Do you hate it when your vinyl records start to sound old? The moment you begin to hear clicking and scratching sounds when playing the record, you know it's too late. Let’s be honest, the condition of old vinyl records will never improve. But that doesn’t mean you cannot keep them in good condition yourself. With the appropriate cleaning, your vinyl records will still look and sound mint. Our vinyl records expert, Jeroen Hamelink, has managed a record store for many years and is a collector himself, so he knows all there is to know about keeping records in good condition. Read on to discover his advice on how to clean your vinyl records.
Why is it Important to Clean your Vinyl Records?
Vinyl just loses its charm when it starts to sound old. The dirt has already been piled up so much that the grooves have become uneven. Cleaning is not only important because you want to maintain a nice and clear sound, but also because by playing the dirty records you will probably damage them forever. That is why it is important to always clean your records carefully, so they will survive for many more years, probably even longer than the musicians who made them.
Cleaning Before and After Playing
To protect your vinyl records against damage, always clean them before and after playing by using a carbon fibre brush. This will prevent dust and grime building up. The brush is not meant to clean in the grooves of the vinyl, just to brush the surface very gently; you don’t want the dirt to be pushed further into it. Don’t forget to clean the turntables and cartridges as well. They will also affect the condition of your vinyl records. Make sure the tip of the stylus is always clean as well, because it gathers dust very easily.
Deep Cleaning Dirty Vinyl Records
The best way to clean used vinyl records is with a vinyl vacuum cleaner. But this is an expensive cleaning solution. Luckily, there are cheaper ways to clean your vinyl at home with common household products. Cleaning can be done carefully with just water. But if you need to remove grease, soap can do the job as well.
Use a soft, clean microfibre cleaning cloth for deep cleaning. This fabric will remove dust easily and absorb oils as well. Dip the cloth into warm water, but make sure the cloth is not too wet and will not leave any water on the vinyl. Rub the cloth with your finger in a circular motion along the grooves. Start in the centre and work towards the edge. Then go back in the opposite direction inwards. If you do so several times, your records will be clean again. Make a final round only using water, to make sure there is no soap left on the record.
Our experts advise you should maintain your records regularly in order to keep them in the best possible shape. But remember to always clean carefully, so you will not damage them. Now that you know how to clean and maintain your vinyl, why not buy some extra records for your collection? Have a look at our weekly Records / Vinyl auction today. Need to make some space first? You can also offer up your records for auction on Catawiki. Whether you have just one or two special records or an entire store inventory, everyone is welcome to sell!
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