Yes, it is bad to play a dusty record. Dust can cause a number of problems, including:
- Surface noise: Dust can cause pops, clicks, and other surface noise when the stylus passes over it. This can make it difficult to enjoy the music.
- Premature wear and tear: Dust can act as an abrasive, causing the stylus to wear down prematurely. It can also damage the grooves of the record.
- Tracking problems: Dust can cause the stylus to skip or jump, especially if the record is heavily dusty.
It is important to clean your records before playing them to avoid these problems. There are a number of different ways to clean records, such as using a record brush, a record cleaning machine, or a wet cleaning method.
Here are some tips for cleaning your records:
- Use a record brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface of the record.
- For a more thorough cleaning, use a record cleaning machine. Record cleaning machines use a variety of methods to clean records, such as ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaning, and brushing.
- If you are using a wet cleaning method, make sure to use a distilled water rinse and a microfiber cloth to dry the record.
It is also important to store your records in a clean and dry environment. This will help to prevent dust from accumulating on the records.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your records clean and in good condition for many years to come.