Using harsh or abrasive cleaning methods on vinyl records can cause irreparable damage. Methods such as scrubbing with rough brushes, abrasive cleaning pads, or using harsh chemicals can scratch or gouge the record's playing surface.
Leaving Records Exposed
The contact made between two records can cause scraping that may lead to it being unplayable. Another factor that can ruin a record is leaving it exposed to sunlight or extreme heat. The elements are the enemy of vinyl in many ways. Warding off heat, dust, and dampness are all exposure factors.
Vinyl records are quite durable when handled and stored correctly. They can last for decades and still produce excellent sound quality. However, they are susceptible to physical damage such as scratches, warping from heat, and dust accumulation.
The environment your records are stored in has a major influence on the longevity of the record and its sleeve. High humidity and fluctuations in temperature can lead to mould growth and accelerate deterioration, sunlight will fade sleeves, and extreme heat can warp vinyl, so there's a bit to think about.
More commonly, vinyl records are damaged by (temperature or pressure) warping, dirt and dust accumulation in the groove, rough handling, or poor playback equipment such as a poorly aligned tonearm, cartridge, or excessive tracking force.
Using harsh or abrasive cleaning methods on vinyl records can cause irreparable damage. Methods such as scrubbing with rough brushes, abrasive cleaning pads, or using harsh chemicals can scratch or gouge the record's playing surface.
Is it OK to clean vinyl records with alcohol? You should avoid cleaning vinyl records with alcohol. Although it's an effective cleaning agent, the alcohol will destroy the protective coating of the vinyl over time. Isopropyl alcohol, however, is a popular ingredient in many DIY record-cleaning fluids.
Potential for Damage
Although vinyl flooring is known for its durability, it's not entirely impervious to damage. Sharp objects, such as dropped kitchen utensils or the corners of furniture, can scratch or puncture the vinyl surface. To minimize damage, using protective floor mats or furniture pads is advisable.
Under ideal circumstances, vinyl records can last more than 100 years. PVC, the material used to make custom vinyl records, takes thousands of years to break down. Maintenance, humidity conditions, UV exposure, storage, and the equipment used to play the record are factors that affect a vinyl record's longevity.
Water can carry dirt and particles into a vinyl record's grooves, causing irreparable damage. As the stylus of your turntable travels down the grooves, it may take up these impurities and produce scratching, resulting in audible distortion.
If you touch the record's surface, you increase the risk of getting dirt on the record and damaging it unnecessarily. To avoid these risks, some vinyl enthusiasts will protect the record's sound quality by using cotton gloves that protect the records from fingerprints.
The vinyl material used in records has a specific melting point, and exposure to high temperatures can cause the vinyl to soften and change shape. This is a critical factor in the warping process. The vinyl melting point is around 160 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit (71 to 100 degrees Celsius).
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.
In this case, vinyl records are made from a plastic material also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a material that is easily impressionable when exposed to extreme temperatures. However, when kept in normal environmental conditions, PVC can last a significant amount of time before deteriorating.
To extend the life of your vinyl records, try not to overplay them. Overuse damages the grooves more severely, which lowers the sound quality. Turn over your records and set a limit on how many times you can listen to a specific record.
If cared for in the correct way, your new, vintage vinyl record can last a very long time. In fact, it can last up to a hundred years or more! To keep your collection in pristine condition, always clean it in the proper way with a vinyl cleaning kit.
Cool and dry – that's how your records should always be. Heat can warp the records, and cold temperatures will make the vinyl more brittle and lead to cracking. Keeping them at a consistent temperature, ideally between 65 and 75 degrees, reduces the risk of damage.
Account for vinyl in your monthly budget. If records have only recently become a regular expense, it's important that the amount you spend doesn't warp your monthly budget. Buying one new record a week at today's prices could easily cost over $120 a month. That's not nothing.
Vinyl records are delicate, and various factors can contribute to their damage or destruction. 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.
Temperatures that are too hot can cause your record to warp. Temperatures that are too cold, especially if they're below freezing, can cause your record to become brittle and even crack. Keep your record stored in a place between 65-75 Fahrenheit (18-23 degrees Celsius). Humidity is also an important factor.
When a needle jumps out of the grooves, it undergoes excess stress and can wear down faster. Regular skipping could lead to a loss in sound quality and may require a stylus repair or replacement to give you the full listening experience.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
However, it's not as quick or efficient as the other choices. You should use the rubbing alcohol in the sink or a bucket and pour it all over the back of the decal. Using your hands, wiggle your shirt around to help loosen the vinyl and pry the decal with tweezers.
The main difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol is the concentration. The concentration of isopropyl alcohol is 100%, while the concentration of rubbing alcohol is less because of the addition of water. Otherwise, the two liquids have similar properties.