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.
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.
Alcohol should never be used to clean your records, even diluted, because it will damage your vinyl.
Mix 1/4 alcohol to 3/4 distilled water, with 1-2 drops dawn dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Shake to mix. Wet record; spray on cleaning solution; Scrub with the pad in a circular motion with the grooves. Rinse. Rinsing works best with sink spray hose if you have it.
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.
Use the anti-static brush and cloth to remove any top layer of dust. Work in the direction of the grooves with gentle circular motions, not cutting across. Once the initial layer of dust has been removed, do a more thorough inspection. Hold your record up to the light and check for buildup, grease, fingerprints, etc.
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.
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.
Colder temperatures are OK for records in long-term storage, but anything below freezing will cause vinyl to become brittle and prone to damage during handling. High humidity can lead to mold growth on record sleeves. When possible, store your records in a room with 30-50% relative humidity.
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.
While playing an album on your turntable, you'll get the best results with the dust cover removed. As this is not often possible, you should always keep the dust cover open while playing your records.
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.
Step 1: Place a small drop of soap in a bowl or basin and fill with warm distilled water. While you can use regular tap water, it may leave minerals behind in the grooves, so distilled is always the best bet. Step 2: Soak a sponge in the bowl and gently wipe the record in a clockwise motion.
Using a soft microfiber cloth just gently pat the record dry. You may want to let the record dry for up to thirty minutes before returning it to it's sleeve to make sure it's completely dry. Excess moisture can cause the sleeve to mold and damage the record.
Isopropyl alcohol removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, soldering flux and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. However, it is important to note that only alcohol with a grade of 90% or more should be employed on circuit boards and other internal electronics.
If you suspect your child has accidentally ingested alcohol please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. We will be able to perform a calculation based on your child's weight and other factors to estimate his or her blood alcohol content.
Add just a splash (about a 1:30 ratio) of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner to a bowl of water. Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution, and wipe along the record gently, following the grooves. Damp-wipe clean. Wipe clean using the same process as in #2, making sure to remove all of the cleaning solution.
At the Minimum, Use Microfiber Cloth: There are several ways to clean vinyl records. At the very least, start with a solution made for cleaning vinyl records and microfiber cloth. To step it up, consider a “spin clean” type record-bath cleaner for about $100 to get deeper into the record's grooves.
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.
Things like being stored in direct sunlight, dust and dirt, moisture, being kept in PVC sleeves, as well as improper storage and handling can all render your records unplayable - so it is important to take care and pay attention to how you are storing your own collection.
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.