How to clean record album covers and labels

Record collector, secret dreams of becoming a DJ, holding on for nostalgia? Whatever the reason, if you want your vinyl in tiptop shape, you'll need to keep the covers and inside labels clean as part of the package. Here's how.

It's usually best to leave blemishes on album jackets undisturbed — especially if they're collectible albums or have matte covers, which are damaged by most cleaning efforts. Glossy or laminated covers are easier to clean, but there's still a risk of damaging them.

If you still feel compelled to perform cosmetic surgery on your album covers, here are some recommended approaches to removing common marks and stains. Be careful, though, and don't forget to remove the record and place it in a secure area before you begin.

• Dirt and dust can usually be removed from glossy covers with a slightly damp towel or a tiny bit of mild furniture polish for some added shine.

• Remove stickers, labels, or tape by heating them with a hair dryer, and then carefully peeling them off. (Any leftover adhesive will usually come off with a little citrus-based cleaner or lighter fluid.)

• Use a small amount of hairspray on a soft cloth to eliminate pen or ink marks on glossy covers.

• To get rid of permanent marker, try drawing over it with a dry-erase marker, and then wiping it off with a soft, dry cloth.

• To remove pencil marks and other types of non-ink blemishes, lightly use a soft rubber pencil eraser. Or even better, use a less abrasive kneaded eraser, available from any art supply store.

• Record labels are even trickier to clean than album jackets.
• Even a small amount of water applied to a label will cause most labels to blister (which will diminish the value of a collectible album), while a single slip of your hand across the record's surface can leave a serious scratch.
• If you need to clean a dirty label, stick with an acceptable dry method, such as a sable brush or some gentle buffing with a soft towel or a strip of corduroy.
• A kneaded eraser, sold at art supply stores, is also effective for removing dirt and stains without dampening.