Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with them, the need for turntables. But with regular use comes the inevitable accumulation of dust and debris, which can affect the sound quality and longevity of your beloved records.
That’s why it’s important to know how to properly clean your turntable. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning your turntable, from the outer surfaces to the stylus and vinyl records themselves.
So, grab your cleaning supplies and let’s get started!
How To Clean A Turntable
Start with the outer surfaces of the turntable. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any dust or debris. Start in the middle and wipe outwards to avoid pushing any dirt back towards the center. For stubborn stains like fingerprints, use a small amount of alcohol on a cloth to gently remove them. Then, use an antistatic cloth to wipe the surface again, which will prevent lint and dust particles from being magnetically attracted back to the surface.
It’s important to note that you should never use your bare fingers for cleaning, especially not with the needle. And if your turntable is not in use, always use a dust cover to protect it from accumulating dust and debris.
When it comes to cleaning your vinyl records, it’s equally important to keep them free of dust and debris. Use a vinyl brush to gently clean each record before and after each use. Start in the center and brush outwards in a circular motion. If you need a deeper clean, you can dampen an antistatic cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the record.
To store your records properly, use both an inner and outer record sleeve to protect them from dust and dirt particles while on the shelf. Store them vertically and away from sunlight to prevent warping. And make sure they’re not squeezed together too tightly.
When it comes to cleaning the stylus, take 1 or 2 drops of cleaner on a stylus cleaning brush or soft paintbrush. Firmly hold the stylus and tonearm securely to prevent any movement while cleaning. Use the brush to wipe from the rear to the front 5-10 times, avoiding rubbing it side-to-side to prevent damage.
After each use of your turntable, wipe down all surfaces with an antistatic dusting cloth. If you need a more thorough cleaning, use rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth and wipe the surfaces starting in the center and wiping outwards in a circle.
Cleaning your turntable may seem like a tedious task, but it’s essential for maintaining its longevity and ensuring that your vinyl records sound their best. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to keep your turntable in top condition for years to come.
Preparing Your Turntable For Cleaning
Before you begin cleaning your turntable, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by turning off the turntable and unplugging it from any power source. Remove the dust cover and set it aside.
Next, remove the platter from the turntable. This will give you access to the motor and other internal components that may need cleaning. Use a soft bristle brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dust and dirt as possible from the turntable’s internal components. If necessary, use an air compressor to blow out any remaining dust.
Once you’ve cleaned the internal components, use a soft bristle brush to clean the platter, speed selector switches, size selector, speed selectors, control buttons, and audio outputs. Be sure to blow these parts gently with an air compressor to remove any hidden dust.
When cleaning the tonearm, be sure to hold it securely to prevent any movement while cleaning. Use a stylus cleaning brush or soft paintbrush with 1 or 2 drops of cleaner to wipe from the rear to the front 5-10 times. Avoid rubbing it side-to-side to prevent damage.
Finally, wipe down all surfaces of the turntable with an antistatic dusting cloth. If you need a more thorough cleaning, use rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth and wipe the surfaces starting in the center and wiping outwards in a circle.
By properly preparing your turntable for cleaning, you’ll be able to effectively remove any dust and debris that may be affecting its performance.
Cleaning The Outer Surfaces Of Your Turntable
The outer surfaces of your turntable are the first to collect dust and debris. To clean them, start by using a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. Remember to start in the middle and wipe outwards in a circular motion to prevent pushing any dirt back towards the center.
For stubborn stains like fingerprints, you can use rubbing alcohol on a cloth to gently remove them. However, make sure to start from the center and motion the cloth outwards in a circle. This will prevent any moisture or dust left on the surface.
After wiping away any stains or debris, use an antistatic cloth to wipe the surface again. This will prevent lint and dust particles from being magnetically attracted back to the surface.
It’s important to note that you should never use your bare fingers for cleaning, especially not with the needle. Additionally, if your turntable is not in use, always use a dust cover to protect it from accumulating dust and debris.
Taking care of your turntable is crucial for maintaining its longevity and ensuring that your vinyl records sound their best. By following these simple steps, you can keep your turntable in top condition for years to come.
Cleaning The Stylus Of Your Turntable
The stylus or needle is a crucial component of your turntable, responsible for reading the grooves on your vinyl records and producing sound. It’s important to keep it clean to ensure the best possible sound quality and prevent any damage to your records.
To clean the stylus, you’ll need a stylus cleaning brush or a soft paintbrush and a cleaning solution. You can use a specialized stylus cleaner or a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and distilled water. Take 1 or 2 drops of cleaner on the brush and firmly hold the stylus and tonearm securely to prevent any movement while cleaning.
Use the brush to wipe from the rear to the front of the stylus 5-10 times, avoiding rubbing it side-to-side to prevent damage. It’s best to clean the stylus after you playback each side of a record.
Some collectors worry about overusing fluids on a stylus, as manufacturers sometimes use glue to attach the stylus tip. If you’re not careful and you use the wrong type of liquid, there is a possibility you could dissolve the glue. Stick to a reputable brand when choosing a cleaning solution, and be careful not to use too much fluid.
If you’re uncomfortable using a brush, there are other options available, such as gel-based cleaning kits or Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. However, be cautious when using these methods and make sure to follow instructions carefully.
Remember to always treat your stylus and cartridge with great respect, and it will reward you with many hours of great-sounding music.
Cleaning Your Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are delicate and require proper care to maintain their sound quality. There are special solutions, brushes, and cleaning kits designed to keep your records in pristine shape. One popular option is the Vinyl Buddy record cleaning kit, which includes a velvet brush, microfiber brush, stylus brush, cleaning solution, and a storage pouch. Alternatively, you can use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and water for a cheaper and easier cleaning solution. Simple Green is a natural, all-purpose cleaning solution that works on just about everything and is gentle enough to use on your vinyl records.
To clean your vinyl records, start by using a microfiber cleaning cloth to remove dust and static from the record’s surface. Next, dampen a clean microfiber cloth with distilled water and lightly wipe the record surface in a circular motion, avoiding the center of the record. Then, add a splash of Simple Green to a bowl of water and clean the record using the same circular motion as earlier. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth or compressed air to remove any residual dust or moisture.
It’s important to clean your vinyl records before and after each use to prevent dust accumulation. Use a vinyl brush to gently clean each record in a circular motion from the center outwards. For deeper cleaning, you can dampen an antistatic cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the record.
Proper storage is also essential for maintaining your vinyl records’ quality. Use both an inner and outer record sleeve to protect them from dust and dirt particles while on the shelf. Store them vertically and away from sunlight to prevent warping. And make sure they’re not squeezed together too tightly.
Maintenance Tips For Keeping Your Turntable Clean And Functional
Keeping your turntable clean and functional is essential for enjoying high-quality sound from your vinyl records. Here are some maintenance tips to help you keep your turntable in top condition:
1. Clean the external surfaces of your turntable regularly with a clean, lint-free cloth. Use rubbing alcohol for stubborn stains like fingerprints, and finish with an antistatic cloth to prevent lint and dust particles from being magnetically attracted back to the surface.
2. Use a vinyl brush to gently clean each record before and after each use. Start in the center and brush outwards in a circular motion. If you need a deeper clean, you can dampen an antistatic cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the record.
3. Store your records vertically and away from sunlight to prevent warping. Use both an inner and outer record sleeve to protect them from dust and dirt particles while on the shelf, and make sure they’re not squeezed together too tightly.
4. Clean the stylus regularly using a stylus cleaning brush or soft paintbrush with 1 or 2 drops of cleaner. Firmly hold the stylus and tonearm securely to prevent any movement while cleaning, and wipe from the rear to the front 5-10 times, avoiding rubbing it side-to-side to prevent damage.
5. After each use of your turntable, wipe down all surfaces with an antistatic dusting cloth. If you need a more thorough cleaning, use rubbing alcohol on a lint-free cloth and wipe the surfaces starting in the center and wiping outwards in a circle.
By following these maintenance tips, you’ll be able to keep your turntable clean and functional for years to come, ensuring that you can enjoy high-quality sound from your vinyl records every time you play them.
