78rpm FAQ

Frequently asked questions from the new collectors

this page first published by John Wright, 13 Feb 1999
last update 23 April 2006vintage@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. Half fill a sink with warm water
2. Have ready a new 1" paint brush
3. Hold the 78 in one hand, thumb on top
4. Take your kitchen dishwashing liquid detergent (Fairy, Dawn whatever)
5. Squirt a circle of detergent around the record grooves (avoid the label)
6. Dip the paint brush in the warm water, then 'paint' round and around in the direction of the grooves with the detergent, work up a lather. This should clean up the grooves. You can then immerse groove areas in the sink water to remove the dirt using the brush
7. Run warm water from the tap over the grooves and use the paint brush again to rinse the last of the lather off. Try to avoid the label unless it is dirty. Don't use very hot water.
8. Repeat on the other side
9. Dab with a soft tissue to get drops of water off
10. 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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