How to Fix Scratched LP Records

Using the Record Needle to Repair a Scratch

• 1

  Place the scratched record on the turn table and begin to play it as you normally would. Listen for skips and trouble spots.

• 2

  Stop the record when you hear the record skip. Rotate the record back and forth until you find the precise location on the record where the scratch is located.

• 3

  Place the record needle directly behind the scratch on the record. Rotate the record in a counter-clockwise direction, while running the record needle directly over the groove where the scratch is located.

• 4

  Play the record back to see if the record plays smoothly. You may need to repeat the previous step several times before achieving the desired audio fidelity.

Repairing a Scratch By Cleaning the Record

• 5

  Place the record flat on a clean cloth or newspaper with the damaged side facing upwards. Measure three cups of distilled water and pour it into a bowl or container large enough to hold three cups of water. Then add one cup of rubbing alcohol to the distilled water.

• 6

  Dip a record cleaning brush into the alcohol and distilled water solution. Apply the brush to the entire surface of the scratched side of the record. Wipe the brush on the record in a circular motion in the direction of the grooves on the record. Wait five to 10 minutes, then repeat this two more times.

• 7

  Wipe the record with a dry cloth or paper towel, then place the record somewhere safe to dry completely. Playing the record while it's wet will only damage the record further.

• 8

  Empty the bowl or container of solution and rinse it thoroughly.