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To clean or not to clean?

I bought a VPI record cleaner but I have yet to use it or even take it out of the box. Many of my records are new or used mint and don’t seem to need cleaning. The ones that do are all old recordings and I am not inspired to break out the VPI. I am new to vinyl but have many, many inherited only records. I think many may be enjoyable and, maybe, good recordings. Just listening for a few weeks now, I am starting to run out of clean records. Have ordered quite a few new records (180 gram and Japanese) but should really start checking out all my “dad’s records”!
mglik
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
I wet clean every record (including the brand new ones) before it is first played, and inserted into a new inner sleeve (if it's a second hand purchase).
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Every record will be better with a good cleaning.
miner42
709 posts
 
ALL LPs need cleaning
pratorious
127 posts
 
If you can swing it I suggest you set up your VPI in a designated spot near your records. When you choose a record to play, if you haven't done so before, just clean it the very first thing. Use a new inner sleeve or some other method to distinguish you have cleaned it. Then its just one simple ritual before playing first time and not as onerous as cleaning stacks and stacks at once.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
wet cleaning keeps records clean for longer periods of use even new ones. All you have to use in between is a carbon fibre brush. If you buy second hand is a must.
Manage few at a time if you are after a thorough clean. Important is the cleaning formula and the rinsing with distilled pure water afterwards so any residue of cleansing fluid does not stay in the grooves.

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