Hobbies And Interests
Cleaning Precautions
The most important thing to remember when cleaning vinyl records is to be vigilant about preventing scratches. To this end, place records on soft towels while you clean them. Keep hard objects, such as the turntable arm, away from the record surface.
Cleaning Solutions
Several vinyl record cleaning solutions are available on the market today. Last and Discwasher D4 come with application brushes. These commercial solutions work well, but they're quite expensive. You may also have to order them online and pay for shipping if you don't have an extensively stocked music store in your area.
A household product like isopropyl 90 percent alcohol makes for an effective vinyl record cleaner. Isopropyl 90 percent alcohol is different from rubbing alcohol, so read the label carefully. Avoid rubbing alcohol and witch hazel, which contain additives that can harm the surface of vinyl records. A mild dish soap that doesn't contain moisturizers also works well for cleaning vinyl records.
Applying Cleaning Solutions
As you apply cleaning solution to a vinyl record album, prevent any liquid from getting on the label. If you do happen to get the label wet, blot it with a dry towel or paper towel to soak up as much solution as possible. Don't ever wipe the label while it's wet as this will cause the label to tear.
Don't put the record back in its sleeve or onto a turntable until the album is completely dry. Liquid can damage the turntable and record sleeve. It shouldn't take long for the record to dry because most cleaning solutions are alcohol-based.