[SonikJesus]

I just got a new turntable system. I have a bunch of old dusty and really dirty records that my aunt gave to me and I want to clean them. How do you guys go about this? I've been looking at some shit but there is so much variety and methods out there I don't really know what to do. Does it really matter? I might get that spin clean thing along with a brush for dry cleaning them as that seems pretty cheap compared to other options. Not trying to spend a lot of money but I am willing to I guess cause I'm a fucking nerd.

[Bytor Peltor]

Does it really matter?

By your own admittance, the records are, "old dusty and really dirty." Cleaning records in this condition is far different than your standard clean and play wax.

On truly filthly wax, rubbing alcohol applied to the felt of a disk washer block has worked excellent for me in the past. Rubbing alcohol is much cheaper than specislized cleaning solutions. However, if the wax responds favorably to the rubbing alcohol, I then would proceed with a more specialized cleaning solution.

I'm sure a few here are horrified by my suggestion of rubbing alcohol and I won't argue against them, but it worked wonders on some wax I had that suffered mold damage after a lengthy hurricane evacuation.

[Rob Instigator]

denatured rubbing alcohol cut with water

or even a soft tgowel and some mild soapy warm water, to at least get the DIRT off.

be careful with your labels though!

[ilduclo]

my method that I've used for years is dishwashing liquid and a soft cotton cloth. I wouldn't use alcohol because it is a solvent. Rinse well, then follow up with clean water and a "discwasher", basically a piece of lint free velour cloth wrapped around a soft tube, a short chunk of pipe insulation foam is a good choice for the tube if you don't want to pay 10$ for the "pro model". Use distilled water if your water is overly "soft or hard"

[Rob Instigator]

I would use distilled water but my wife likes me overly hard

[!@#$%!]

at $1/gallon i'd use distilled h20 by default as it will leave no mineral deposit. that's what i use in all the cleaning sprays i mix-- doesn't leave spots in glass etc.

[ilduclo]

I pay 30 cents for a gallon of distilled. Should I set up a distro for where you live?

[rebeccagotcursedout]

almers wood glue. let it dry then peel like you did off yr fingers in the third grade.

[!@#$%!]

Originally Posted by ilduclo

I pay 30 cents for a gallon of distilled. Should I set up a distro for where you live?

where the hell do you get it? i quoted walrats prices. bottled up, not bring-your-container-reverse-osmosis like.

[Rob Instigator]

Originally Posted by rebeccagotcursedout

almers wood glue. let it dry then peel like you did off yr fingers in the third grade.

this does indeedwork for very dirty LP's, but you'd still want to hit em with a damp rag or cloth

[Rob Instigator]

for the stylus, you are better off buying a new one if your old one is jacked. Otherwise you can use a soft brush to clean it.

[!@#$%!]

Originally Posted by SonikJesus

any stylus cleaning suggestions too?

a small inexpensive paintbrush to remove any fuzz

[Dr. Eugene Felikson]

The wood glue thing sounds so easy to fuck up. I feel like I'd just end up making my records worse. I may have to sacrifice a shit record and test it out.

[SuchFriendsAreDangerous]

Cleaning Your Record
This guide only deals with criminal convictions obtained in California. Other states, the military, and the federal government may have similar procedures, but you must check with them to find out what is required.

[hirsute_biped]

Once while waiting at a bus stop with a bag full of used vinyl, an older lady told me that her brother used to clean his records with potatoes sliced in half. I don't think this makes any sense, but she was quite serious.