At least 2.7 million vinyl records have been sold in the first half of this year in the U.K. Due to the resurgence in popularity amongst younger enthusiasts, vinyl cleaning tips and tricks are trending high on social media ( tags like #vinylcollection). Cleaning new records is essential for the best listening quality and to maximising a record’s lifecycle.
The advice on social media includes the genuinely useful and those that should be avoided, says Emily Waller of independent record store Rough Trade. Waller explains to Digital Journal her verdict.
Create your own cleaning kit
According to Waller: “Cleaning kits are ideal to keep your records in top condition and, according to one TikTok user, you can make one yourself. He recommends spritzing an anti-static spray onto a microfibre cloth to wipe down the surface of a record to remove static and surface debris and placing a square of magic eraser underneath the turntable needle to remove any grime.”
She adds: “The user also encourages vinyl collectors to make their own cleaning spray by mixing 120 millilitres of isopropyl alcohol with 120 millilitres of water and a splash of dish soap to disinfect the record surface and remove any dirt and dust.”
However, is this a good idea? Waller’s verdict is: “This is a great hack in a pinch, but ultimately, it’s best to opt for professional cleaning kits which have been properly tried and tested. Homemade kits can run the risk of ruining records if solutions are made or used incorrectly, which could inflict irreversible damage on beloved vinyl.”
Store your records in the right packaging
Waller recommends: “Proper storage is just as important as the cleaning process, otherwise, your efforts are for nothing.”
She notes how one social media user “Emphasises the importance of storing your records in rice paper or appropriate plastic sleeves, to reduce static and protect them from dust, scratches, and damage. These sleeves are used by record archivists to store vintage and valuable records that require plenty of care and protection. They tend to be thicker than standard sleeves, which makes them ideal for all vinyl, old or new, to maximise the longevity of your collection.”
Waller assesses: “Paper sleeves that records are often packaged in can create micro-abrasions on the surface as they’re removed and can affect the quality of the sound it produces, as paper particles can settle into the grooves of the record.”
Instead Waller finds: “Truly effective sleeves will protect against dust particles, fingerprints, moisture and damage. Plastic or rice paper sleeves are excellent alternatives to paper and will prove much better for storing your vinyl.”
Waller also puts forward: “Additionally, ensure the vinyl is stored in crates or boxes of the right size, remembering not to pack too many in the same container, ensure storage is well-ventilated to avoid warping and regularly check on them to ensure they’re in good condition.”
Use glue
An unusual record-cleaning hack on social media includes covering vinyl with wood glue to remove dirt and dust that easily accumulates in the grooves, causing pops and hisses that can affect the listening experience.
Waller notes that the instruction is to place records “on a switched-on turntable (without lowering the needle) and distribute wood glue across the record, avoiding the centre where the label is. You should then leave the glue to set overnight before peeling it off the next morning to remove any surface and groove build-up.”
However, Waller has concerns: “Although innovative, there is a huge risk that this hack could go wrong and damage sentimental records beyond repair, especially if they are older and more delicate. It is best to stick with a proper cleaning kit and approved methods, or for old records that need a thorough cleaning and care, seek the help of a professional service.”
