Clean your Records!

A decent clean can work wonders on a record - just have a listen to the samples.

Physical Cleaning

Physical cleaning is the most important aspect for getting rid of that annoying snap, crackle & pop.

Again there are decent guides already out there. Here are the basics if you are not using a record cleaning machine.

• Place your record on some sort of surface to protect it. I use a DJ slip mat on my desk, the mat grips the record but allows it to turn on the slippery surface of the desk.
• Use some sort of water based solution, you can make your own, see the resources for recipes.
• Wet the record with the solution, I find a spray bottle works well. Use something to shield the label and keep it dry or the dye may run or the paper may soften and peel off.
• Use a brush or pad that is reasonably stiff and will reach the dirt in the bottom of the grooves. Velvet type pads are OK, but a firmer pile such as the Discwasher system or a directional clothes brush are probably better for scrubbing dirt out. Give the record a good brushing following the grooves.
• Leave it to sit for a short time wet, reapply solution if needed and give it another brushing.
• You need to get the solution off the record now, all the dirt will stay there if you just let the solution evaporate. You can use a vacuum device (like the automated record cleaners) but I have found the newer range of microfibre cleaning cloths work very well. Rub around the record following the grooves, turn it over and repeat and the record should be pretty well dry.
• A carbon fibre brush is pretty handy to pick up small amounts of fluff that land on your cleaned record, but they can just sweep the dust into little piles on the surface. Clean a record in direct sunlight and you will be able to see the dust on it very easily!
• You should also invest in a small kit to clean your stylus. Be careful with this and follow instructions. Be wary of alcohol based cleaners for styli, some cartridges (like Ortofon) use a soluble glue to stick the diamond on and only recommend 'dry' cleaning.

Wet with spray bottle of cleaner

The Brush

The Rub

Dry with Microfibre

So now everything is connected, the turntable is adjusted, the record is clean and you are ready to drop the needle into the groove!