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How to Clean an Antique Phonograph

Before dusting off those old records to play on your vintage phonograph at the family gathering, it's a good idea to first give the old family record player a nice cleaning. After sitting in the closet for who knows how long, most phonographs gather all sorts of dust or lint, and already have grime, accumulated from years of use and not being cleaned. Additionally, since many of these old machines are stored in hot attics or damp basements, the cabinets oftentimes are in dire need of a good cleanup as well. Cleaning it correctly is very important--you don't want to damage this family heirloom, or do something to lower its antique value.

Things You'll Need

Air compressor with hose and nozzle
Fine sable brushes
Sewing machine oil
Vacuum with fine attachments
Mild organic cleaning soap
Distilled water, 1 gallon
Sea sponge
Archival furniture polish paste wax
Chamois
Cotton swabs
Jeweler's buffing compound
Soft cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Vacuum all the parts of the phonograph, beginning with the interior of the case. Use the finer attachments to vacuum the areas around the the handle and needle. Turn the machine over, or on its side and vacuum the base and the motor, paying special attention to removing any excess dust, dirt or lint build-up in the motor housing openings.
- 2
  Spray the motor with the air compressor (fine attachment) after vacuuming to blow out any lint or dust residue. Repeat by air spraying other working parts, clearing blockages in any fine metal areas.
- 3
  Brush the detailed parts of the motor with a fine sable brush to clear any dust or lint. Repeat around the needle, the underside of the needle arm and the control levers.
- 4
  Test the motor by manually turning the pulley. If it feels all right, plug it in and observe it in action. Most old phonograph motors are fine after an initial surface cleaning. Lubricate the motor with very small dots of sewing machine oil to the moving parts if it is running rough. If the motor is filled with hardened oil, is sticky or dirt-covered, and is "bound up" and you cannot clear this debris yourself, remove the motor from the base and send it to a qualified phonograph restorer to have it cleaned professionally. Do not take it apart yourself.
- 5
  Mix mild organic soap and distilled water in a bucket, about 1 part soap to 5 parts water. Wet and wring out the sea sponge. Gently sponge the entire cabinet, being careful not to scratch decals, labels, or damage varnish. Immediately follow cleaning by wiping the cabinet with a soft cloth.
- 6
  Apply small amounts of the archival furniture polish wax paste to the various areas of the wood phonograph cabinet using gentle, circular strokes. When the polish wax dries, polish the surfaces with a chamois, being sure not to scratch the original shellac or lacquer finish of the phonograph cabinet. Wax the cabinet every 1 to 2 years to insure that your phonograph has a constant layer of protection on the wood.
- 7
  Clean the small decorative metal parts with the jeweler's buffing compound and cotton swabs. Be sure not to get the compound on other parts. Polish out with a soft cloth.

Antiques