don't try to wash it. Instead, use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
Consider playing records with the dust cover down, if you like the resulting sound. It can help prevent dust from settling on your turntable.
To clean the stylus, you can also buy stylus cleaning kits for about $25. While it was suggested to us that dipping a paint brush in isopropyl alcohol, gently moving the brush from the back of the stylus to the front, is a quick and easy method, this is actually quite hazardous. An astute reader pointed out that the alcohol can destroy the bond between the arm and the diamond.
Don't forget to clean your equipment as well as your record albums. A dusty turntable can ruin your meticulous record-cleaning efforts.
Playing your Records
Part of keeping your record collection in great shape is handling and playing each record with care.
Handling Records
Handle the vinyl by the edges or the label only-with clean hands, of course. Once you're through playing a record, put it back in its sleeve and cover. This will eliminate dust accumulation on the record, as well as unwanted fingerprints or scratches.
Remember, the less you touch a record, the cleaner it will be (and if it's a rare record, the higher its potential value). So hands off!
Dust Cover: Off or On?
This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Playing records with the dust cover down may prevent dust from settling on the turntable or the record, but some believe that leaving the cover down ruins the sound of the record. Our suggestion is to try it both ways to see which you prefer.
How do turntables work?
When a stylus moves through a record's grooves, an electric signal is created. Compared to signals emitted from CDs and cassettes, though, it's very weak. Older amplifiers compensated for this by having phono channels that boosted the signal, making it possible to listen to records.
Since it's not needed for CDs and cassette tapes, many modern amplifiers don't have this channel. As a result, the record's electric signal is too weak to be audible. By purchasing a pre-amp, though, you can give the signal the extra boost it needs before reaching the amp-and your records will sound great.
To avoid scratching records when playing, keep the dust cover down, walk softly near the turntable, and use the tone arm when lowering the stylus.
Storing your Collection
How you store your collection can make the difference between records in mint condition and dirty, dusty, warped albums that have only sentimental value. It doesn't take much time to set up a good storage area for your vinyl, and as time passes, you'll be glad you did.
Some general rules for record storage:
Always stand your records upright, on their edges. Records stored horizontally eventually bend and warp.
Never place records in direct sunlight or heat; this too will cause them to warp. (When transporting records, avoid leaving them in a hot vehicle!)
Keep records in a cool, dry place (not the basement or garage, which tend to be moist and damp).
Ensure that your storage area is clean.
Purchase paper or anti-static record sleeves to reduce dust accumulation.
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