QA

Quick Answer: How To Clean Old Albums

What household items can you use to clean vinyl records?

Here’s what you’ll need: 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 is the best way to clean old vinyl records?

How to Clean Vinyl Records Wipe gently. Remove all dust and static using a microfiber cloth, using very little pressure to avoid driving any particles further into the grooves in the vinyl. Rinse. Apply Simple Green solution. Damp-wipe clean. Dry. Spin and store properly.

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.

Can you clean vinyl records with Windex?

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 wd40 clean vinyl records?

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.

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.

Does vinegar damage vinyl?

Using vinegar won’t give you the light sudsy action that you need to get no wax vinyl clean. Additionally, the vinegar can damage the top surface of the floors, dimming and darkening them with age and repeated use.

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.

Can you clean vinyl records with water?

Ideally, you want to use distilled water to avoid impurities from your tap getting into the grooves of the record. Try to avoid the label when cleaning with water. The brush helps remove dirt and impurities from the grooves of the record when you move it in a concentric motion, or along the same axis as the record.

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 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 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.

Do I need to clean my vinyl records?

Cleaning your records is important, but it won’t do much good if your turntable’s needle is dirty. Styluses get dirty by picking up dirt from your records, which can build up if you spin vinyl regularly. If you don’t clean it regularly, your stylus may get damaged, and need to be replaced.

Does ultrasonic cleaning damage vinyl records?

The microscopic vacuum bubbles produced in an ultrasonic record cleaner implode with great force to loosen and carry away these contaminants, but the process is so fast there is no damage to the vinyl records being cleaned .

How do I remove static from my records?

The best way to remove static on records is by carefully cleaning the record. Storing records in sleeves helps prevent static noise, while spraying antistatic on a cloth and gently wiping down the record can help to get rid of any static remnants. There are also vinyl record safe brushes that combat static.