AUDIO ORIGAMI BLOG
Groove Hygiene
Why cleaning your records is ultra important
The digital posse will tell you that streaming bits of data and reconstituting them into files sounds better than records based almost entirely on pops and clicks. But, the truth is, most of these audible imperfections on vinyl records are preventable and often the owner's responsibility. With a proper cleaning routine, you can eliminate up to 90% of pops and clicks.
However, the benefits of cleaning your records extend far beyond just reducing surface noise.
Here's why cleaning your records is essential:
Eliminate Pops and Clicks
These irritating noises are primarily caused by dust, dirt, and even mould accumulating in the record grooves. A thorough wet cleaning with a suitable solution and a soft brush can easily remove or significantly reduce them.
Remove Mold Release Agent
Even new records benefit from a good cleaning. Pressing plants use a mould release agent to help the vinyl separate from the pressing machine. This agent can coat the grooves, dampening the sound during playback. Removing it will lead to a noticeable improvement in clarity, particularly in the bass frequencies.
Improve Tracking
Dirt and debris in the record grooves can hinder your stylus's ability to track correctly, potentially leading to inefficient playback or even skips. This can damage both your valuable records and your stylus.
Extend Stylus Life
Keeping your record grooves free of debris reduces the wear and tear on your stylus, and can extend its lifespan by 50%.
Protect Your Collection
If left unaddressed, dust and grime in the grooves can promote the growth of mould and fungus over time. This can eventually eat into the vinyl itself, rendering your records unplayable. This issue is particularly prevalent in humid environments.
How to clean your records:
There are many methods for cleaning records, some of which are very effective, others that are just plain stupid and canruin your precious discs.
Manual cleaning, though effective, carries a higher risk of accidental damage to your precious discs if not executed with extreme care. Therefore, this guide will focus exclusively on machine-based record cleaning.
The Budget-Friendly Option
Pro-Ject E2 Record Cleaning Machine
If you have a collection of a couple of hundred records, the Pro-Ject E2 Record Cleaning Machine is a fantastic investment at £400. It excels at removing ingrained dust, and significantly reduces pops, clicks, and mold release agentfrom your vinyl.
The E2 comes with a brush and cleaning solution, making it easy to get started. You can clean both sides of a record in just two minutes. While the vacuum doesn't completely dry the record, it's safe to play immediately after cleaning. However, we recommend letting the record air dry on a rack for an additional 30 minutes to ensure it's 100% dry.
The High-End Option
Degritter Mark 2
For serious collectors with 500 or more albums, the Degritter Mark 2 ultrasonic cleaner, priced at £2550, is an exceptional choice. This machine is fully automated: simply place the record in the slot, press a button, and walk away. In just 13 minutes, your album will be thoroughly cleaned and dried, with almost all debris removed from the grooves.
The Degritter includes a starter pack of filters and cleaning solution; all you need to add is distilled water.
The Professional Approach
Combining Both Methods
For those with a large record collection who demand the absolute best in sound and preservation, combining the Pro-Ject E2 and the Degritter Mark 2 offers unparalleled results.
Here's our recommended process:
Surface Clean with the Pro-Ject E2: Hold the brush in the direction of the grooves, gently moving it 1cm left and working in sections until you cover the entire playable area. Reverse the motor and repeat the process before vacuuming the record dry.
Ultrasonic Clean with the Degritter Mark 2: Place the record into the Degritter and set it to "heavy clean" with a 5-minute dry cycle.
This two-step method takes approximately 20 minutes per disc, but the transformation is remarkable. Not only will your records look significantly better, but the improvement in clarity is incredible.