Learn how to take care of your vinyl records. Also, learn how Windex can help you clean and preserve these treasured possessions.
If you have a vast collection of vinyl records at home, or you are someone who has just started collecting vinyl records, then keeping them clean is quite important. In order to safeguard them, one must keep them clean and fresh at all times. When you own vinyl records, there is some essential maintenance that is needed to keep them working for a long duration and capable of being passed on to future generations.
How Often Should You Clean Your Records
So, there isn’t a full-proof answer as to when you should clean the records, and it really is up to the user’s needs and specifications. But, there are certain instances when you must clean the vinyl records, such as:
- Whenever you are adding something new to your collection and placing it near all your other records.
- If you can see that there is dust around and the vinyl records are getting dirty.
- On using the vinyl record, in case you hear a pop sound, a crackle, or hissing sound, it means that the vinyl records need cleaning.
However, it is a good practice to check and clean your vinyl records regularly for proper maintenance.
How to Clean Vinyl Records With Windex
It is necessary to keep the vinyl records clean and fresh to get the best sound and enjoy the music for a long time. When you are playing your record and notice that it’s distorted, it might reduce your records’ life. and any kind of cleaning will not be able to reduce the prolonged damage caused to it. So, the best practice is to keep them safe and clean.
Cleaning vinyl records with Windex is probably the simplest and the most effective way to sustain its quality. Not to mention that most people already have Windex available at the comfort of their homes. But, before starting, there are certain things that you must consider. One must use a soft cloth and a soft-bristled brush to clean the records as to avoid scratches on the records.
Spray the Windex cleaning agent and wipe it conveniently with some warm water and a fresh microfiber cloth. Windex will remove all the dirt and dust from your records’ surface and facilitate smooth functioning.
DIY Homemade Cleaner for Vinyl Records
As mentioned earlier, Windex is an easy way to clean and maintain your records. However, if you don’t have access to Windex, then try this easy homemade cleaner for vinyl records. You can easily prepare DIY homemade vinyl cleaners with ingredients such as vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, distilled water, and dishwashing soap. The combination of these three ingredients will clean your vinyl records efficiently.
DIY Vinyl Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients:
- Distilled water – 1.5 Cup
- 90% isopropyl alcohol – 1/3 Cup
- Liquid laundry detergent – 2 tbsp
Method
- Add all the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake it well.
- Now, spray the solution all over the record, but avoid the labels.
- Then, use a microfiber solution to clean the vinyl record and scrub the surface gently and in circular motions.
- Repeat the same process with the other side of the record and store them in their envelopes.
If you’re a collector of the antique, vinyl records are probably very valuable to you. Avoid any possible distortions by regularly dusting them with a soft cloth and cleaning with Windex every now and then. Now that you know how to clean vinyl records with Windex, protect your records from dirt and dust accumulation! Let us know if you have some tips to take care of vinyl records in our comments!
