Vinyl records are a well-known known method of listening to music, however they need to be handled with care to maintain their quality sounds. They are ways to preserve your grooves and collection clean and they will be given to you now.
What Are Vinyl Records?
Vinyl Records are sound storage in the form of analogue and are shaped like a thin and level 2-sided disc. On both sides they have a spiral groove which is concentric. Other names given to vinyl records are record, phonograph, and vinyl. The nickname “Vinyl originated from the main material used in its manufacturing, polyvinyl chloride.
Within the spiral groove lie inscriptions of the vinyl’s audio elements. They elements omit audible sound when a stylus- the pointy needle on the end of a vinyl player’s tonearm- is lowered onto the surface of the vinyl as it rotates on the turntable of the record player (the platter). Vibrations in the grooves are picked up by the stylus which sends them to a cartridge at the end of the tone arm that converts the vibrations to electrical signals. These signals are transmitted to an amplifier, which uses speakers to convert those signals into sounds.
Vinyl records are available in many different sizes, which all need to be spun at a predetermined speed. Many full-length, long-playing albums (LPs) are spun at 33 1/3 per minute (RPM).
How to Clean Your Vinyl Records Step-by-Step
There are numerous ways you can clean your vinyl records, including a records cleaning machine such as a record vacuum cleaner or record washer. Also you can clean your vinyl by hand, which is easier and cheaper.
Step 1. De-dust the Vinyl. You must first get rid of any dust and loose debris on the surface of your record with a record cleaning brush. Those accustomed to vinyl recommend using a carbon fibre brush as its bristles will get rid of the static electricity that acts as an adhesive for dust which causes the crackling sounds when played. Carefully brush off any particles in a circular motion in the direction of the grooves for maximum effectiveness.
Step 2. Get a solution. You can get a record-cleaning kit, which has a cleaning brush and a special cleaning fluid, or you can use non-expensive solution. Make sure the solution you use does not have Isopropyl alcohol. This can ruin the surface of the vinyl). An alternative is soap and water; however dish soap can leave a film on your vinyl. Be sure to use deionized or distilled water rather that tap water, and don’t use household cleaning products.
Step 3 Clean the record. Sparingly dip a finger wrapped in a soft, lint-free cloth into your cleaning solution, and slowly stroke your finger along the grooves on the record’s surface in a clockwise direction, beginning in the centre (right above the record label). Once you get to the outer edge of the vinyl, reverse the direction you are stroking in and clean back to the middle of the record counter-clockwise. Make sure your figure is flat against the vinyl or you might scratch and damage it with your nail.
Step 4. Repeat and Dry. After you have completely cleaned both sides, check for any areas with dirt build up and clean then then again with your cloth and a fresh dip of cleaning solution. Check the record for any spots which are wet then pat it dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not put wet records back in their sleeves to avoid warping.
How to Store Your Vinyl Records
Storing your vinyl records the right way is just as important as cleaning them. Here are some tips:
1. No touching. Do not touch the surface of the record (expect the record label you can touch that) as it will leave oil and residue which can decrease the quality of the sound. Handle the vinyl from its edges using just your fingertips.
2. Use paper and plastic sleeves. When not in use, records must stay in their inner sleeves. Paper sleeves are acceptable, but some vinyl savvy individuals may choose plastic sleeve over ones made from paper too prevent any scratches to the surface. Outer sleeves are better off being plastic to keep dirt from entering the inner sleeve which can mean getting your record dirty.
3. Keep upright. Keep your vinyl vertical in a shelve and have the spines facing outward so that you can see which vinyl you’re selecting. A shelving system with cubes that are 13.5 x 13.5 x 13.6 inches can provide storage for lots of records and is a flat surface which can hold a turntable and small speakers.
4. Best served chilled. You’ve got to keep your records somewhere where the temperature is between 7 and 21 degrees Celsius to keep your records from getting warped. If storing for long durations, keep the temp between 7 and 10 Celsius. Records getting used daily can tolerate temps between 18 and 21 degrees.
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