Unless your vinyl is coming right out of the shrink wrap, it will have over time gathered some dust and specks that will affect play to some degree. To maximize the sound quality of your records a good clean is an absolute necessity. But what is the best way to clean your vinyl records and what are the best products to use? This post will give you all the details you need to get your vinyl shiny and playing like new!
CREATE A CLEANING SOLUTION
For only a few dollars its simple to make a large spray bottle of cleaning solution to clean your vinyl records. All you need Isopropyl Alcohol and Distilled Water. You will then mix 1/4 cup of Isopropyl and 3/4 cup of Distilled Water. Put that mix into a spray bottle and your set to start cleaning.
USE A MICROFIBER CLOTH OR VINYL BRUSH
Clean your vinyl records by gently wiping away any dust off the record using a microfiber cloth. Once the dust is off spray a little of your cleaning mixture on the wax, while avoiding the label. Wipe gently in a circular direction and focus on areas that may have more build up or grime.
DRY BEFORE PLAYING OR STORING
When you clean your vinyl records you aways need to remember to dry them after. Be sure to either air dry or use a separate microfiber to dry your record. You will also want to dry it before you store it back into its sleeve.
BUY A GADGET TO CLEAN FOR YOU
When i’m in a hurry i always do what i suggested above. But i also own an Okki Nokki Vacuum cleaning machine (below) which is the ultimate way to clean your vinyl records and get dust out of the grooves. Totally not necessary but also very fun (and expensive). I also found its doesn’t save any time… But i digress…
What do you do to clean your vinyl records? Any tips you recommend?