Before playing your vinyl records, you have to ensure that the stylus tip is clean. Failing to do so will damage the record grooves, which results in scratchy sound and poor sound quality. Our experts did the legwork to provide you with ways on how to clean the turntable needle so you can enjoy your listening experience.
Why Should You Clean Turntable Needles Regularly
As with all other equipment, cleaning a record player will ensure that it will function properly. For a vinyl enthusiast, a dust cover will do the work of preventing dust particles from entering the player and damaging the record groove. However, this is not enough.
A special cleaning process is necessary to maintain the functionality of your record player. While most will only clean the turntable, it is not the only important element to clean. The record needle and the cartridge need careful cleaning too. No player will sound good if any part of it is unclean.
If you fail to clean records before playing them, any dust and oil that accumulated in them may transfer to the turntable stylus and accumulate on it. Failure to remove this debris will result in a dirty stylus and may damage your vinyl. This will then result in playback issues.
4 Ways to Clean Your Turntable Needle
Cleaning the player needle should be done with utmost care. Our experts summarized the processes on how to clean turntable needle as well as the cleaning agents needed.
There is no single best method for stylus cleaning. Nowadays, there are many commercial cleaning products and kits meant to clean the stylus. Hence, the choice will be dependent on the user’s preference and on what is available.
Here are the materials needed for most stylus procedures that you will perform:
- Liquid soap
- Distilled water
- A magic eraser
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Small cotton balls
- Lint-free cloth
- Stylus brush with soft bristles
- Cleaner for electronic devices
Below are the best cleaning methods of dirty stylus that can ensure a longer life and better performance for your record player.
(For more guides, we also have a dedicated page about connecting a turntable to a receiver properly here)
#1: Stylus Brush
This is the most traditional method of cleaning the needle and cartridge. A stylus brush often comes with the record player but is also sold by cartridge manufacturers. The needle brush is specific to the stylus, and it comes in different varieties.
To do this, clean the other parts of the player first with a moist cloth to remove the dust. You can use warm water or isopropyl alcohol to moisten the cloth. Remember to wipe or brush the plate and other parts of the player in one direction only.
Then, hold the tonearm and brush the stylus in the same direction as the record spins. Do this lightly as you don’t want to damage the needle, for it may also cause damage to the vinyl grooves.
Repeat this method until a regular listener can hear the sound difference as a result of the cleaning. It only takes a few seconds but will greatly improve the sound quality of the player.
#2: Magic Eraser
A magic eraser is also called a melamine eraser. So if you can’t find it in the hardware store, maybe it is sold using its other name. This cleaning product resembles a sponge. The first thing to do is buy a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from the hardware store.
Once you have it, cut the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser into small pieces. Aim for the size of a TicTac container. Lift the tonearm and place the sponge where it is supposed to drop. Then gently lower the tonearm so the needle comes into close contact with the sponge.
This gentle stabbing motion cleans the needle of any accumulated grime. Remember that the stylus is very delicate, so be sure to apply minimal pressure only. This process is very easy to do and very cheap too!
#3: Cleaning Solution
Another way on how to clean a turntable needle is with the use of a cleaner solution. A liquid stylus cleaner solution, stylus cleaning gel, or liquid cleaners all belong to the same category, the cleaning solution.
The cleaning fluid is a divisive topic among vinyl enthusiasts as many believe that these can also damage the cartridge. If you choose to go with this, then purchase one that works well with your specific cartridge.
Simply dip the stylus brush onto the cleaner and brush the needle tip in the same direction as the record moves. Repeat this until you hear a better and more accurate sound reproduction.
This solution can do well in removing the grime in the stylus tip, but it can also damage it. Hence, make sure that the tip is the only part that is exposed to the solution.
#4: Cleaning Kit
Commercial cleaning kits are also available on the market. A good example is the AT617a Cartridge Stylus Cleaner.
A gel pad works the same way as an eraser sponge. The needle will go down on the gel to remove the dirt. Repeat the stabbing process on the gel pad until no more sludge and grime is left on the gel.
(For similar guides, here are the proper ways to ground your turntables)
How Often Should You Clean It?
How often you clean the stylus depends on the frequency of player use. To prevent accumulated layers of dirt in your needle, you need to clean it on a regular basis, at least once a week.
Tips to Properly Maintain Your Record Player Needle
There is a need to maintain your record player needle so it will last longer. Our experts have summarized the ways not only on how to clean turntable needle, but also on how to maintain them.
#1: Check Record Player For Dirt and Dust
It is always advisable to regularly check for dirt and dust accumulation in the record player to maintain its ability to play quality sound. Although a dust cover is already available, it is best to wipe them so they won’t accumulate and affect the needle.
#2: Clean Your Records
To clean your records, you need to use a lint-free [1] cloth. Gently wipe the records to remove any accumulated grime, especially in the droves. Remember that unclean records will result in problematic sound reading.
#3: Use Carbon Fiber Brushes
Brushes made with carbon brushes have anti-static properties making them the recommended product for maintaining record players. They pick up dust and hair in your records and stylus tips without dragging them across the vinyl records. This then prevents further damage to the vinyl’s grooves.
(Looking for vinyl records online? Well, here is our list of the top places to buy online vinyl records)
FAQ
What is the best way to clean a stylus?
The best way to clean a stylus is still using the traditional method of stylus brush. A good quality brush, one with carbon fiber bristles, will deeply clean the stylus of any dust, dirt, and grime and will ensure that it will work for a long time.
Conclusion
Cleaning a turntable is essential to make it usable for a long time. It is very important to clean the needle to maintain its sound quality. Our team have compiled ways on how to clean turntable needles, so you are guided on how to do it. It includes the use of a brush, eraser, kits, and solutions.
For great turntable products, we have listed the following here for you:
