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If you notice a lot of pops, clicks, and jumps on your records , it is probably time to clean up your collection. While not all damage is caused by dust (proper storage and a good pen are also important factors), thorough cleaning can really make a big difference in the final sound of your records.
Much of the creak and creak we associate with discs comes from dust and dirt on the surface, and you'll be amazed at the difference between before and after. Just touching your records can cause damage as the natural oils build up dust in our hands and fingers that can damage the grooves on the record.
How to clean your records
In this article, we've provided some basic steps for cleaning your vinyl records along with our favorite products that will help remove dirt and keep your collection in good condition for years to come. Here are some things to keep in mind while looking for the best way to clean your records.
Start Drying - The first step is to remove all of the dry dust before using any liquids, and a carbon fiber or velvet brush is a good place to start. If you use a liquid cleaning spray while there is still dust on the surface, it will push the dust further into the grooves and harden it, leaving you in a bigger mess than it did at first.
Be aware, however, that brushing can attract dust from static electricity; You can only brush it on one side to stick on the other, or all over the turntable if you clean for a while. your record is spinning. This is why an anti-static brush is important. You can also carefully place your record on a lint-free cloth, pick up the dust in a straight line with the carbon fiber brush and sweep it off the edge of the table so that it does not stick immediately. Then take out the softest velvet brush to collect the remaining dust.
Liquid cleaning - There are several ways to do this by hand with a cloth or in a cleaning device. A liquid cleaner, often referred to as a surfactant or wetting agent, is exactly what it sounds like: a concentrated cleaning solution that is diluted with distilled water and applied directly to the window (as a side note, it is important to always use distilled water) as tap water can contain contaminants that are harmful to vinyl). The solution itself doesn't clean much, but when combined with a brush or rag it really helps loosen up dirt and dust that has built up over time, reducing surface tension and allowing it to penetrate deep into invisible grooves. You can even carry out a second cleaning afterwards with only distilled water to remove any cleaning agent residues.
Finishing - When you're done with the liquid cleaning, it's time to get dry. Never store your discs while they are still wet. Some kits contain soft cloths specially designed for cleaning vinyl records, but if you don't have a clean microfiber cloth, it will do. If you prefer not to damage the surface with a cloth, using a dish rack can be an easy and inexpensive solution to air-dry your records as well.
Storage - After cleaning, the proper storage of your document collection is part of the maintenance process that cannot be overlooked. Never stack them vertically as this will put immense and uneven pressure on the discs, causing them to warp and break. Even if they are stored horizontally, make sure they are not too tight and leave some space in between. Also, opt for a good inner liner - the paper liners provided can often be dust magnets, but an anti-static polyethylene sleeve can keep dust out.
Maintenance : A common question is when the brush cleans registers, what does the brush clean? A simple, unused toothbrush is a solution to brushing your vinyl brush after every cleaning, shaking off the dust and keeping it ready for the next time.
Also, be sure to always hold discs by the edges and / or the center label, never by the playable surface. Don't forget the needle either, because it gathers all the dust and dirt out of the grooves; Fortunately, a small, soft-tipped toothbrush can easily knock it over. If your disc has scratches that are too deep or warped, unfortunately these cleaning solutions will not be able to help. But for routine maintenance and to keep your records in tip-top condition, here are our recommendations on buying the best products for cleaning your records.
1. Spin-Clean windshield washer kit
It was by far the best, most complete, thorough, and comprehensive household cleaner we have ever tried. You don't have to be a vinyl lover or a master collector, even beginners can clean their entire collection with this kit.
Two rollers fit inside, with three grooves to securely hold and rotate all disc sizes from 12 "to 10" and 7 ". Two brushes slide right into the center grooves and a solid line tells you exactly how much distilled water you have need to add so that the brushes are immersed and you can drip the washing liquid into them.
From there, turn the disc clockwise and counterclockwise three times to make sure all of the grooves are clean. Also, don't worry about damaging the label as the brushes won't touch it and the liquid won't damage it either.
When done. Take out the disc and dry it with the soft drying towels provided (it is recommended that you wash it first for extra softness). The difference is remarkably instantaneous, both to the ears and eyes, and it even smells nice, and it's also very satisfying to see all of the dirt that has peeled off your panels.
A bottle of Spin Clean washer fluid is included, enough for even the most dedicated pickers to clean around 700 windows.
When not in use, the cover protects the sink from dust and dirt ingress, and you can even leave the water / solution in it for up to a week to use it next (just remove the brushes first and rinse off).
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2. Unlimited cleaning brush for audio recording
This is a great first step in cleaning your registers before doing anything deeper as it removes the top layer of dust and dirt and reduces the risk of pushing them further. The brush cleans the surface of the disc as it rotates on the platter and gently cleans the dirt with its high quality carbon fiber bristles. It also reduces static when cleaning and, in addition to its structure, looks good aesthetically.
Amazon
3. Big Fudge cleaning kit for vinyl records
If you're concerned about scratching your records while cleaning, this kit is gentle on your records and offers an ultra-soft, gentle sweep to remove dust, dirt and even fingerprints.
The velvet brush is incredibly soft, anti-static, and can also clean particles from the needle (a mini brush is also included). This kit comes with a good cleaning solution as well as a handy travel bag that makes it a great vinyl cleaning kit for DJs or people with their turntables.
Amazon
4. GrooveWasher cleaning kit for records
Groovewasher was the most popular cleaning kit in the 1970s and it has only gotten better since then.
This brush is extremely gentle on your registers and cleans perfectly without leaving any unsightly residue.
It immediately feels anti-static, is completely safe for vinyl records, and removes dirt like oils, mold, and films. The walnut finish is a nice touch and the brush won't look out of place on your shelf or next to your record collection.
The supplied "cleaning fluid" leaves no disruptive traces and can be safely used on all discs. A little spray goes a long way.
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