Dust and Dirt in the groves of your vinyl and on your stylus
It is in your interest to keep well on top of this!
Your listening pleasure and your record/stylus investments are under attack!
Even albums that skip are often a result of dirt in a grove and correct cleaning will clear the skip!
Brand New Albums
These should be cleaned before the first play.
New albums usually come statically charged. This will immediately attract dust and dirt and you should resolve this at the outset. Additionally, the manufacturing process plus factory/packing conditions means that your shinny new album is likely to already contain particles which should be removed.
Second Hand Albums
It is better to assume, no matter how clean they look, that dirt and grime lingers!
Remember, you are letting the ownership habits of unknown third parties into your precious vinyl camp. Don’t rush to hear your new acquisition until some due diligence. You owe it to yourself.
Your Stylus
Your precious stylus also acts as a dust collector as it journeys along the entire grove of your album. It is highly unlikely that your stylus will be clean after an album even if you are the most careful album owner. It is happening at a small scale, but a mini dust ball on the tip of your stylus will muffle vinyl sound. A stylus brush and fluid should be used, stroking the brush from stylus base to tip. It might be worth purchasing a jewellers loupe to help keep an eye on your stylus condition.
Playing Albums
Every environment has dust continually falling. Try creating a shaft of sunlight into your room and you will see what is in the air of even the cleanest rooms. This is why the use of a turntable cover is important when playing an album. Sure, covers can rather spoil a vinyl experience, but on balance, it is suggested that you cover up. Made to measure and off shelf covers exist if you need a replacement.
Cleaning Kit, Equipment and Techniques
This ranges from simple low cost liquids, cloths and brushes to high tech, expensive equipment that are in the cost league of premium turntables. The key is avoid products and techniques, which actually harm your vinyl investments. The web as awash with ideas and you should proceed carefully before deciding a process that suits you. Particularly avoid any process which is aggressive. It may clean well, but damage at the same time.
If in doubt, talk to your record store owners and get advice.