Best Practices for Cleaning Records Dish soap or baby shampoo are commonly recommended. Distilled water: Use distilled water to avoid minerals present in tap water, which could leave deposits on the record. Soft brush or cloth: Apply the soap and water mixture with a soft brush or lint-free cloth.
Dawn is actually a very good vinyl cleaning agent. I was astounded to discover it works just as well as many expensive vinyl cleaning solutions.
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water (distilled water is preferred), and lightly wipe the entire surface of the record in a circular motion with the grooves of the record, being careful to avoid the center label.
Murphy Oil Soap is known for being gentle on surfaces, making it a potentially safe option for vinyl siding. It effectively removes dirt, grease, and some stains without the harshness of chemicals that can degrade vinyl materials over time.
Abrasive scrubbers: Steel wool, hard-bristle brushes, and other abrasive scrubbers can scratch vinyl records.
Isopropyl alcohol, however, is a popular ingredient in many DIY record-cleaning fluids. Mixing 1/4 of isopropyl alcohol, 3/4 of distilled water and a few drops of Rinse Aid is a safer solution with few drawbacks.
Common Ways for Vinyl Records to Get Damaged/Destroyed
Some common ways include mishandling, exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight, and improper storage. Scratches, warping, and even breakage can occur if records are not handled and stored with care.
Don't use harsh chemicals like bleach, Windex, or rubbing alcohol. While some people suggest alcohol as a drying agent, it's risky because it can strip away the protective coating on your records, causing irreversible damage. If you do use alcohol, make sure it's in tiny* amounts and diluted with distilled water.
You can use a small amount of dish soap or a mixture of water and white vinegar. The only “down-side” of vinegar is that it is acidic, and if you live in a climate where mold and mildew are a problem, an acidic environment can promote that growth. Don't use natural vinegar. Only white vinegar.
Easily the best way to deep clean a vinyl record is to use a special record cleaner. These vacuum-powered devices are made especially for cleaning vinyl old and new. They work by sucking up the dirt and dust that have settled in the grooves while maintaining a low pressure to protect your prized hits.
If you notice persistent dust or dirt in the grooves of the records, then rinse your records with cool 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. Dry the record completely before you play it.
While the most common factor is dirt or dust on the record, you may also have a problem with the balance. If the arm or the stylus cartridge is not balanced properly, then you may need to improve the balance. Depending on the record player you own, the process of re-balancing your arm or cartridge may vary.
In summary, sunlight can indeed damage vinyl records, both by warping the record due to heat and degrading the material due to UV exposure. However, by taking proactive measures to protect your collection from sunlight, you can ensure that your records remain in good condition, preserving their sound quality and value.
Both 78 and 33 discs can be washed by hand using a fine bristle brush or a "paint pad" (a pad with fine bristles) and diluted dish washing detergent (NOT dish WASHER detergent) or rug shampoo (make use the label says "safe for all synthetics").
“90% distilled H20, 10% isopropyl, and 2 drops of surfactant per one gallon of H2O. It is a necessary ingredient needed to break down the surface tension of the H2O – without it, the fluid mixture will not make contact with the bottoms of the grooves.
DIY Cleaning by Hand
In a spray bottle, mix one part Isopropyl Alcohol, one part distilled water, and one to two drops of any dishwashing detergent.
Some cleaners can chemically react with the vinyl composition, so it's important to use gentle cleaners with inorganic solvents and water-soluble surfactants. For example, water, hydrogen peroxide, and anything containing alkyl sulfates is gentle enough to use on your vinyl siding.
Best Practices for Cleaning Records
Dish soap or baby shampoo are commonly recommended. Distilled water: Use distilled water to avoid minerals present in tap water, which could leave deposits on the record. Soft brush or cloth: Apply the soap and water mixture with a soft brush or lint-free cloth.
Make sure that the lens cleaner is safe for anti reflective coated lenses and you will be fine. Proper lens cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grease and fingerprints from lenses. Pretty much what you will find on a record.
Similarly in the United Kingdom, the compact disc surpassed the gramophone record in popularity in the late 1980s. This started a gradual decline in vinyl record sales throughout the 1990s.
Whether or not to throw away your vinyl records depends on their condition, your personal preferences, and the reasons behind considering disposal. If your records are damaged, scratched, or unplayable, you might consider recycling or repurposing them.
Storing your vinyl records flat is not advised. This is because storing them like so comes with uneven weight distribution, resulting in potential warping and can damage records at the bottom of the stack.