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How to Clean a Vinyl Disc

Since the advent of the cassette and the compact disc, vinyl records have fallen into obscurity. Many new releases are not even printed on the format anymore because of the relatively low demand for vinyl discs. However, many purists still listen to and purchase vinyl records, many of them old pre-used releases. In order for these old records to play well, without popping or skipping, they need to be cleaned. Clean up your vinyl disc collection and get the most out of your old records.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinyl record cleaning solution
  • Soft-bristle brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your record cleaning solution from its packaging. Usually cleaning solution will come with an included soft-bristle brush to use during this process. If not, acquire a brush just long enough to cover the playing surface of a record, with bristles soft enough that the brush itself won't scratch the record.

    • 2

      Slide a record out of its protective sleeve and place it on a towel on a flat surface, or on the spindle of your record player. If using a player to clean your records, be careful not to spill any cleaning solution on it, as this may damage the internals.

    • 3

      Apply a liberal amount of record cleaning solution to the brush. Do not apply the solution directly to the record. Lightly press the brush against the playing surface and turn the record counterclockwise beneath it. If using your record player for this procedure, be careful not to press too hard, as you may damage the bearings of the unit.

    • 4

      Remove the brush from the record and clean off any dirt, grime, or other debris from the bristles. Repeat the brushing procedure until there is no debris on the brush when your remove it from the record.

    • 5

      Allow the first side of the record to dry completely. Since most cleaning solutions are alcohol based, the record should dry fairly quickly. Turn the record over and repeat the brushing procedure to clean the other side. When you're done, slide the record back into its protective sleeve or set the needle in place and listen to what a clean record sounds like.

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