Vinyl records can be a beautiful thing. Whether you like classical, EDM, rock and roll, folk, or any other type of music that is pressed to a disc, you probably have a considerable collection. What keeps them looking their best? How do you keep them free of dust and fingerprints? While there are many ways to clean vinyl records, it may surprise you that Windex is one of the best cleaning tools for vinyl.
Are you looking for a tutorial on how to clean vinyl records with Windex? Do you want to clean your records using cheap cleaning products? You want to know how to clean a record without damaging it. This article will cover why a vinyl record is worth cleaning, how to do it, and how to avoid doing unnecessary damage.
What Is Windex?
The Windex brand is owned by S.C. Johnson & Son, which also makes Drano, Glade and Pledge. Windex is a glass and hard-surface cleaner that kills 99 percent of germs and leaves no streaks. It was first made in 1933 by Dr. Herb Bishop, an inventor and chemist who worked for Drackett Co., a Cincinnati-based company that made cleaning supplies such as Pall Mall cigarettes, Lava soap and Drackett home products.
By the mid-1930s, Drackett had developed a liquid window cleaner called Window Kleener, which was sold in stores in a 16-ounce bottle with a special applicator top and a sponge. The company added ammonia to its formula in the early 1950s, making it even more powerful for cleaning windows, especially after it was applied to both sides of the glass.
After the success of Windex’s original blue formula, other Windex products were developed — including Windex with Ammonia-D (1963), Windex Antibacterial Multi-Surface Cleaner (2000), Windex Powerized Glass Cleaner (2002), Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool (2005) and Crystal Rain Glass Cleaner (2010).
What Is Windex Used For?
Windex is used for a variety of reasons. It’s the most common household cleaner. It’s also used in commercial applications like cleaning windows, cars, and other surfaces. This is because of its ability to clean. The secret lies in its ability to clean quickly while not leaving residue behind.
It can remove dirt, grease, and grime from a variety of surfaces, including vinyl records. There are two main components in Windex: alcohol and water. When mixed together, the two components form a gel-like substance.
When applied to a surface, the gel forms a protective film that allows it to clean more effectively. In addition, the gel does not leave residue behind after being cleaned.
Necessary Items For Cleaning The Vinyl Records With Windex
- Dishwashing liquid or soap
- Warm water
- Windex
- Soft cloth
- Soft bristled brush
- Towels for drying
How to Clean Vinyl Records with Windex?
There are many different ways to clean vinyl records. It’s important to choose the right method for your records. It’s also important to clean vinyl records in the right order.
Windex is a great choice for cleaning vinyl records. It can remove grease, grime, and dirt without damaging the records. Here are some tips on how to clean vinyl records with Windex:
1. Remove the dust from the record. If it’s a record that has been stored for a long time, it’s probably full of dust and dirt. Turn the record over and use a small brush to remove the dust from the record.
2. Clean the record with a cloth or paper towel.
3. Dry the record thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
4. Now, spray the record with Windex.
5. Place the record on a flat surface and let the Windex dry for a few seconds.
6. Repeat this process until you’ve cleaned the record completely.
7. When the Windex is dry, press the record to check if there are any spots left. If there are, repeat the process until the Windex has removed all of the spots.
8. Finally, put the record back in its sleeve and store it in a cool, dry place.
Pros and Cons of using Windex to Clean Vinyl Records
Pros
Windex is a popular window cleaning product, but it can also be used to clean vinyl records. Although there are now several commercially available vinyl cleaning solutions, Windex works well and is cheaper than many purpose-made solutions. If you have a record that has been exposed to smoke for any period of time, you will probably find that Windex works better at lifting the grime than most other products. The ammonia in Windex helps to lift dirt from the grooves without damaging the sensitive vinyl surface.
Cons
The main downside to using Windex to clean your records is that it contains alcohol, which can damage your record over time if used too frequently. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent and can degrade the plastic in your records.
How Often Should You Clean Vinyl Records?
It’s best to clean vinyl records once a year. The reason is that vinyls get dirty very quickly due to the surface, so you need to keep it clean to prevent any unwanted scratches. To clean your records, use a soft, lint-free cloth and warm water. Dip it in a bucket of warm water and rub the cloth over the record. Keep the record in a dust-free area, and avoid getting it wet to avoid any potential damage.
Why Do The Vinyl Records Need To Keep Clean?
Vinyl records are made up of a plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a thin layer of wax called shellac. The vinyl itself is the carrier for the recording on it. When the record player spins the vinyl, the needle dips into the groove, and as it does so, it picks up the sound vibrations, and carries them back to the ear.
The vinyl is what produces the sound, and it’s made up of many tiny holes. The needle also has tiny little spikes that help pick up the sound and transfer it back to your ear. It’s these tiny holes and spikes that are the reason why the record needs to be cleaned.
When dust and other particles get into the grooves, they prevent the needle from picking up the sound properly, and hence cause noise. Over time, the dust also gets into the surface of the record, causing the surface to lose its smoothness. Eventually, the record will not spin smoothly anymore, and will need to be replaced.
