78rpm FAQ

Frequently asked questions from the new collectors

this page first published by John Wright, 13 Feb 1999
last update 28 Feb 2009vintage@jabw.demon.co.uk

FAQ 2

How do you clean 78's



There are record cleaning fluids on the market but they tend to be expensive and some can harm 78's if used incorrectly. You'll be safe with this method:

1. Have a cold or luke warm tap running
2. Put a spot of dish-washing liquid on a 1" paint brush
3. Hold the 78 in one hand, thumb on top
4. Wet the paint brush in the warm water, then 'paint' round and around in the direction of the grooves with the brush/detergent, work up a lather. This should clean up the grooves.
5. Run the water from the tap over the grooves, rotating the record in the direction that removes the lather, and use the paint brush again rinsing the last of the lather off.
6. Avoid the label. The ink from red labels will run.
7. Repeat on the other side
8. Dab with a soft towel to get drops of water off
9. The 78 should be leaned up against a wall or in a rack to dry before putting back in a sleeve (check the sleeve is clean inside).

For more on this cleaning subject see Gary Herzenteil's website, he has a page on Repair and Cleaning at: http://www.punx.com/78rpm/

Also visit Maddie's site.

Alternatively visit the Disc Doctor website which offers a special cleaning product for 78rpm and vinyl records.

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