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Vinyl records are nostalgic as can be, but for your record collection to be enjoyed for generations to come, it requires proper care and upkeep. Not only are they delicate, but they can easily attract dust, dirt, and grime, which can impact the sound quality and overall condition of the record. Even the greases and oils on our hands risk damaging the surface and affecting the audio quality. Some owners resist cleaning, fearing that the wrong cleaning material or cleanser will destroy the surface, but with the right materials and a loving touch, you can keep your records in excellent condition.
No, generally speaking, household cleaners can be too intense for vinyl. Solutions that include soap or alcohol can damage the grooves of vinyl records and affect sound quality. Furthermore, any kind of abrasive scrubber (like steel wool) should also be avoided. Opt for specialized record-cleaning solutions, or a diluted Simple Green solution.
It depends on how often you play your records, handle them, or remove them from the protective outer sleeve. Careful as we can be, exposure to our skin oils and the dust in the air happens any time we pull them from the paper sleeves. So, you might find that you want to clean your records after ever few uses, or more often, if they aren't as well-protected.
Ultrasonic record cleaning machines make it easier to deep clean vinyl records, but make sure you follow the directions precisely to avoid damage. We're partial to cleaning records by hand as it gives us more control over handling of the record grooves One wrong move, and you might have a scratched to prevent scratching or warping of the records.
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