How to clean vinyl fabric records: Obtain that sharp sound back again!
After throwing on a record, you’re probably looking forward to sitting down and listening in order to an album in peace. The problem? It keeps jumping and sounds super gravelly. Why is dust clinging to the stylus, and how do you clean a vinyl record, anyway?

Are you feeling like popping on your own favorite record and jamming to it while you cook tonight? Do you want to break out a classic report by The Beatles, some early Pink Floyd, or maybe something more recent like Billie Eilish or Taylor Swift? We don’t blame you! There’s something very therapeutic about throwing on a vinyl record and listening to an album from top to bottom.
But from time in order to time, vinyls can get rather dirty, and the dust often leads to a gravely sound that truly begs to be remedied. How do you do this, though?
In this guide , TAG24 will walk you through the best ways to clean the vinyl report and return it to its former glory.
Why should you clean plastic records?
When you throw on a vinyl record, you expect the certain audio quality.
The issue with vinyl records is that they tend in order to collect dirt rather quickly. Records are delicate beasts that can be easily damaged by dust, fingerprints, plus scratches. Keep in mind that no matter how clean you keep your information, it hardly matters if you don’t similarly maintain your record player’s needle.
It’s important to clear your vinyl fabric records to maintain their sound quality and to protect them from harm.
Best way to clean plastic records at home: Our DIY method!
It can be risky business to clean your vinyl records in home, as they can become very easy to damage in the process. However, having them cleaned professionally can prove to end up being rather costly, and once a person get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro in no time!
Using our DIY method, you will discover the best way to thoroughly clean vinyl records at home.

Clean plastic records | Dust with a microfiber cloth and cleaning solution
One of the most tested plus true methods to clean your vinyl collection is in order to invest in a microfiber cloth and some report cleaning spray that can be purchased online or at many record stores.
Let’s break down the vinyl-cleaning process:
Step 1 : Use the microfiber cloth to wipe off any dirt that may be on the vinyl in circular motions. Don’t press too hard.
Step 2: Shake away any dust that may be on the cloth, or even grab a clean one, and spray a small amount of vinyl cleaner onto the cloth.
Stage 3: Wipe the particular record in a circular motion
Step 4: Allow any residual solution to evaporate before playing your newly cleaned information again.
Using a good quality record cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean your records is relatively risk-free and very effective.
Caution: Make sure to only use vinyl fabric cleaner sprays that have been made specifically for that will purpose. Other commercial cleaners can damage plus corrode the record.
Clean vinyl records | Use a vacuum cleaner – seriously!
Yep, they have specific vacuum cleansers for plastic records! Now, that’s high-tech!
Here’s exactly how to use a vinyl fabric vacuum cleaner:
The first step : Buy a quality vinyl vacuum cleaner for about $60-70.
Step 2: Read the instructions for your own brand-new vinyl vacuum and follow all of them to the particular bone.
Step 3: Be extremely careful! While these things are very efficient, they can also easily damage your information.
Vacuum cleaners for vinyl records are an effective, but expensive, option.
Clean vinyl records | Make use of a record brush
Buying the cleaning brush specifically designed with regard to vinyl records is a great investment if you’re committed to your collection. These little devices have tiny fiber bristles that are designed in order to go deep into the grooves of your vinyl fabric without causing any harm.
Here’s how you make use of a report brush:
Step 1: Place your plastic record upon the turntable and turn the power on, so that the report slowly spins.
Step 2: Hold your own brush from a 90° angle, perpendicular to the center associated with the record, and apply it to the particular surface.
Action 3: Make sure that a person don’t press hard as this could seriously damage your LP.
Step four: The trick is to allow the record to spin until the clean has reached the center. Once this particular happens, remove the brush plus wipe it down with a microfiber fabric.
Picking up a plastic record brush is a great choice if you want in order to clean your record collection regularly. These types of brushes can easily remove all the dirt, hair, and dust particles that gets caught on the surface and in the grooves of the favorite album.
How often to clear your vinyl information
A good rule of thumb is to clean your vinyl fabric records before every play. This will keep your plastic and make sure that you get the best possible play high quality each time you give it the spin.
In the case that a person don’t play your records very often, you should create sure that will you clear them at least once a month . Dust will build up and as time drags upon, it will certainly become increasingly difficult to clean.

What to be careful of when cleaning a record
Cleaning your own record selection can be a troublesome experience if you aren’t careful. Not only is it time-consuming, but it can pose a real risk in itself. Ironically, you may be cleaning them to avoid damage, yet you could also damage them during the particular cleaning process itself.
Here’s what in order to be especially careful associated with when cleansing your vinyl fabric records:
- Always wipe in a circular motion , plus use the spin function on your gamer and gently hold your brush or cloth on top as this turns. This way, you will be guaranteed a good clean without any accidental scratches.
- Make certain that you absolutely always use the clean microfiber cloth . Other materials can scratch the surface.
- When it comes to cleaning sprays, brushes, and vacuums, only use specific products for plastic records.
- Regularly thoroughly clean your information to guarantee that you don’t harm your vinyls – even when these people aren’t used regularly.
- Maintain your own record participant and stylus pen as well, so that your records don’t get broken while being played.
Vinyl fabric records are very delicate, and it’s best to clean all of them regularly in order to maintain their crisp audio quality.
How to prevent dirty vinyl records
There are usually a number of common sense measures that a person can take to reduce dirt build up and protect your vinyl fabric records. Avoid worry – these ideas won’t set you back again much cash and they’re really effective.
Here’s how to prevent dirty records:
- Use thick inner sleeves: Once you have cleaned your information, make sure that you are storing them in relatively thick and protective inner sleeves.
- Make use of plastic masturbator sleeves on the outside: Cover the outside of your report case inside a plastic sleeve to make it difficult for debris to obtain inside.
- Store within a specific vinyl crate: Invest in a stylish bin or even basket to store and protect your own records.
Using these simple tricks will guarantee that your vinyls stay cleaner regarding a longer period associated with time.
Cleaning vinyls is important, but can be risky
The cleansing of vinyls is a sacred duty for any music lover along with a stellar record collection. Fret not: if you’re worried about damaging them inside the cleansing process, you can always take them to the record store in order to be washed.
If a person use the tips plus tricks above, be certain to take your time and make use of the right items. It isn’t hard to clear vinyl records, but it is the delicate procedure. You can do this!
Protect photo: IMAGO / Panthermedia