Yes, you can clean records with water, but you must use distilled or deionized water. Tap water contains minerals and other impurities that can leave residue on your records, which can affect the sound quality.
Why is it important to use distilled or deionized water?
Tap water contains minerals and other impurities that can leave residue on your records. This residue can attract dust and dirt, and it can also cause mold growth. Distilled or deionized water does not contain any minerals or impurities, so it is safe to use on records.
How to clean records with water:
To clean your records with water, follow these steps:
- Fill a basin with distilled or deionized water.
- Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water.
- Mix the soap and water together until it forms a light foam.
- Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water.
- Gently wipe the record in a circular motion, starting from the center of the record and working your way out to the edge.
- Rinse the record under clean distilled or deionized water.
- Dry the record with a clean microfiber cloth.
Be careful not to get the record label wet. If the record label does get wet, dry it off immediately with a clean microfiber cloth.
Additional tips for cleaning records with water:
- Avoid scrubbing your records, as this can scratch them.
- Dry the records thoroughly before playing them. Damp records can attract dust and dirt, and they can also cause mold growth.
- If you have any rare or valuable records, it is best to have them professionally cleaned. A professional record cleaner will have the equipment and experience to clean your records without damaging them.
Other ways to clean records:
- Record cleaning brush: A record cleaning brush is a soft brush that is designed to remove dust and dirt from records. To use a record cleaning brush, simply brush the record in a circular motion, starting from the center of the record and working your way out to the edge.
- Record cleaning solution: There are a number of record cleaning solutions available on the market. These solutions are typically designed to remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints from records. To use a record cleaning solution, follow the instructions on the product label.
- Record cleaning machine: A record cleaning machine is a device that uses a combination of brushes and cleaning solution to clean records. Record cleaning machines can be expensive, but they offer the most effective way to clean records.
How often should I clean my records?
How often you need to clean your records depends on how often you play them and how dusty your environment is. If you play your records frequently, you may need to clean them every few weeks. If you play your records less frequently and live in a clean environment, you may only need to clean them every few months.
Cleaning your records regularly is important for maintaining their sound quality and extending their lifespan. By following the tips above, you can safely and effectively clean your records with water.
