You can clean vinyl records with soapy water, but it is not the best way to do it. Soapy water can leave residue on the record, which can attract dust and dirt and make the record sound worse. There are also some soaps that contain harsh chemicals that can damage the vinyl.
If you do choose to clean your vinyl records with soapy water, be sure to use a mild dish soap and distilled water. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain minerals that can damage the record.
To clean your vinyl record with soapy water, follow these steps:
- Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm distilled water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water and stir to combine.
- Submerge the record in the soapy water and gently move it around to remove any dirt or dust.
- Be careful not to get the record label wet.
- Remove the record from the soapy water and rinse it thoroughly with clean distilled water.
- Dry the record with a clean microfiber cloth.
If you have a lot of vinyl records to clean, you may want to consider investing in a record cleaning machine. Record cleaning machines use a variety of methods to clean records, including ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum cleaning, and brush cleaning. Record cleaning machines can be expensive, but they are a good investment if you have a large collection of vinyl records.
Here are some tips for cleaning vinyl records:
- Always clean your records in a circular motion, following the grooves.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Be careful not to get the record label wet.
- Dry the record thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your vinyl records clean and sounding their best.
