How to Clean Vinyl Records: Your Ultimate Guide
Many record collectors started a lifelong hobby by dusting off somebody’s old collection in the basement. Beyond dusting, though, there’s way more to proper cleaning and care of vinyl records. If you want to really learn the ropes, take a look at some of our most-asked questions about how to clean vinyl records in the best way possible.
So, how do you clean a vinyl record, anyway? Read on for expert answers to these common questions about DIY vinyl record care products and methods, then learn why we have created safer, more efficient solutions for your vinyl record care needs.
What Household Items Can You Use to Clean Vinyl Records?
The tried and true method of “keeping it simple” with cleaning definitely worked when records were in their prime. But how do you clean your vinyl collection now? You may currently have some records that are not on the market anymore, and you want to take care of them. Whether you have old favorites or just want to keep your current collection in good condition, we suggest learning how to clean records!
Here are some household items you can use to take care of your vinyl records, but each of these vinyl record care tips on how to clean vinyl records comes with a warning from experts. Proceed with caution when using these household items.
Microfiber Cloth:
A nonabrasive microfiber cloth that hasn’t been used on other surfaces seems like the best way to clean vinyl records.
The Problem: Not all microfibers are created equal! For peace of mind, instead, try an antistatic velvet brush for an ultra-shiny, clean result.
Water:
Water can be essential to the cleaning process. However, you may want to use distilled water to rinse your records instead of tap water.
The Problem: The temperature of the water that you use to clean your records is very important, as hot water could potentially warp them. To be safe, we recommend using a vinyl album cleaning solution instead. This is one of the best products to use when you’re learning how to clean vinyl records.
Dish-Drying Rack:
You can dry your records on a never-used drying rack if you have nothing else in your rack.
The Problem: Many dish-drying racks have dishes sitting on an angle. This is exactly what you don’t want for records. So, how do you clean a vinyl record in a safe way? Try our Record Friend™ Cleaning Kit instead. This kit comes with a vinyl record sink with a lid, a drying rack, cleaning fluid concentrate, microfiber cleaning brushes, adjustable rollers, cleaning clothes, and complete instructions on how to clean your records.
Can Baking Soda Be Used for Cleaning Vinyl Records?
Another common tip on how to clean vinyl records is using baking soda. This common household cleaner is often used for its abrasive properties and chemical-free composition. Some enthusiasts even use it to reduce scratch visibility and remove stains on vinyl records.
The Problem: Baking soda’s abrasive nature poses significant risks to the delicate grooves of vinyl. Even a gentle application can lead to scratches, compromising sound quality. Using baking soda may damage records instead of preserving them. It’s not recommended for those who value their collection. For a safer approach on how to clean records, consider vinyl record solutions designed for this purpose. They are specifically formulated to handle the fragility of records without causing harm. Understanding how to clean vinyl records with proper care ensures your vinyl records remain in pristine condition, providing the best sound quality and longevity.
Is It OK to Clean Vinyl Records With Rubbing Alcohol?
Rubbing alcohol will be successful in removing dirt and grime. But the question for most collectors is, “At what cost?”
The Problem: Cleaning your records with rubbing alcohol can damage them severely over time. Isopropyl alcohol has been touted as a way to clean vinyl records, but it could damage record labels, or you could run the risk of getting your alcohol-to-water ratio wrong. Don’t take the risk. Opt for an alcohol-free cleaner instead when you want to get it right on how to clean vinyl records.
What About Using Windex?
Windex effectively removes fingerprints from windows, leaving them spotless and clear. Why not use it on vinyl, right? After all, fingerprints can greatly influence the sound of your favorite tune.
The Problem: Windex contains harsh chemicals that leave a residue on records. It’s among the vinyl record care products you should avoid, regardless of what the internet tells you. It damages your record’s surface and label and may impact its long-term playability.
How Do I Clean Vinyl Records With Soap and Water?
How do you clean a vinyl record without using harsh chemicals? You can use plain old soap and water to clean your records, right?
The Problem: Although soap and water may work fine in the short term when it comes to removing dust and static, it’s not the best way to learn how to clean vinyl records and maintain long-term preservation. For true longstanding quality, you need a professional solution.
What About Using Vinegar?
Vinegar is a go-to for alcohol-free cleaning. You can clean anything with vinegar—your sink, your bathtub, your vegetables. But when is it the best cleaning agent to use when it comes to how to clean records? Maybe not.
The Problem: Vinegar is very acidic. It’s especially dangerous to use vinegar on records in a warmer climate. The acidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew and cause other problems. It may work on some records but seriously damage others. This method on how to clean vinyl records is inconsistent at best, and that’s why we recommend taking a pass. It’s best not to risk it if you have another choice available.
What is the Best Cleaner for Vinyl Records?
How do you clean a vinyl record the right way, given all of the above issues with other methods? The best vinyl record care products are the ones you don’t have to concoct yourself as an experiment. Most of us are not scientists, and with so many DIY methods out there, there is always a margin for error.
A simple record cleaning kit doesn’t have to break the bank and, in fact, protects your investment in music for the long term. For the best results on how to clean vinyl records, rely on something that is used by the pros. At Big Fudge, we offer a variety of vinyl record cleaning kits to keep your collection in tip-top shape.
Protect Your Records
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your vinyl journey, safeguarding your records is essential for preserving their value and sound quality. Find solutions used by collectors with decades of experience in the industry that music lovers approve of. Protect and organize your entire vinyl collection with Big Fudge. Have more questions about how to clean records? Contact our friendly customer service team.
