Everyone dreams that their favorite records will live forever with them. How is it possible? You need to follow instructions to keep them in fine condition. Records cannot simply be played on a record player and placed back in the record box. Surprisingly, a query says Does Playing a record clean it? That made me write this article for you all.
Have you pondered How long you think you will look presentable if you do not groom yourself? Maybe a day or a week, then ultimately you will be messy. The same goes for this matter.
This article will debunk the myths and false claims about playing record cleaning in detail. Additionally, there is an in-depth description of how to clean records, so they remain in your possession for longer.
Record Playing Clean the Record | Is it True or Not?
If you do not use your vinyl record and leave them open, it may lead to a dust coating on the record grooves. You unknowingly leave a stain or a fingerprint on your record whenever you touch your record. And many people think that this will be cleaned automatically when the needle reads the grooves. A Straight No is an answer.
Playing record does not clean the record. All you hear is crackling and buzzing that disturb your listening experience. The stylus does clean the upper layer of the dust, but it does not go deeper where actual dust is. To get deeper, you need to put pressure on the needle, leading to record wearing or damage.
Surprisingly, most people have a myth that it does clean it, but this is not how it works. You need to have a proper record cleaning mechanism to help you preserve your records. Moreover, your record player’s stylus will have a longer life with better clean records, and you don’t have to change so often.
Are you confused in storing your records? Readout our complete guide on Storing your vinyl records in efficient way.
How best to clean vinyl records?
The right and most feasible way to clean a record is using the record cleaning kit. The kit includes an anti-static brush, cleaning liquid, and microfiber cloth that helps you clean the record without leaving the prints and dust on the record.
You need to use the anti-static brush to clean the dust first. Then, apply the cleaning fluid and wait for a while before using the cloth to remove dust and accumulated mold on the grooves. After that, dry the record and use it for jamming.
Tip: Don’t go hard on vinyl; it may warp them.
One of the most pro-level ways is to use the vacuum suction device that cleans up the record like you just got a new one. You may use the ultrasonic way also for a better neat record.
Does playing a record damage it?
Generally speaking, it wears the LP record; if you play vinyl on a record player each time, so does the needle. You can not keep playing the records every day and a whole night; it will damage it. For the better life of the record, you need to have a cleaning kit to keep them in fine shape.
Why is my record player scratching?
If you are using a record that is not in the ideal shape and have nicks and nudges, you may hear the record player scratching. The other reason could be the needle of the record player has damaged the record due to excessive pressure, or maybe the stylus is damaged.
So, if you think Can the needle scratch a record, then yes, it does if not correctly calibrated, or you go for manual instead of cue lever. The excessive pressure, damaged needle, and uncleaned records are the key reasons record player scratching.
How to hold a vinyl record?
Most people hold the records by pinching, which leads to finger fingerprints and oiliness on the records. Then, the oil on the record accumulates the dust that affects the grooves and needles. So for holding a record, you can do it in two ways:
- You can hold the records from the edges without touching the grooves or flat surfaces.
- Place your thumb on the label underneath and your finger on the edges that will prevent the prints.
Final Words
Vinyl is a delicate possession, and you need to keep them intact by proper cleaning. If we talk about the upper-level dust on the record, then playing it does take care of it. But for deep cleaning, longer record life, and smooth music experience, you need to clean them before and after playing.