HOW TO CLEAN VINYL RECORDS

Record stores used to be special places for music lovers where discovering rare vinyl felt like finding a gold mine. While these shops are harder to find today, nothing replaces the thrill of flipping through records, feeling the shrink-wrap edges, and dropping the needle for the first time.

Even with the rise of streaming, vinyl records are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by artist involvement, collectors, and special Record Day vinyl events. One key element of vinyl ownership is the need for proper care of your records, as dust, fingerprints, and natural oils can damage and degrade the sound quality. In fact (as seen in Billboard Magazine) Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is highlighted as an affordable, gentle, and effective option for safely cleaning vinyl records.

Directions for Cleaning Vinyl Records:

1. Wipe gently. Remove all dust and static with a microfiber cloth, applying very little pressure to avoid pushing any particles further into the grooves of the vinyl. This helps pick up larger dust and dirt particles from the record without damaging the surface.
2. Rinse. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water (distilled water preferred) and gently wipe the surface of the record in a circular motion, following the grooves and avoiding the center label.
3. Use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Mix a small amount of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with water (1:30 ratio). Lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with the solution and gently wipe the record, following the grooves.
4. Rinse. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with water (distilled water preferred) and gently wipe the surface of the record in a circular motion, following the grooves and avoiding the center label to remove any residue.
5. Dry. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water from the record’s surface. A can of compressed air can help eliminate any remaining moisture trapped within the grooves.

Tip: Ensure the needle is clean, dust-free, and in good condition before playing.

Tip: Store vinyl records upright in protective sleeves to reduce dust buildup.