Dry vs Wet Cleaning: Best Way to Clean Vinyl Records
There’s nothing quite like the warm, rich sound of a vinyl record spinning on your turntable. But over time, even the most carefully stored records can accumulate dust, fingerprints, and static—leading to unwanted pops, crackles, and distortion. Proper cleaning is crucial not just for sound quality, but also for extending the life of your collection. Among vinyl enthusiasts, one debate continues to surface: dry cleaning vs wet record cleaning . Which method truly keeps your records in pristine condition without risking damage? Let’s explore both techniques in detail to help you decide which is best for your setup. Why Cleaning Vinyl Records Matters Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand why cleaning is essential. Vinyl grooves are delicate and easily attract dust, oils, and airborne particles. Even microscopic debris can alter the movement of the stylus, resulting in audible imperfections and gradual wear. A clean record not only ensures the best possibl...