On The Record Episode 1: How to Care for Your Vinyl Records So They Sound Great for Decades
Vinyl records are physical media—and that’s part of their magic. But it also means they require care. Done right, records can last for decades. Done wrong, even brand-new vinyl can suffer permanent damage.
In the first episode of On The Record, Andover Audio’s Director of Engineering & Product Development, Bob Hazelwood, explains why record care matters more than most people realize—and how to protect your collection and turntable with a few simple habits.
Dust: The Biggest Threat to Vinyl
Dust is attracted to records by static electricity, especially during playback. Once dust gets pulled into the grooves, it doesn’t just sit on the surface—it gets pressed deeper into the vinyl by the stylus.
Because vinyl is soft and the diamond stylus is extremely hard, even a light tracking force (around 3 grams) translates into hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch inside the groove. That pressure can grind dust into the record, causing wear that’s difficult—or impossible—to reverse.
Why Brushing Alone Isn’t Enough
Using a dry brush before every play is the minimum level of care every record should receive. It removes loose surface dust and helps reduce static electricity.
However, dry brushing alone does not provide deep cleaning. Over time, oils, residue, and embedded debris build up in the grooves—and that’s where wet cleaning becomes essential.
The Importance of Wet Cleaning
A proper wet cleaning system lifts debris out of the grooves without leaving behind residue. Poor-quality fluids can leave films on records that attract even more dust, so the formulation of the cleaning fluid matters just as much as the tool itself.
Bob discusses two wet cleaning systems that meet this standard and are available on the Andover Audio website:
Both systems are designed to clean effectively without leaving residue behind.
Don’t Forget the Stylus
The stylus often accumulates sticky residue from oils, plasticizers in new vinyl, and environmental contaminants. A dry stylus brush can help, but in many cases a light wet cleaning is more effective.
Always clean the stylus gently from back to front, using minimal fluid.
Vinyl That Lasts a Lifetime
With proper care, records can last for decades. Bob still owns records from the 1970s and 1980s that sound excellent today—because they were cleaned and maintained correctly. By contrast, many used records that look visually clean but sound poor are often victims of improper care.
Good record care isn’t complicated—but it is essential.
👉 Watch the full episode of On The Record with Bob Hazelwood and explore our record care collection .