Here are some of the reasons why you should not clean a record with tap water:
- Tap water can contain minerals and impurities that can leave residue on the record. This residue can introduce additional noise, diminish audio quality, and even lead to groove damage over time.
- Tap water can be hard, which means it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can build up on the record and cause it to warp.
- Tap water can also contain chlorine and other chemicals that can damage the record’s surface.
If you do not have a record cleaning solution, you can clean your records with distilled water. Distilled water has been boiled and then condensed, which removes the minerals and impurities. You can also use a record cleaning brush to remove dirt and dust from the record.
Here are some tips on how to clean vinyl records with distilled water:
- Gather your supplies. You will need distilled water, a soft microfiber cloth, and a record cleaning brush.
- Apply the distilled water to the microfiber cloth. Do not apply the water directly to the record.
- Gently wipe the record in a circular motion. Start from the center of the record and work your way out.
- Be sure to clean the entire record, including the label.
- Wipe the record dry with a clean microfiber cloth.
Here are some additional tips:
- Do not use too much distilled water. Too much water can damage the record.
- Do not apply too much pressure when cleaning the record. This can damage the grooves.
- Be gentle when cleaning the label. The label is more delicate than the record itself.
- Clean your records regularly to prevent dirt and dust from building up.
