RightTechAdvice Turntables How To Clean Record Player Stylus?

Record players are making a comeback and for a good reason! Not only do they provide a unique listening experience, but they’re also a great way to get your vinyl collection spinning again.

However, if you don’t clean your record player’s stylus regularly, you’ll quickly find that it becomes covered in dirt and grime that can damage your records. This blog post will show you how to clean your record player’s stylus using a few simple tools and supplies. Let’s get started!

How to know when it’s time to clean the stylus

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about cleaning your record player’s stylus very often. However, it’s essential to keep an eye out for telltale signs that it’s time for a cleaning. One of the most obvious signs is if you notice that your records are skipping more frequently than usual.

It is usually caused by dirt and grime build-up on the stylus, which can cause the needle to jump around on the record. If you suspect your stylus is dirty, it’s best to clean it as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your records.

Another sign that your stylus needs to be cleaned is if you start hearing strange noises coming from your record player. These noises can be anything from a faint clicking sound to a loud scratching noise. If you notice any of these noises, you should give your stylus a quick cleaning.

Finally, if you notice that the sound quality of your records has decreased, your stylus is likely dirty and needs a cleaning. If you’re unsure whether your stylus is dirty, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and give it a quick cleaning.

Record-player

Cleaning your record player’s stylus

Now that you know when it’s time to clean your record player’s stylus and how to care for it, let’s get down to the cleaning! The good news is that this is a relatively straightforward process that only takes a few minutes. There are several methods of doing this, but we’ll show you our favorites.

Related article – how to replace a needle on a record player?

With a record player cleaning solution

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A soft cloth.
  • A record player cleaning solution.
  • A small brush (optional).

To begin, gently wipe down the stylus with a soft cloth. Avoid touching the needle with your fingers, as this can damage the delicate stylus. If there is visible dirt or grime on the stylus, you can use a small brush to remove it gently.

Once you’ve removed any visible dirt or grime, it’s time to clean the stylus with a record player cleaning solution. Simply apply a small amount of solution to a soft cloth and wipe down the stylus. Avoid getting any solution on the needle, as this can damage the stylus.

With alcohol

To clean them, you’ll need:

  • A soft cloth.
  • Isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol).
  • A small brush (optional).

To begin, gently wipe down the needle with a soft cloth. If you see any dirt or grime on the needle, you can use a small brush to remove it gently.

Once you’ve removed any visible dirt or grime, it’s time to clean the needle with isopropyl alcohol. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and wipe down the needle. Be sure to avoid any solutions on the stylus, as this can damage the delicate needle.

With a magic eraser

To clean your stylus with a magic eraser, you’ll need:

  • A magic eraser.
  • Water.

First, wet the magic eraser with water and squeeze out any excess. Then, gently rub the magic eraser over the stylus in a circular motion. The abrasive nature of the magic eraser will remove any dirt or grime that’s built up on the stylus.

Once you’ve cleaned the stylus, rinse it off with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

With a dry stylus brush cleaner

To clean your stylus with a dry stylus brush, you’ll need:

  • A dry stylus brush.
  • A soft cloth.

To begin, gently rub the bristles of the brush over the stylus in a circular motion. The bristles will remove any dirt or grime that’s built up on the stylus. If you see any dirt or grime on the brush, you can gently remove it with a soft cloth.

Once you’ve cleaned the stylus, allow it to dry completely before using your record player again. And that’s all there is to it! Following these simple steps, you can keep your record player’s stylus clean and sounding its best.

Record player_s stylus

How to care for a record player’s stylus

In addition to regular cleanings, you can do a few things to care for your record player’s stylus and prevent dirt and grime build-up. First, it’s essential to ensure that you’re using the correct cleaning solution. Never use alcohol or any other harsh cleaners on your stylus, as this can damage the delicate needle. Instead, opt for a mild cleaning solution designed explicitly for record players.

Second, be sure to handle your records with clean hands. Oils and dirt from your skin can transfer to the record and eventually make their way to the stylus. If you must handle your records, be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly before doing so.

Finally, always store your records in a clean, dry place. Exposure to dust, dirt, and moisture can damage your records and cause the stylus to become dirty more quickly. If you’re unsure where to store your records, consider investing in a record player stand with built-in storage.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.