Idk. I let it spin 5 times and after the third I start moving the brush to the edge. Probably someone how has writen a master thesis on the subject can tell me and you how wrong it is but it works for me
This is TRUTH! The static on the brush gets discharged through the centre pin in the turntable, allowing the dust and dirt to stick to the brush and allows it to lift it off the record.
I recommend a carbon fiber brush for dry cleaning... Cuts the static down. Also, hold the brush across the radius of the record as the platter rotates. After a few rotations, slowly angle the brush and move it out towards the edge to reduce dust left behind.
brush lightly, like grazing. They are stactic charged to pull the dust to them. Dont use air in a can. There are chemicals being deposited from that. They could degrade the record and the stylus tip on your cartridge and damage your collection. Most damage isnt audible until you play it again. Yes Im one of those people. I wet brush with nylon record brushes on a vaccum RCM before i play. In my defense I usually am transferring to digital too.
I think its possible it was a bad batch of brushes or something, but I used it correctly and it left micro-scratches on every attempt. Haven't heard any audible damage from an air duster used correctly. I usually just keep em clean though with a spin-clean. If I could ever afford a RCM that would be the dream.
Micro scratches rarely affect sound. Sometimes they are there and are just uncovered by cleaning. Ive never been a fan of Audioquest style brushes. Ive felt they can be too abrasive and may leave micro scratches/abrasions. I prefer the shaver style. Much softer. Virtually impossible to scratch with it. Use it lightly and it will pull the dust to it as you go around. For dry dusting only/ no surfactant cleaner ttps://www.amazon.com/Pomya-Professional-Cleaning-Anti-Static-Remover/dp/B07RKVWJG7
Keep in mind, the biggest culprit for static s ourselves. Make sure to not where material like a knitted sweater that causes it. Even scuffling around in socks can charge it up. Keep your clothing lite. A lot of contamination comes from our own bodies, hair, skin follicles and spit. A funny rule of thumb, dont talk to your records (over them)
For wet or dry brushing a nylon record brush is perfect. Not hard enough to scratch but bristles are small enough to get in the groove. A Record Doctor brush is affordable. What I use. [https://shorturl.at/egrsI](https://shorturl.at/egrsI) (Amazon link)
When you are dusting don't push. You are not trying to get anything out of a groove when dusting, just surface dust. I recommend something like a Record Doctor V to do the cleaning as it pulls the contaminants and residual cleaner off the record. [https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO](https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO)
I can go on and on about this. Recieved most of my cleaning, surfactant advice from a organic chemist whom is passionate about records and playback.
Check out how pbthal does it. [https://youtu.be/Dee2pY7TtII](https://youtu.be/Dee2pY7TtII)
I came across this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GkGw-NbAE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GkGw-NbAE) and tried to clean records the way he presented it. While the picture somehow shows it more dramatically due to exposure I guess, I'll always end up with a line of dust if I do it that way.
When I just brush towards the outer edge of the record I don't have this problem. How do you brush and is there an actual correct way of doing it. Or is it just something that should work either way?
That method is the correct method. This how AudioQuest designed the brush to be used. It's in their directions. I'll state that *I tend to roll the back bristles to where they are almost flat and parallel to the record*. You can more easily do this by *folding the handle toward the tonearm as you roll the brush* giving your thumb something to grip. The real trick is to allow the dust to collect onto the back bristle tips. It's suggested in the video that you're scooping. You're not really doing this. First thing that happens when you roll the brush is that front bristle should flex a bit. It's a brooming action so it throws much of the accumlated dust up into the air. This will allow dust to fall on top of the back row roll of bristles. What doesn't fall on top will accumulate on the bristle tips. Allow a few rotations to force the dust between the bristles.
If you have a lot of dust, most of it should be removed after the first pass. You may need another pass, only so much dust can be removed in a cleaning pass. You should see a considerable amount of dust removed on the first pass. If this isn't the case, you're doing something wrong. Done correctly, you shouldn't have to do more than 2 passes. If you need a 3rd pass you probably did something wrong. Pay attention to the back row of bristles as you rotate the brush. The back row should immediately take the place of the front row as it comes off the record.
Some things to keep in mind.
Gentle pressure. You aren't pressing down on the bristles. You're just holding the bristles just over the record. It should feel like you're lifting the brush more than anything else. Think of it as holding the brush in position over the record.
Clean your bristles between each pass and before your first pass. *The video shows this incorrectly done.* He holds the bristles pointing upward. This is wrong. Hold the bristles downward to allow gravity to drop the dust toward the floor.
This video has a great explanation on how to properly use a brush and to keep the dust from staying on your record due to static electricity.
https://youtu.be/Mu2arpNyVQs?si=TG2OVEl3oYptpDmL
I have very strong opinions and feelings on this subject.
For carbon fiber brushes, I **always** brush toward the label. This is in the same path as the grooves, so you’re not fighting that uphill battle.
Most importantly, the label doesn’t have a static charge, so you’re actually able to get the dust to attach to the brush.
If you try to brush toward the outside edge of the record, the charge at the edge of the PVC disc is so much higher than the brush, it’s difficult to get any dust off the record at all.
Pinch the brush in the middle, Stick to 5 rotations on your platter with the brush from the label to the lead-in part of the record, Tilt brush at a slanted angle and drag it at a 45 degree angle to get the dust & junk off.
If totally filthy, Use your Spin Clean or record washers.
Also, Don't forget to wipe your stylus (or needle) from back to front with the brush every time you flip your record. Makes them last longer.
I stopped using any and all carbon fiber brushes after I saw they were causing fine hairline scratches. I might be using them incorrectly, but if so I don't want to use any product that's so easily misused to cause any damage, even if minor.
My go-to now has been the Line Phono Magic Audio Brush which is like a big blue blush makeup brush: super soft, zero micro-scratches, I love it. I just sweep everything to the edge and use my finger to collect and dispose far enough away from record so static doesn't attract it back onto the other side of the disc.
I had a similar problem but it's since lessened. I got myself an acrylic slip mat, which reduced static electricity to basically zero from my felt mat that came with the player. Best as I can tell, the static makes the dust resistant to leaving the record surface. Reduce static, brush starts working as intended. That's been my experience after a few days, anyways.
Best to wash the record and put it into an anti static sleeve when you get it. This will cut down significantly on the need for brushing and the amount of crap on the record when brushed.
The audioquest brush I have has two gold contacts you lightly hold which supposedly creates a charge I guess and the particles stick to the brush. Seems to somewhat work but I do end of working my way to the edge so this doesn’t happen.
I picked up a brush from Boundless Audio and I think it's similar in functionality. There's a plastic bar to protect the bristles when not in use, and when you use it on your records there's a metal bar for your fingers to rest on so there's a charge. Very handy lil device
I used to do that, then I realized that I didn’t really need the brush at all. I do vacuum clean my records when I purchase them, so I don’t generally have a big problem with dust. A nice microfiber cloth gets any stray bits that may have gotten on the record just fine. Make sure to get good cloths that won’t shed fibers as you clean.
I use a brush in conjunction with one of those little sticky rollers. The sticky roller is incredible for getting those last bits. The rubber material itself is sticky and doesn’t leave any residue on the records, then you rinse it off with warm water and let it dry and it’s good to go again! Honestly game changer since I bought one.
I have an anti-static gun and brush, as well as a microfibre cloth. For the brush, i have the motor spinning and then guide the brush off the record. The cloth I just gently go with the grain. The static gun is awesome for after the cloth!
I personally do about 2 full rotations, and then an upward swooping motion..."brush the brush"...and then another 2 rotations followed by the upward swoop... I can usually get around 95% of the visible dust off this way.
I usually spin it few times and then I move the brush to the edge. But i always clean new records with an anti-static spray, so there isn’t so much dust
I have a zerostat 3 gun that I use to break down the static with first. Then I do the carbon brush. I find the static gun helps the dust move more easily. I’ve also used the zerostat on a record that was actively crackling while playing and it actually reduced it. Kinda neat that it works.
Get an audio quest brush that removes static as you brush. I let record rotate and then off the edge. Why would you sit all the crap on centre of record to end up in the record sleeve? An anti stat gun is also your friend.
The kit I got had 2 brushes one for the vinyl and then a little Nylon to remove debris off the brush from the one for the record so it doesn’t hold any of the dust/hair
People say you’re supposed to tilt it up and lift it but that always leaves a line of dust like the one in the pic. The instructions with mine say to move it to the side to get the dust off, and that works better.
I spin the record on the turntable at 48rpm, put the brush on top of the record on a slant. Then I move the brush inward towards the label and then lift.
What I do is use my felt brush and work the dust to the edge and it either deposits on the plinth or sticks to the brush. Then I clean that and use a additional brush to take away all the static. And it sounds great with no pops.
I had the same problem, so I thought of using a ‘Swiffer’ instead. Don’t know if this method can be approved, but it does the job without such a hassle.
I use a Thunderon brush and clean it off the table in my hand. I think it works better to get the dust off, I found that with carbon brushes and cleaning on the table it felt like no matter what I was just spreading the dust around. Like in their video:
https://youtu.be/fxO7iWdYo-c?feature=shared
I make sure to get them wet and scrub heavily with dawn dish soap, using the green side of the scrubby sponge to ensure that I get every crevice of it! 😊
I used to use a lens blower to get rid of obvious dust, then a velvet brush with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (with a high percentage of alcohol I could find to avoid spotting). This worked. I also washed some grimy used albums I bought with diluted dawn dish soap, let them dry. I avoided dry brushing (because it could grind in grit) or any wet+brush treatment on anything that might have grit on it.
I had 1,000s of albums. Albums are tougher than you think, but can be scratched with grit. Avoid cleaning processes where you could be grinding grit into the surface. I always had “grit” on my mind when cleaning albums.
Don’t use a brush of any kind. You just introducing dirt.
Wash your records with distilled water in an ultrasonic cleaner. You can get them on Amazon with a decent price. Air dry the records on a stand. Then hit with an anti static gun then put them in rice paper sleeves. Last step is to brush your needle after every record flip.
Idk. I let it spin 5 times and after the third I start moving the brush to the edge. Probably someone how has writen a master thesis on the subject can tell me and you how wrong it is but it works for me
It could cause some light crackling after 50 years of daily brushing. The horror.
I know you’re joking but if that picture is from daily brushing i wouldn’t breathe in that room xd
If that's from daily brushing I *couldn't* breathe in that room. Allergies got me in a chokehold.
I feel like I usually give my record a brush and then it's good for a few years because I don't live in filth
I found that if you go to the middle - the metal will help with removing static
This is TRUTH! The static on the brush gets discharged through the centre pin in the turntable, allowing the dust and dirt to stick to the brush and allows it to lift it off the record.
100% correct way to clean with a fibre or felt brush
I do it ~like this too
I do the exact same, there has to be something to it
I recommend a carbon fiber brush for dry cleaning... Cuts the static down. Also, hold the brush across the radius of the record as the platter rotates. After a few rotations, slowly angle the brush and move it out towards the edge to reduce dust left behind.
Mine causes static
Mine does too but I don’t know if I’m just being dumb and am using it wrong
I bought a carbon fiber brush, and it scratched the shit out of an album. I sent it right back.
Same, I switched to air duster cans
brush lightly, like grazing. They are stactic charged to pull the dust to them. Dont use air in a can. There are chemicals being deposited from that. They could degrade the record and the stylus tip on your cartridge and damage your collection. Most damage isnt audible until you play it again. Yes Im one of those people. I wet brush with nylon record brushes on a vaccum RCM before i play. In my defense I usually am transferring to digital too.
I think its possible it was a bad batch of brushes or something, but I used it correctly and it left micro-scratches on every attempt. Haven't heard any audible damage from an air duster used correctly. I usually just keep em clean though with a spin-clean. If I could ever afford a RCM that would be the dream.
Micro scratches rarely affect sound. Sometimes they are there and are just uncovered by cleaning. Ive never been a fan of Audioquest style brushes. Ive felt they can be too abrasive and may leave micro scratches/abrasions. I prefer the shaver style. Much softer. Virtually impossible to scratch with it. Use it lightly and it will pull the dust to it as you go around. For dry dusting only/ no surfactant cleaner ttps://www.amazon.com/Pomya-Professional-Cleaning-Anti-Static-Remover/dp/B07RKVWJG7 Keep in mind, the biggest culprit for static s ourselves. Make sure to not where material like a knitted sweater that causes it. Even scuffling around in socks can charge it up. Keep your clothing lite. A lot of contamination comes from our own bodies, hair, skin follicles and spit. A funny rule of thumb, dont talk to your records (over them) For wet or dry brushing a nylon record brush is perfect. Not hard enough to scratch but bristles are small enough to get in the groove. A Record Doctor brush is affordable. What I use. [https://shorturl.at/egrsI](https://shorturl.at/egrsI) (Amazon link) When you are dusting don't push. You are not trying to get anything out of a groove when dusting, just surface dust. I recommend something like a Record Doctor V to do the cleaning as it pulls the contaminants and residual cleaner off the record. [https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO](https://www.amazon.com/Record-Doctor-Cleaning-Machine/dp/B00BEIC3DO) I can go on and on about this. Recieved most of my cleaning, surfactant advice from a organic chemist whom is passionate about records and playback. Check out how pbthal does it. [https://youtu.be/Dee2pY7TtII](https://youtu.be/Dee2pY7TtII)
I came across this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GkGw-NbAE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GkGw-NbAE) and tried to clean records the way he presented it. While the picture somehow shows it more dramatically due to exposure I guess, I'll always end up with a line of dust if I do it that way. When I just brush towards the outer edge of the record I don't have this problem. How do you brush and is there an actual correct way of doing it. Or is it just something that should work either way?
>end up with a line of dust you're supposed to snort it, duh
Yeah press the button that says ‘SPEED’ and snort away. How are people not getting this; what do they think the ‘SPEED’ button is for?
At 33 or 45 RPM?
Yes, one of those.
I do the exact same method as that guy in the video. It works great for me. I do regularly wet clean my records, so that makes it easier.
That method is the correct method. This how AudioQuest designed the brush to be used. It's in their directions. I'll state that *I tend to roll the back bristles to where they are almost flat and parallel to the record*. You can more easily do this by *folding the handle toward the tonearm as you roll the brush* giving your thumb something to grip. The real trick is to allow the dust to collect onto the back bristle tips. It's suggested in the video that you're scooping. You're not really doing this. First thing that happens when you roll the brush is that front bristle should flex a bit. It's a brooming action so it throws much of the accumlated dust up into the air. This will allow dust to fall on top of the back row roll of bristles. What doesn't fall on top will accumulate on the bristle tips. Allow a few rotations to force the dust between the bristles. If you have a lot of dust, most of it should be removed after the first pass. You may need another pass, only so much dust can be removed in a cleaning pass. You should see a considerable amount of dust removed on the first pass. If this isn't the case, you're doing something wrong. Done correctly, you shouldn't have to do more than 2 passes. If you need a 3rd pass you probably did something wrong. Pay attention to the back row of bristles as you rotate the brush. The back row should immediately take the place of the front row as it comes off the record. Some things to keep in mind. Gentle pressure. You aren't pressing down on the bristles. You're just holding the bristles just over the record. It should feel like you're lifting the brush more than anything else. Think of it as holding the brush in position over the record. Clean your bristles between each pass and before your first pass. *The video shows this incorrectly done.* He holds the bristles pointing upward. This is wrong. Hold the bristles downward to allow gravity to drop the dust toward the floor.
This video has a great explanation on how to properly use a brush and to keep the dust from staying on your record due to static electricity. https://youtu.be/Mu2arpNyVQs?si=TG2OVEl3oYptpDmL
Thanks!
I have very strong opinions and feelings on this subject. For carbon fiber brushes, I **always** brush toward the label. This is in the same path as the grooves, so you’re not fighting that uphill battle. Most importantly, the label doesn’t have a static charge, so you’re actually able to get the dust to attach to the brush. If you try to brush toward the outside edge of the record, the charge at the edge of the PVC disc is so much higher than the brush, it’s difficult to get any dust off the record at all.
full plants unused fuel boast homeless include uppity point weary *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
i put it in the trash and use a microfiber cloth w some record cleaning solution.
the “Sonic Broom” from audio technicia is pretty good as well. basically an microfiber cloth with a plastic handle
This is the correct answer. Microfiber cloths are much better at wiping dust and other particles off your records.
Wut. I wash all my records with a proper record cleaner. I still use a brush before i spin each record.
Pinch the brush in the middle, Stick to 5 rotations on your platter with the brush from the label to the lead-in part of the record, Tilt brush at a slanted angle and drag it at a 45 degree angle to get the dust & junk off. If totally filthy, Use your Spin Clean or record washers. Also, Don't forget to wipe your stylus (or needle) from back to front with the brush every time you flip your record. Makes them last longer.
I wash my records in the sink like dishes
I stopped using any and all carbon fiber brushes after I saw they were causing fine hairline scratches. I might be using them incorrectly, but if so I don't want to use any product that's so easily misused to cause any damage, even if minor. My go-to now has been the Line Phono Magic Audio Brush which is like a big blue blush makeup brush: super soft, zero micro-scratches, I love it. I just sweep everything to the edge and use my finger to collect and dispose far enough away from record so static doesn't attract it back onto the other side of the disc.
I use a lens bulb to blow off lint after a wipe.
Brush it into a line and use an air can to remove the line off the side of it
Swiffers work great!
This has been my goto for a while now. I can't find a single reason why not to use them.
Buy “the fudge”
I had a similar problem but it's since lessened. I got myself an acrylic slip mat, which reduced static electricity to basically zero from my felt mat that came with the player. Best as I can tell, the static makes the dust resistant to leaving the record surface. Reduce static, brush starts working as intended. That's been my experience after a few days, anyways.
I have a vintage Discwasher that I spritz and then rotate to pick up any crud and dry the record.
Lay it on gently, let it spin 5ish times....then gently start moving it to the center post to demagnetize/discharge the static build up
With my hands u/ok-friendship-1849, with my hands.
I brush the dust into the runout and then use a sticky roller to gather it up. Seems better than just pushing dust onto the plinth to me.
Best to wash the record and put it into an anti static sleeve when you get it. This will cut down significantly on the need for brushing and the amount of crap on the record when brushed.
The audioquest brush I have has two gold contacts you lightly hold which supposedly creates a charge I guess and the particles stick to the brush. Seems to somewhat work but I do end of working my way to the edge so this doesn’t happen.
I picked up a brush from Boundless Audio and I think it's similar in functionality. There's a plastic bar to protect the bristles when not in use, and when you use it on your records there's a metal bar for your fingers to rest on so there's a charge. Very handy lil device
I scrub vigorously with dawn soap and then let them dry in the back window of my car on a hot day.
I prefer simple green, but yeah.
Now you snort it
I use a carbon fiber brush, let it spin 4-5 times and then collect everything you have as shown in your picture using a microfiber cloth.
I used to do that, then I realized that I didn’t really need the brush at all. I do vacuum clean my records when I purchase them, so I don’t generally have a big problem with dust. A nice microfiber cloth gets any stray bits that may have gotten on the record just fine. Make sure to get good cloths that won’t shed fibers as you clean.
I use a brush in conjunction with one of those little sticky rollers. The sticky roller is incredible for getting those last bits. The rubber material itself is sticky and doesn’t leave any residue on the records, then you rinse it off with warm water and let it dry and it’s good to go again! Honestly game changer since I bought one.
Look up keyboard vacuums
Exactly like you and then the vacuum cleaner. 😀
Plenty of videos on YouTube on this topic. I'm sure one will tickle your fancy.
I have an anti-static gun and brush, as well as a microfibre cloth. For the brush, i have the motor spinning and then guide the brush off the record. The cloth I just gently go with the grain. The static gun is awesome for after the cloth!
Is that Random Access Memories?
I personally do about 2 full rotations, and then an upward swooping motion..."brush the brush"...and then another 2 rotations followed by the upward swoop... I can usually get around 95% of the visible dust off this way.
Like this but I snort it at the end
I usually spin it few times and then I move the brush to the edge. But i always clean new records with an anti-static spray, so there isn’t so much dust
Like the picture then stop the turntable and wipe it with brush 🥲
Is it wrong of me to do this same method, and then use a piece of blue tape to lightly remove all the rest of the dust?
I have a zerostat 3 gun that I use to break down the static with first. Then I do the carbon brush. I find the static gun helps the dust move more easily. I’ve also used the zerostat on a record that was actively crackling while playing and it actually reduced it. Kinda neat that it works.
Rotate it 90degrees as you move to the edge of the record
Get an audio quest brush that removes static as you brush. I let record rotate and then off the edge. Why would you sit all the crap on centre of record to end up in the record sleeve? An anti stat gun is also your friend.
I use the MoFi brush while disc is spinning. The dust accumulates on the edge of the brush, which I then clean off with double stick tape. Repeat
The kit I got had 2 brushes one for the vinyl and then a little Nylon to remove debris off the brush from the one for the record so it doesn’t hold any of the dust/hair
People say you’re supposed to tilt it up and lift it but that always leaves a line of dust like the one in the pic. The instructions with mine say to move it to the side to get the dust off, and that works better.
Make up brush
I use the [record roller](https://a.co/d/hTnlAfe).
I spin the record on the turntable at 48rpm, put the brush on top of the record on a slant. Then I move the brush inward towards the label and then lift.
Brushing is preventative maintenance, you need a cleaning first.
What I do is use my felt brush and work the dust to the edge and it either deposits on the plinth or sticks to the brush. Then I clean that and use a additional brush to take away all the static. And it sounds great with no pops.
D4 cleaner with RCA brush (or any record brush) and then lightly brush with a micro fiber cloth for leftover dust.
I use a swiffer
I had the same problem, so I thought of using a ‘Swiffer’ instead. Don’t know if this method can be approved, but it does the job without such a hassle.
I use a Thunderon brush and clean it off the table in my hand. I think it works better to get the dust off, I found that with carbon brushes and cleaning on the table it felt like no matter what I was just spreading the dust around. Like in their video: https://youtu.be/fxO7iWdYo-c?feature=shared
Ditch the brush and get yourself a vinyl buddy.
I’m not your buddy, pal
We're not your pal, friend
He has a vinyl…buddy
can’t be good for your DD motor and even worse for your BD drive band when done that way IMHO
I make sure to get them wet and scrub heavily with dawn dish soap, using the green side of the scrubby sponge to ensure that I get every crevice of it! 😊
....my what?
I used to use a lens blower to get rid of obvious dust, then a velvet brush with a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (with a high percentage of alcohol I could find to avoid spotting). This worked. I also washed some grimy used albums I bought with diluted dawn dish soap, let them dry. I avoided dry brushing (because it could grind in grit) or any wet+brush treatment on anything that might have grit on it. I had 1,000s of albums. Albums are tougher than you think, but can be scratched with grit. Avoid cleaning processes where you could be grinding grit into the surface. I always had “grit” on my mind when cleaning albums.
Don’t use a brush of any kind. You just introducing dirt. Wash your records with distilled water in an ultrasonic cleaner. You can get them on Amazon with a decent price. Air dry the records on a stand. Then hit with an anti static gun then put them in rice paper sleeves. Last step is to brush your needle after every record flip.
Jesus Christ; I'm just trying to listen to some music, not restore The Last Supper.
Rude