Vinyl Record Care

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Winston

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Why Vinyl Records Care is important at all?

Here are the key reasons why it’s important to take care of and clean your vinyl records:

  1. To preserve sound quality. Dirt, dust, and debris that accumulates in the grooves of records can cause audio issues like pops, crackles, and distortion when playing the record7. Regular cleaning removes these contaminants and ensures your records sound their best17.
  2. To prevent damage to the record. Playing dirty records can lead to permanent damage to the vinyl over time, like scratches and groove wear17. The stylus can push debris further into the grooves as it tracks the record4. Keeping records clean prevents this damage and extends their lifespan1.
  3. To protect your turntable and stylus. The dirt and debris on records can transfer to your turntable and stylus, contaminating and potentially damaging this sensitive equipment4. A dirty stylus will not track the grooves properly. Cleaning records keeps your entire system cleaner.
  4. New records need cleaning too. Brand new records often have static charges that attract dust, as well as release agents and residues from the manufacturing process15. These should be removed with an initial cleaning before playing.
  5. To maintain your investment. A vinyl record collection can be a significant investment of time and money6. Proper maintenance and storage helps that collection last and retain its value. With care, records can provide high quality sound for decades or longer3.

Record Cleaning Solutions

Using the right cleaning solution is crucial for effectively removing dirt and debris from vinyl records without causing damage. A popular choice is the GrooveWasher G2 Fluid, a single-step cleaning method that leaves no residue behind1. When using a cleaning solution, spray it onto the record while avoiding the label, then wipe with a microfiber cloth in a circular motion3. For best results, clean records with a solution every six months3. Always let the record dry completely before storing or playing it after a wet cleaning3.Avoid using household cleaners or rubbing alcohol which can damage the vinyl. Stick to solutions specifically designed for cleaning records. Distilled water with a small amount of mild, unscented dish soap can also work in a pinch1.

Record Handling

Proper handling is key to minimizing wear and preventing oils and dirt from your hands from transferring to the records. Always handle records by the outer edges and label area, avoiding touching the surface3. When taking a record out for playing, remove it from the inner sleeve by gently bowing the sleeve open and tipping the record out without touching the surface3.After playing, place the record directly back into the inner sleeve. Avoid leaving records out exposed on the turntable platter3. Also be careful not to scratch the vinyl with your fingernail when handling records.

Record Storage

Vinyl records should always be stored vertically on their edge, never stacked flat3. Stacking records, especially over time, can lead to warping and damage. Records should be stored in their original jacket cover along with the inner sleeve3.Ideally, records should be stored in a cool, dry location around 65-70 F3. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, humidity, or major temperature changes like attics and basements if possible. If needed, records can be stored long-term in a climate-controlled storage unit3.To best preserve the album art and packaging, consider placing the album jacket in a outer plastic sleeve as well. Replace any torn or missing inner sleeves. With proper storage, vinyl records can last up to 100 years3.

Record Brushes

Using a carbon fiber record brush is an essential tool for any vinyl collector. Brushing records regularly before and after playing removes dust and debris that can get stuck in the grooves and cause audio issues4.When using a brush, hold it on the record surface while the platter is spinning. The carbon fibers will pick up particles4. Then gently sweep the brush fibers with your hand or a cloth to dislodge the debris4. Brushing improves sound quality by reducing static and noise artifacts4.A high quality carbon fiber brush will have densely packed fibers that are fine enough to get into the grooves. The handle should be sturdy and the brush easy to maintain4. Invest in a quality brush from an audio company rather than a generic cheap option.

Record Cleaning Machines

For an even deeper cleaning, consider using a record cleaning machine. These devices automate the process of applying cleaning fluid and vacuuming it up along with the dissolved debris.Machines range from simple manual units to fully automatic models. A popular affordable option is the Spin Clean Record Washer, a manual unit that cleans both sides at once using brushes and a bath of cleaning solution1. Vacuum-based machines like the Okki Nokki provide a more thorough cleaning1.While not strictly necessary, a cleaning machine makes the process much faster and easier than cleaning by hand, especially for large collections. They can also provide a deeper cleaning for heavily soiled records.

Conclusion

In summary, the key elements of maintaining vinyl records are:

  1. Using proper cleaning solutions and techniques
  2. Handling records carefully by the edges
  3. Storing records vertically in a cool, dry place
  4. Regularly brushing with a carbon fiber brush
  5. Optionally using a record cleaning machine for deeper cleaning

By following these practices, you can enjoy your vinyl collection to the fullest and preserve the records for decades to come. A little time and effort spent on maintenance will pay off in better sound quality and longer lasting albums. With proper care, you can pass down your collection for generations to enjoy.