Caring for a vinyl record collection requires a little maintenance, but it's worthwhile. Besides the nostalgic and tactile quality of records, the sound of vinyl is uniquely rich. Whether your stack comprises vintage folk-rock records or contemporary pop and R&B, you'll want to know how to clean vinyl records and store them properly so they play just as well as the day they were pressed.
It's important to clean your records because dust and debris clog up your needle, making a not-so-pleasurable listening experience,” says Mark Yoshitomi, co-owner of Generation Records. Warped, scratched, or smudged-up records are prone to skipping or sounding out of tune — and at that point, you'll be wondering why you're not listening to the same album on a streaming service. But when properly cared for, vinyl will last decades, maintaining a warm, timeless sound that digital simply cannot touch.
We asked Yoshitomi for his expert tips on the best way to clean and protect vinyl records. Whether you are a long-time collector or a newly dubbed audiophile, these pointers will help make your next record-listening party a hit.
When should you clean your records?
If you're taking a new record out of its sleeve for the very first time, you can rest assured that it's as clean as it'll ever be. Used vinyl, on the other hand, could be in questionable condition, depending on where you've bought it from.
Some dealers, for example, at a flea market, aren't necessarily record people,” Yoshitomi says. “However, most used record stores will put in the effort to clean them, knowing their clients are very conscious consumers.”
Before you buy a used record, it's a good idea to take a look at the vinyl and note any imperfections that you'd have to clean later. It's better to do this in the store instead of finding out when you take it home.
“Visual inspections can reveal fingerprints, dust, weird residues, and a whole lot of things that might be better off unknown,” Yoshitomi says.
Once you own a record, you'll want to give it a periodic cleaning, especially if you play it often. “If a record is skipping or sounding messed up, I'd advise a quick cleaning,” Yoshitomi adds.
What are the best products for cleaning records?
While you don't have to go the store-bought route, there are many record-cleaning kits available that provide all the tools you need.
But if you prefer to DIY, you can easily mix up your own cleaning solution. Here's an easy record-cleaning formula that Yoshitomi recommends making:
Three parts distilled water
One part isopropyl alcohol
A few drops of plain, unscented laundry detergent
Once you've poured this solution into a spray bottle, all you need is a microfiber cloth to complete your homemade record-cleaning kit.
How do you clean vinyl records?
It's a good idea to set aside some time to clean your vinyl record collection, especially if you're planning to play them at a party or another live event. Though fairly straightforward, it's not a process to be rushed. Here are the steps to follow:
Hold your record by the edges.
Spray a cleaning solution all over the grooves.
Gently wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth in a circular motion along the grooves.
Allow your record to dry and put it back in the paper sleeve before storing.
As any record collector will attest, vinyl can be a dust magnet. If you’ve recently cleaned a record but notice dust, use your microfiber cloth or record-cleaning brush to give it a wipe before playing. Also, make sure to keep the record stored in its sleeve when not in use, and always handle it gently to avoid scratching it.
“Just be careful and cut those nails,” Yoshitomi says.
What is the best way to store records?
You can organize your records however you'd like, whether that's grouping them alphabetically, by genre, or how often you enjoy playing certain albums. But when it comes to storage, there is one definitive right way.
“Vertically is the only way! Piling your records horizontally will eventually lead to them warping and rendering them useless.” Yoshitomi says. “Also, don't leave them near a radiator or direct sunlight.” Doing this will cause the vinyl to heat up and bend out of shape, making your favorite albums virtually unlistenable.
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