How to Use a Record Brush - Avoid Damage!

A carbon fiber record brush is one of the oldest but arguably most essential turntable accessories.
To keep on top of dust, it's wise to use a carbon fiber record brush before and after playing each side of your records.
There's some debate out there about the best method, so in today's video, I explain the best and safest approach to get effective and safe cleaning results.
Resources & Links: (AAF = Amazon Affiliate Link)
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AudioQuest Record Brush (AAF):
geni.us/audioquest
Record on deck (Black Nasty - Talking to the People:
www.vinylmeplease.com/product...
Full article on How to Use a Record Brush:
www.yoursoundmatters.com/how-...
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Partner/Sponsor Discounts:
GrooveWasher Record Cleaning Products (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
www.groovewasher.com/
Twelve Inch Vinyl Displays (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10 for 10% Off)
twelve-inch.com/
VSS Record Sleeves: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS10 on checkout):
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Vinyl Pursuit - Vintage Vinyl Online: (Use code SOUNDMATTERS15):
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Vinyl Moon Record Subscription (Use code: SOUNDMATTERS10)
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#vinylrecords #vinylcommunity #recordcollection #recordcleaning

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! Drop your comments and questions below. If you'd like to support the channel, check the video description for many DISCOUNT CODES codes to enjoy money off various products and feed your vinyl habit! (I earn a small commission - no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

[@ElIsworth]

Will the brush get dust that is stuck in the grooves out. In one of my records I have popping and then it skips. It’s in the same place every time and I know it is dust, I just don’t know how to get it out. Do you have any ideas on how?

[@Colin623]

Thank you for the advice when using the brush, I've been doing wrong since I bought my new deck 3 months ago ! I bought a small bottle of cleaning liquid spray from Amazon, which wasn't that great, hardly did anything when it came to the clicks and pops, so saw on here about G2, went onto a site to buy it, and I saw G3 was available 8oz in size, arrived last week, used it for the first time a few days ago, sprayed it on as recommended, used a short pile microfibre cloth to clean the LP, then sprayed the LP with distilled water, and used a deep pile microfibre cloth to finish the drying/cleaning process, omg, I couldn't believe how good it sounded, it takes a lot to impress me in general, but this blew me away, prior to cleaning the LP had a lot of clicks and pops between tracks in particular, but after cleaning those issues were reduced by 90% at least, no exaggeration !

[@calvinnapier9977]

I just got myself a Record Doctor LP Goat 🐐 Hair Brush. Have to say so far I'm loving this brush and the tips are very soft. So anyone that might want to drag it across the vinyl, I'm positive it won't scratch. My records so far are very quiet and very clean.

[@PBvan]

always good to pool our information! I connected an earth cable to my brush so now it removes the static from my records completely. Dust also comes off more easily. All I used was an old speaker cable and some duct tape.

[@soundmatters]

Hey P.B - thanks for your comment on this. I definitely see the logic in the center spindle method if it's grounded. Nice hack too! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the music

[@vinylwood]

Thx for this cleaning info. I have had vinyl for five decades now and I was always taught to glide the brush to the center and touch the spindle. Also no one ever mentioned the fact of keeping the brush more strt up and light touch. Good quick vid b

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy the music

[@johnpischedda6951]

Thanks so much I've been pressing too hard and also not utilising the front of brush back of brush technique! Practical advise much appreciated !

[@Deebhoy]

I've just found out I've been doing it wrong for the last 35 years 😂. Thanks for the video. Often the most simplest of videos are the most effective 👍

How did you do it?

[@Deebhoy]

@ lightly held it at an angle and moved it across away from the vinyl. If only we had KZbin in the 80s!

@@Deebhoy you mean begin at the center and then finish to the border next to the first track? If this is so, you're doing it right, don't worry. I was taught this way by the Audiotechnica KZbin channel.

[@Deebhoy]

@ Cheers Jose - like many I have vinyl that is over 40 years old but still in immaculate condition, so the advice is very helpful.

[@sexytasmin]

Good video.i think you are right dragging the brush across the Record just moves the debris to another part of the Record. I use a Misty Zerostat gun after using the brush.

[@paulrevelli]

I've always followed Audioquest's directions as they are clearly printed on the package: I place the brush on the record WITHOUT PRESSING. It’s very important to let only the weight of the brush touch the surface of the record as evenly as possible. I start at the 9 o’clock position (not the 6 o'clock position) perpendicular to the spindle, let the record rotate three or four times, and then gradually swing the brush COUNTERCLOCKWISE to the edge of the record before lifting it off. Definitely a matter of "whatever works" for some people, but this method works for me every time.

[@soundmatters]

Nice one, Paul. Yea, the method in this video (or at least how I interpret it) is on the back of the packaging of this black and gold contacts version. As you say, whatever works, but also, in many respects, how patient you are. Happy spinning and thanks for your contribution

[@RUfromthe40s]

when taking out of the record against the grooves it makes the dust gathered in the brush be again in the grooves ,never against the grooves but the same way the groves go ,if not clean at first passage clean it another time ,the same with velour type cleaning vinil , this is how it´s done . Going to the edge of the record doesn´t it make the brush go against the grooves?

[@roetsj]

That's what I have done for the last 40 years

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@roetsj some think they´re cleaning the record but just putting all dust gathered in one place which becomes noisy or one would never clean the dust from the record

[@rm-mastering]

Great video, I too brush records exactly the same way you do and for good reason and it does work best, the other ways for example, like after brushing the same way initially then drag the brush across the record to touch the spindle (in some hope) to discharge any static charge on the brush, you will inevitably deposit some of the dust from the brush back into the groove as you drag the brush across, I have witnessed this on every occasion I used that technique. I have never been convinced or witnessed that touching the spindle method removes static and including static removing tools like Anti Static Guns... they still leave static on the records.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for your comment RN and for sharing your personal experience with this technique, much appreciated. Yea, I've never been quite convinced by the spindle static discharge theory either. Happy spinning.

[@dundergod]

I use Discwasher D4 system and that works just fine. I have a Dual carbon fiber brush similar to the one in the video but hardly use it at all.

[@MidFiMan]

Your method is the same method I use, so I'm happy to know I'm not the only one! ;)

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching. Cool 😎 Yea, I think we’re in the minority on this one. Pros and cons to each method though. Happy spinning!

[@michaellundsrensen2292]

I use the carbon fiber brush with my antistatic gun. Works perfect every times. Good video!

[@soundmatters]

A good route 👍🎶🎧

[@winstoncampbell9547]

Hi I do have the carbon cleaner only replaced once in a life time,I do like what looks like an SME ITOK arm 👍🏾

[@Bootradr]

I use a carbon fiber brush that has a wooden handle and longer carbon fiber needles (or whatever the little brush pieces are called). I first used one similar to the one that you were showing but I never noticed the plastic part of the handle making contact with the brushes. And the cheap handle would pop off too often. I used two of those that wore down quicker than I thought they should. I brush every LP when I put it on the turntable but have not really brushed the LP when taking it off of the platter. I do like that idea. I think the nicer, at least to me, wooden handle brush I use has lasted a lot longer than the plastic types. I've been really pleased with it and it just seems to fit my hand better and I don't have to worry about it if the handle pops off or if the brush starts wearind down too much and then I start having the risk of the plastic frame accidentally sliding across the vinyl if the brush is slightly tilted. If they made those kind like you were showing in a better quality product I'd still be using those myself. I do believe that the one I've been using since about September of last year has been a big upgrade. It seems to do a much better job too and I think that may be because the bristles, and that's the word I was looking for earlier, are longer and I'm able to keep the wooden frame away from the vinyl. Hopefully this makes sense in this long reply haha. I had never heard about just pulling the brush up but I'm going to give that a try and see how it works 👍 Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for your contribution Brian! Do you have a link to the wooden handle brush you use? I'd like to check it out. I do hear your criticism of the plastic build of most carbon record brushes - you have to be a bit careful with the handle and only press very lightly for sure!

[@Bootradr]

@@soundmatters Yes, here is the link to Amazon where I got my Vinyl Buddy. It also comes with a really well built brush for getting things like fingerprints and other types of material off of our LPs that the microfiber brush doesn't get. Both of them are very well built. It also came with a brush for cleaning the stylus. It's just a plastic thing but it works good as well. I was almost half expecting to get something that looked like wood but with some other material when I ordered it. But I was pleasantly surprised and the products are well built. I haven't used the cleaner. I'm real picky about what I'm going to wind up finally using. There's just so many goods and bads on just about everything out there for the wet cleaning that I'm thinking of just using distilled water. I bought an ultrasonic cleaner but I didn't spend a ton of money and get one of those real expensive ones. I also bought a pen that had that tetry... (and I can't remember the rest of the chemical name) fluid that you put drops of into the water before cleaning. But as soon as I got that thing, I started seeing videos left and right about how that chemical can damage LP's over time. I've seen a few guys that just used the distilled water with no chemicals and they claim it works great. Think I'm going to try that first :-) Anyhow, here's the link to the brush kit that I bought and like. This is the Amazon Lincoln America but I'm sure you'd be able to find it real easily too if this link doesn't work. And as I mentioned, the name of the kit is Vinyl Buddy. I hope you have a great day and thanks for the great videos! Vinyl Buddy Record Cleaner Kit 5 Piece Ultimate Cleaning System - Velvet Brush - Nylon Microfiber Brush - Stylus Brush - LP Cleaning Solution - Storage Pouch a.co/d/aoP9vrg PS, forgive my messages if they ever look poorly written or proofread. I'm legally blind and I have to use Google Voice to Text and then go back and try to correct any errors with a magnifier. I don't always get the errors haha 😆

[@allanramusiewicz996]

Absolutely Nothing to Forgive Being Legally Blind as is My Youngest 33 Year Old Son Who also Happens to be a Professionell Musician 🎶♥️🎶‼️ God Bless You and Keep Listening to “The Magic”; MUSIC 🎶🎶🎶♥️‼️

[@Bootradr]

@@allanramusiewicz996 Thank you Allan and God bless you and your son and family as well! I've always loved the music too 👍👍

[@RUfromthe40s]

just pulling the brush up is how it´s done the other way the brush goes against the grooves making the dust gathers in the place you took it of the record ,so not very smart to go against the grooves but who am i to try to teach people with experience i only started to work with vinyl in a daily bases 56 years ago when starting a proper radio station in my region which had none ,also when starting to work as a dj for 35 years till 2007 my records were always clean ,cracles and other noises are not good when mixing records. Also i use a brush and also a velour type dust cleaner none of them are perfect but the two together does show if it´s really clean

[@yambo59]

I like the design of the audio quest brush but thirty bucks just seems insane for such a simple accessory

[@anttitenhunen4725]

Thank you so much! I always wondered, how you get rid of the dust and I used to slowly go towards the outer edge of the vinyl :D I had to repeat this over 10 times for a vinyl loaned from my parents as every time I rose the brush, there was a noticeable grey layer of dust but it ultimately worked and the record has never sounded as good!

[@soundmatters]

Enjoy. Sounds like it might benefit from a wet clean if it's very very dusty. This method does require multiple repeats of the brush if it is a very dusty record, but it does avoid dragging stuff across the surface - pros and cons.

[@anttitenhunen4725]

@@soundmatters Yeah, it might be more effective to do wet clean already :D But yeah, your method worked very well but it required lot of repetition given the bad starting state :D

[@78vinyl97]

I start by using a crabon fibre brush the exact way in the video.i then use a velvet brush to get rid of any remainig dust.seems to work great for me.

[@TwinHat]

I have been using thay brush and i find when indo this method without dragging the brush it leaves a line of dust, which repeating the method can take 20- 30 minutes to get that collected line of dust off and sometimes i cant. It cant be good for my record player to keep stop starting to check. I dont wanna drag the excess dust off but at the same time i dont wanna spend longer cleaning than listening so whatvother way can i get it off with thos brush?

[@mic982]

Discwasher© from the 1970's. Walnut handle, soft brush, D3 (now D4) vinyl cleaner. I've cleaned my hundreds of records, thousand of times and it still gets the job done. I now use a different fluid as the D4 is hard to find and very speedy. When they make a better product (in the USA) I'll maybe buy it.

[@soundmatters]

Have you tried the GrooveWasher stuff? It’s based on the original Discwasher formula

[@mic982]

@@soundmatters No, I've not heard of it, til now. To be honest, I haven't looked for another product to replace what has been working so well, but may need to soon. The brush on my Discwasher is getting pretty worn. That's why I clicked on this video. Thanks, I'll give it a look.

[@soundmatters]

@@mic982 cool. Well thanks for watching. There’s a link in the description to GrooveWasher with a discount code if you feel like supporting the channel. No extra cost to you. Enjoy the music!

[@alexstewart8097]

Turntables like the Fluance have inside their plinth the ground cable connected to that center spindle, and that's why some people after cleaning their records touch it with the brush, as to discharge the static...whether that works or not, just remember what they say about the details though. Cool carbon brush , indeed...Shema!!!

[@soundmatters]

Thanks Alex - yes, I can see the logic if the ground is connected there; otherwise, not. so much. Happy spinning!

[@RUfromthe40s]

my 74 pioneer already had that as other brands also .flunace only copied parts of other more complete record players to make an average sounding record player ,does anyone here notices that this fluance or Rega or pro-ject when playing a vinil one can notice the bad quality of the cd sound ,like one if wanted to listen to a cd after listening to records it´s better to take a pause or the cd will sound like a bad recorded cassette?isn´t so?

[@earthoid]

I have a few hundred vinyl records that I acquired by being a music lover when vinyl was the only way to build a good sounding collection (many would argue that it still is the only way). I have the Spin-Clean washer and the Audioquest brush and special sleeves so my records are all in very good shape. But as I get older and lazier I tend to listen almost exclusively to digital. I recently splurged on a highly rated DAC that makes most digital recordings sound quite listenable. So when they eventually wheel me into an old folks home I'll leave the vinyl behind and probably just bring a DAC kit with headphones and my subscription to Qobuz streaming service. (apologies for rambling on)

[@soundmatters]

Enjoy the music however you choose :) happy listening

[@takhirwilliam4429]

Спасибо за ролик. Эта тема многих сейчас интересует. Я всегда считал, что нужно держать щётку перпендикулярно дорожкам несколько оборотов. При этом несильно прижимая её к поверхности пластинки. После чего плавно сдвинуть к центру яблока и убрать. У вас немного другой подход. Попробую обязательно. 😊

[@mostirreverent]

I have an older audio quest brush that has a metal handle, and I got a zap when it touches the spindle, so I’m assuming it’s discharging

[@MikeLeePhoto]

Still got my original Decca Carbon Fiber Brush !

[@soundmatters]

Cool - a nice bit of retro. Happy spinning

[@igohardkoncrete]

i learned the hard way be careful and don't apply to much pressure or else you will scratch your records up IMMENSELY lol

[@Pedro_B_101]

I use a 2.5 in. angled paintbrush … think about it!

[@geopapa80]

Thanks for the nice video. What's that led light you use to light the platter?

[@soundmatters]

The light is an UberFlex USB LED light - really handy. Here's an Amazon affiliate link if you wanted to pick one up: geni.us/uberlightflex

[@geopapa80]

@@soundmatters thnx

[@Foxrock321]

I still have the classic disc washer wood handle with fluid and brush to clean the brush

[@soundmatters]

Cool. Many people have hung on to those it seems. Happy spinning

[@gdwatts7407]

I prefer a record cleaning brush with a soft microfiber pad moisten with a cleaning solution. I place the pad on the record while it’s rotating with the grooves. Next, I clean the pad with the cleaning brush that came with the record cleaning system and then I drop the needle on the lead in groove before the music starts.

[@ichidome]

do you know if this simple and time-tested technique works with the groovewasher brush and fluid as it did with discwasher back in the day?

[@heathhenry4805]

Hi, thanks for all of your videos they're really helpful. Do you have an opinion on the long term use of your Project vacuum record cleaner? I've seen some negative reviews about the felt strips failing after only a handful of uses and, in some cases, actually damaging records. I imagine you've used yours quite a lot so your thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for watching and for your comment. Felt strips failing after a small amount of washes isn't something I've experienced with my machine. Though it is worth noting that they changed the design on the recent model, so perhaps there's been some teething problems with the new one? It's hard for me to say as I only had a demo unit of the new version. I still have my original VC-E and though I use it less since getting an ultrasonic machine, when I was using it heavily I would check the felt strips regularly. Like any record cleaning process, there are pros and cons, so I would just check the felt strips regularly and change them at any sign of wear. Hope this helps

[@heathhenry4805]

@@soundmatters that's very helpful, thanks

[@paulduggan5323]

Do you dilute your G2 washer or, as the video suggests, just apply as is when using a vacuum record cleaner? Thanks in advance, Paul

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for the question, Paul. G2 fluid is ready to go straight out the bottle. The Pro-Ject fluid, on the other hand, is a concentrate and has to be mixed with distilled water. Hope this helps

[@paulduggan5323]

Great help, thanks 🙏

[@musicmaste1956]

to prevent static loads while brushing, I touch the metal case of my amp while holding the brush.

[@davesdream]

Personally the carbon fiber brushes don't do jack, actually for me it generates more static that attract more dust, and the fibers are so weak that they don't really pull dust up. My personal preference is the velvet brush. Switch to 78rpm and place it at the edge and really slowly move to the center label, it will take around 30 second the whole pass (following the groove direction, as if doing it in reverse you will be leaving dust on every groove behind more easily) only allowing like one inch area of the whole brush to touch the record. It requires patience, but is part of the joy of playing a record After done you can rotate brush 180 degrees and repeat. This method, even with previously cleaned record, you still can see a white spot on the black velvet from all the collected dust.

[@soundmatters]

I love the velvet brush for applying cleaning fluid when using my Pro-Ject VC-E cleaning machine. Much better than the goat hair brush they supply and it gives the record a great pre-clean in the process. Thanks for your contribution to the topic. Enjoy the music!

[@memal25]

I've seen it said to discharge static by touching the metal to the spindle. I haven't paid enough attention to know if it really works.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks Memal25 - that's the theory, yes. In my experience, if record is statically charged, then no amount of using a carbon fiber record brush will discharge it. Only really an anti-static gun (like the Milty Zero Stat) wet cleaning the record will neutralize it.

[@HawkFest]

Thanks for the recommendation. However, as I'm currently shopping a cleaning system for my vinyls, it seems that those brushes' bristles come off easily. They get trapped in the grooves and damage the stylus (and, of course, the resulting sound). Even for the brush that you're showcasing, there are such complaints. So, what should we do with this, really? Is there a brush out there that's manufactured as solid as they were not so long ago?

[@soundmatters]

I haven't personally experienced that issue with the AudioQuest brush, though I have with the Pro-Ject goat hair brush, so I know how annoying it can be. It might make for an interesting video to buy a few of the models on the market and compare them... Watch this space...

[@daniannaci3258]

I have used the earlier Audioquest carbon fiber brush for nearly two decades without an issue, meaning it never lost a bristle. The newer (maybe 5 years now) Audioquest brush (with the gold handle inlays) has had no issues either. BTW, those gold inlays where you grab the brush handle are there to make electrical contact with the human using the brush to drain away any static charge. My wife says she always thought I was grounded 😮.

[@alvingalvez1275]

Watching from Philippines

[@soundmatters]

Welcome! Happy spinning

[@yanivshef992]

in my experience if I'm not swiping off the brash toward the record rim it'll leave a line of dust residue. i have been doing this for years and it doesn't impact my records at all.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks Yaniv. Yea, it can leave a trail of dust. Frustrating. I’ve done a follow up video to this one: Am I Using a Record Brush Wrong!? Pros & Cons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmLNZJWPoZaWn6c Pros and cons I think. If you repeat the process the line does eventually go, and risk from dragging is small in most cases. Bourses for courses as we say here in England. Happy spinning and enjoy the music

[@surf01er66]

I have the same brush, handle with care . Looking to upgrade......Aloha

[@potatosordfighter666]

I'm very new to the hobby, and I have wondered about different brush types. The reason I would want to stay away from the carbon brush is that is seems like the fibers could potentially damage the record quite easily, but that's just an amateur opinion. The reason I would want to stay away from a softer fibrous record brush is because I can see those fibers potentially getting caught on the record, but overall I see the softer brushes as less likely to cause damage. Since you're someone who uses the carbon brush, what comments do you have about my intuitions and what are the different levels of safety related to each type (carbon and soft pad) brushes?

[@TheMirolab]

The individual carbon fibers are far too thin & light to create any damage to the record. I don't like the pad-type because you actually do put more pressure onto the record. I haven't used the D4 pad type since the 80's.

[@Majnun74]

I thought you were supposed to drag the brush towards the spindle so that the metal touches creating an antistatic reaction?

[@NitroGummyBear]

Pulling towards the center could carry the dust across and could scratch. Also, if the center metal spindle were to discharge the brush, wouldn’t that mean that the dust could just straight up fall back or be “sucked” back to the record? Wouldn’t want that.

[@hifitommy]

i agree with not flexing the brush but to drag the tips into the grooves even though the grooves are too small to have the bristles reach their bottom, the surface dust and lint fibers will be removed from the surface and avoid fouling the stylus and interfere with tracking. i personally drag the brush off to the outside and have no fear of damaging the vinyl. being left handed seems to be a benefit for this process. the static generated by the brushing process collapses into the ground plane via the spindle so a shot of zerostat isn't necessary until you remove the LP from the platter before you place the disc back in the sleeve. this sequence obviates the record from being in the jacket and charged with static that might attract dust into the grooves. ...hifitommy

[@markcarrington8565]

I’m going to differ with most people here when I say I never brush my records. When a record arrives in my house, new or old, before it goes near the turntable it is treated to a thorough wet clean on my Pro-Ject VC-E machine. After this it goes into an archive quality anti-static sleeve ready for playing later. Playing ritual consists of taking the record from the sleeve, placing it on the felt mat, queueing the cartridge, closing the lid and sitting back to listen to a static free, dust free perfect playback. Dry cleaning records will almost certainly cause more damage as you’re dragging dust across the surface of the record, and no, it doesn’t matter if you go along or across, the dust is still being dragged. Secondly, friction causes static build up, so why do it? Cheers.

[@VinylRage3676]

I'm kind of the same way I do a light brushing on brand new vinyl and a full wet clean on used vinyl then it goes right on the turntable then get's ripped to my computer for a archive.

[@mike_burke]

Same. For all new and used vinyl coming into my possession: Blow away loose paper dust, hairs and other debris with a can of compressed air, then onto the Pro-ject VCS 2 for a wet clean. Vacuum dry and drop into a new MoFi inner sleeve and done in no time. Pops, crackles, static be gone… 😊

[@markcarrington8565]

@@mike_burke I save on the compressed air by using the blower on the machine 😁

[@markcarrington8565]

@@VinylRage3676 new vinyl is often covered in release agent. A wet clean gets rid of that too.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks Mark. For sure, there's a lot of folks out there that simply won't use them. Playing with the lid down definitely helps keep the dust away; the downside is you can get more turntable resonance. I too use the Pro-Ject VC-E on used and new records - great machine. I like to remove as much of the loose stuff first though with the AudioQuest brush before doing any wet cleaning, but that's just me. The Humminguru is a third step I use if I'm dealing with a very dirty record. I'm hoping to compare the Himminguru to the Degritter on this channel very shortly. Happy listening and thanks again for your contribution to the topic!

[@automatedelectronics6062]

First. the metal surfaces on the brush are supposedly connected to the carbon fiber bristles and are supposed to be where you hold them while at the same time being in contact with your other hand with a grounded source. The theory is that doing this will dissipate the static electrical charge created by the friction of the carbon fibers. It does NOT. Should you lift the brush off the record abruptly, it will leave a line of dust being held to the record by the created static electricity. Moving the brush gradually and across the record is more apt to sweep the dust off the record. Directions for usage are seldom supplied with the cleaning products anymore. But, dating back to those cleaning brushes, like the DiscWasher, the instructions are provided to not remove the brush abruptly but to gradually slide it off the record. When using a dry brush, the record should then be removed from the turntables immediately, remove the turntable mat which may be stuck to it, and while balancing the record on the bottom side label with one hand, shooting the record in multiple places with a ZeroStat gun. At his time, the record can be put back on the platter, virtually static-free. I also like to spray the record with "canned air" as the record rotates at the slowest speed. After playing one side of the record, the cleaning process should be repeated before playing the other side. Because the friction of the stylus playing the grooves of a vinyl record, static electricity is created, so at minimum, the record should be removed from the platter, shot again with a ZeroStat gun, and blown off with "canned air". By wet-cleaning a record on an RCM, which also vacuums it, the process neutralizes static electricity until the record is played.

[@dawgvet7756]

Would not recommend using "canned air" because of the residue it leaves on the vinyl. Spray it on a dark surface and see that lovely white residue it leaves, that is the refrigerant it uses that is now on your vinyls. Plus now they also add "anti-huffing" agents to the cans. Also found this "but often it's the gas itself that carries residue that vaporized in the gas compression process that is used to fill the can. The residue is an oily "sludge" and requires polar and non-polar solvents to clean off" So use at your own risk.

[@yoshisaurusrex3767]

Idk why but it never works for me :( The cheap one you see everywhere will leave its own fibres on the record and create a neat line of particles just like every other brush. I also get a ton of static that causes more noise than the dirt itself. Any suggestions?

[@soundmatters]

Hey! Thanks for watching. Repeat the use of the brush a few times if you're still getting dust (I find the black AudioQuest one better then the very cheap ones). Failing that, if you've still got dust, it's probably time to wet-clean the record. Wet cleaning will also fully remove the static charge you're mentioning too. If static electricity is a big issue where you live (it can be in very dry climates - not as much here in soggy old England), then I would recommend the Milty Zero Stat antistatic gun. Hope this helps! Happy spinning

[@yoshisaurusrex3767]

@@soundmatters I wet clean every record once i get it, be it used or new. But an antistatic gun seems like a good idea :)

[@idkwhattomakemyusrname]

i bought a record anti static brish and it leaves behind either tiny hairs or scratches. should i get a different brand or...?

[@idkwhattomakemyusrname]

btw its big fudge brand

[@soundmatters]

Some of them are really sharp. Big Fudge source their products OEM. I’d get the Audio Quest version

[@dsnyder0cnn]

Lifting straight off does not work for me. It just leaves a neat row of tiny particles on the record surface. Perhaps static is causing them to cling more vigorously to the record than the brush. Not sure. Repetition does not help significantly.

[@yoshisaurusrex3767]

Exactly my problem with every brush ever.

[@soundmatters]

Hey David. Thanks for watching and for your comment. Lifting straight off is ideal, but what you describe can be a problem and is quite frustrating. The brush is better at gathering dust than retaining it. It might be worth wet cleaning off the rest of the dust if you're still getting a line of it after several passes with a dry brush. A quick wipe with something like GrooveWasher would undoubtedly help and the fluid will remove the static charge. As with all these things, how closely you do things "by the book" is all a balance of ideals and how much patience you have :) - Enjoy the music.

[@charliebell5584]

I've just been using a microfiber towel😅

[@mckinnonjames]

Wait! There is a way to keep dust off records?

[@TheMirolab]

Nooooo...... the brush takes the dust off the record, but it cannot KEEP the dust from landing on it!

[@thomas3crows487]

The best result is opening the holder, putting the media in the player, and hitting play. No cleaning, crackle, or worying about static.

[@thomas3crows487]

Yes I use a carbon brush, it helps, but it's definitely not a fix with my weather conditions.

[@soundmatters]

Super dry climate?

[@thomas3crows487]

@@soundmatters - no not super dry at all, but it's still an issue. I've often wondered why the center spindle of turn tables, and platters isn't made of copper.

[@chadergeist]

That label's logo on that record looks like a large K-Tel Records logo.

[@noisyspace]

The idea of having carbon fibre on the surface of my records filled me with dread. Purchased one looked at it said no way. This is not going near my plastic. Opted for a microfibre cloth, cleaned regularly is essential, and wetgoat brush combo and very happy. Also check out any second hand records you have and under good light as you may well see the tell tale signs of over brushing.

[@noisyspace]

​@Dale Cooper Carbon fiber is stronger than steel, lighter than fiberglass, and more rigid than aluminum. Up against vinyl am convinced it is doing invisible long term damage. Just my own thoughts

[@dosstodd8014]

I’ve used them for years and they mostly just move the dust around.

[@TheMirolab]

I've always swept away and off the record, and I'm too old to change.

[@mr.midnight7423]

Hmm I can’t seem to sweep up the dust using this method. It just sticks on the vinyl. The only method that works for me is to sweep it to the middle

[@soundmatters]

If the record is very dusty, this can be frustrating. There are pros and cons to each method. This method has the least risk of dragging particles across the surface, while moving the brush inward or out definitely makes it easier to clean with less attempts.

[@edwilson5416]

What if you have an automatic turntable? You cant spin the record without it starting to play.

[@soundmatters]

Good question: if you move the tonearm manually with the level raised, the platter will start spinning, allowing you to use the carbon brush. I realise this negates the ease of an automatic deck though… pros and cons! 🎶🎧

[@lonelycake4114]

Are there accessories to level a record player?

[@soundmatters]

Yes! For sure, you can get spirit levels like this one (Affiliate link: amzn.to/3LmNMjt)

[@lonelycake4114]

@@soundmatters Im talking about things to level the record player, not to see if it is level

[@soundmatters]

@@lonelycake4114 I see - what turntable do you have? Are the feet adjustable?

[@lonelycake4114]

@@soundmatters Rega P3. I dont think they are, not sure.

[@soundmatters]

@@lonelycake4114 Ah, tricky then. You'd have to use card or something in combination with a spirit level to make adjustments.

[@blownouttransmission5832]

at-6012 or 6012xa .

[@justinbyrne5736]

Sand paper is the best for wiping over vinyl

[@ArthurFarts]

I prefer to use steel wool. Gives it a lovely finish. Then I rinse it off with lighter fluid.

[@djsonvinylcollection]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@chkchrycla]

I just use my wire grill brush.

[@owenmanuela6949]

for the BBq you mean lol

[@soundmatters]

Perfect for polishing of those pesky grooves entirely :)

[@PanteraRossa]

You’re not “dragging” anything by brushing outwards. Nobody is saying to “stab” record’s outwards or inwards for that matter, we’re saying to gently brush at an angle, out so the dust and dirt comes off the record. Brushing in towards the label is only collecting dust on the label and it will make the record dirty again. Static is a crap inner sleeve and record mat problem. The brush is contributing very little to that. Get an acrylic platter/mat and anti static inners if you’re having static issues, and don’t use those velvet brush things.

[@jives11]

I do that but wipe the brush on my trousers. I repeat until no white dust trails are left on them

[@soundmatters]

Probably makes them sound more "vinyl(y)" --- :)

[@jives11]

@@soundmatters my trousers ? 🤣

[@soundmatters]

@@jives11 who wouldn’t want vinyl(y) sounding trousers!? 🤣

I don't use the brush that way. I begin at the center and end at the border of the first track. This was taught to me on the Audiotechnica KZbin channel. The way you are showing doesn't remove all the dust. Sorry, I've tried it and it doesn't work completely. But nice video though.

[@soundmatters]

Hey Jose. Thanks for watching and for your comment. There's lots of debate about the "right" or "wrong" way for sure. Pros and cons to each. If you use the method in this video, you will likely have to repeat the step more often, as moderate to very dusty records will likely leave a line of dust behind. Eventually, it does go. If it doesn't, it's probably time to wet-clean that record anyway. Is it the end of the world if you drag the brush across, no. But it carries a bit more risk of dragging a particle across the record surface. At the end of the day, the method you choose is a balance of risk and how much patience you have ;) - Happy spinning and enjoy the music.

[@jameskolar9655]

I won’t buy that Audioquest brush. The price of it is insulting! Your method seems ok to me though. A little brush and clean is important to keep your vinyl records clean and subsequently your cartridge too!!

[@TheMirolab]

My advice is to go back in time 35 years, and buy it when it was only $15 like I did. I've had mine that long. If you take care of it, it's an investment that doesn't add up to much in the long run.

[@PINGLUNALANLAW]

audioquest brush on record not only removes static charges but also dirt debris easy to use no extra pressure on vinyl cause damage like the dishwasher brush made of hard wood and synthetic cloth

[@keithajacoby]

Original Dishwasher D4 system is proven best solution. The new courdoroy ones are not as good.

[@phillzipp]

Great advice, thanks 🙂 I like to dust my flat and blow dust everywhere, then get the vacuum hoover out. Give the floor a once over then throw the contents high in the air whilst putting my favourite cherished LP on whilst smoking a cigarette. 🙃😁

[@soundmatters]

😂🤣

[@EclecticApotheosis]

Wet cleaning with a vacuum cleaner (Keith Monks type) brings out new detail in records as well as simply cleaning out specks of dirt. It's like upgrading your phono cartridge. Then adding LAST record preservative will boost clarity and lower distortion bringing out yet another sonic upgrade. I'm doing non-critical vinyl listening now so I don't bother with any of that except using the carbon fiber brush before each play. It all depends on your level of dedication and the sensitivity of your ears. I am surprised at the relative lack of attention among enthusaists to the LAST preservative fluid. It's expensive, but so are vinyl records. To me the value of it was not the supposed protection from record wear but the lifting of a sonic veil. A measurable distortion reduction that you could easily hear -- even my cloth-eared friends heard it and started using it. Disclaimer: I have no financial incentive or connection to the company.

[@soundmatters]

Cool. Interesting: does that leave any residue on the record?

[@EclecticApotheosis]

@@soundmatters The carrier fluid in LAST is supposed to evaporate (keep the bottle closed as much as possible). The active agent, whatever it is, is supposed to bond with the surface of the vinyl, changing the qualities of the mechanical interface with the stylus. I say "supposed to" because I have no way to verify the claims. I only heard the result -- cleaner, clearer midrange and high frequencies. So, it's definitely doing something. Here is what the company website claims: "As your stylus plays, it creates a pressure wave ahead of itself in the groove. LAST Record Preservative diffuses into the surface molecular layers of the vinyl to resist the damaging effects of that stylus pressure wave. The 30-second treatment affects the vinyl to a depth of about ten molecular layers and becomes part of the groove wall. There are no surface residues for the stylus to pick up. In fact, overuse is harmless. We recommend a deep clean of records such as with LAST Power Cleaner before applying LAST Record Preservative." I personally would choose a wet cleaning over the LAST Power Cleaner, but that's me -- I think you need a vacuum to get all the gunk out. Simply using a little pad with the LAST cleaner, I would not trust to completely remove whatever needs removing. But it's better than nothing, I'm sure. Michael Fremer has touted it, though not lately that I am aware.

[@donny303]

Your thumb was touching the brush when wiping back and forth.

[@Cptsquizzle]

Those fibres are NOT penetrating the grooves …. They are far too large. It’s a surface sweep only.

[@natesanders9104]

Ahhh…. Ultrasonic is the way to go. There is nothing better.

[@sidvicious3129]

I would agree with you. The added benefit of Ultrasonic Cleaning is the elimination of static build up even after using a vacuum cleaner to remove the water. I own the record brush used in this video and other record cleaning brushes and none of them have in no way ever scratched a record. Also I have used the record brush in all of the ways mentioned and it works about the same way in all cases, but the way he mentioned is more logical.

[@soundmatters]

Ultrasonic is great. I certainly wouldn't expect a record brush to replace wet cleaning, only prevent build up of dust over time. I kinda miss having the Shure M97xe as my main cart, as the stabiliser brush was great for protecting the stylus from dust. Happy listening!

[@grandadgamer8390]

You must use The Brush this way, or u will be shot 😂

[@EzaVinylAddict]

Nope fibres won't "penetrate the grooves" because a bristle is larger than a groove and will not fit in the groove.

[@cmkilcullen8176]

Thanks for doing this, but how about being more informing and less commercial please. Cleaning a record that actually has typical debris on it using this method will show it's effectiveness. Cleaning a clean record just makes it look like "just another" method. I think this is important especially when you are suggesting something different from other methods. It is better to demonstrate how your method is better. With that said - I will give this a try. I usually move the brush slowly towards the end of the record as this is the same direction the needle plays along the record. I can see how even that degree of friction might not be a good idea, but even if you keep the brush in place, the grooves are - to to speak - are still "moving" and the brush is not. Does this not also result in friction to some degree? Placing the brush to tickle it so that the fibres get into the grooves for sure makes sense. What do you think? Peace-

[@Markymarkvinylnut]

Never use a brush! I found all carbon brushes just push dust around and leave carbon fibre hairs on the record. Milti gun and air blower works better for me.

[@freespirit4941]

A 5 min video on how to use a record brush💀

[@xxzxozkxlxton1344]

I’m so scared of using my brush I suck at it

[@spareflyer]

Always keep records in sleeves. When you lift the brush there is a residual line of dust, sorry never liked brushes, stay clean kids ;0)

[@italianbirdvideos6190]

Yeah, I totally disagree. Drag to the edge.

[@vinylrichie007]

A micro fiber brush is not going to cause damage to a record.

[@soundmatters]

Yep

[@danielnussberger]

I prefer a goat hair brush

[@PedroMiguel-if3ll]

How about you lower the camera instead of stretching your neck!

[@hennievangalen3789]

Hipsters use record brush to get rid of all the beard hairs on their 'Vinyls' ..

[@soundmatters]

😂 it’s the beard oil that will REALLY ruin a record

[@davidchingching167]

Why don't you just use an air brush. Or an air in a can.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Not one person uses the antistat gun while brushing with a Decca brush? Sorry bro your nonsense about not sweeping the dust line off is frankly silly. The dishwasher brush may work for a Technics direct drive or hand cleaning off the platter but no way works on a belt drive turntable. Hey maybe I need to make videos about record cleaning versus bs about not removing dust you pulled up. Also I think the Decca vs more modern plastic brush far superior. I have both. Big fat long bristles and a funky frame not a plus. The Decca softer and thinner and does the job. The spinning against the frame how silly. I drag off on my shirt sideways dust be gone.

[@TheFM_Club]

Telling people how to protect records and then recommending a random fluid of ingredients to spread on them? No thanks.

[@soundmatters]

Each to their own, but I personally find the GrooveWasher fluids to be excellent. Enjoy the music and happy spinning.

[@overseastom]

​@@32discodaveconsidering your username literally mentions disco, I'd have thought you'd appreciate vinyl. Soooo many disco tracks never made it onto cd, so your comment is kinda ridiculous, especially given the video you posted it on. I mean, you do you, and I'm happy you enjoy your CDs, but the rest of us will enjoy our records too.

[@HokageCat]

@@overseastombased fucking comment

[@MichelLinschoten]

​@@overseastomdid you even read his comment ? Where TF is he saying anything about the format itself... Dude your comment is indeed ridiculous

[@mike_burke]

@@MichelLinschotenThink he was replying to a comment that since got deleted.

[@SONIC-BOOM-TV]

If you think you're going to damage your records with that brush you're trying way to hard.

[@vice4134]

I think this is a waste of time & money when wet wash will give you a much better result.

[@PedroMiguel-if3ll]

This guy videos are basically just ads, nothing to see here

[@paulhenner8914]

NEVER USE THEM......................CDs ARE SO MUCH BETTER..............LOL

[@soundmatters]

🤣🎶

[@paulomontero12]

i disagree your doing wrong by a mile!

[@soundmatters]

What's your preferred method then? - Happy spinning

[@user-cx6gi4pj7n]

get cd player its 2024

[@soundmatters]

With that logic, ditch the CD player and get a Spotify account. It’s 2024 didn’t you know 😂

[@mudstone6497]

Bazinga

[@gregdrew874]

Step 1: Throw brush out window. Step 2: Throw records out after the brush. Step 3: Start over, get a Spotify account.

[@musictube123]

I see this video is just repeating what you have told in other videos, and then embedding an Audio Quest overpriced brush advertisment. Unconstructive video, please provide some more constructive video rather to repacking the old content.

[@rm-mastering]

Hi, just thought I'd comment, there are many brushes out there that are almost the same as the audio quest for a lot less, - Hama Carbon Fibre Brush on Amazon is just one of many, do some do diligence.

[@soundmatters]

Thanks for your comment. If you want to suggest a topic, I'm all ears. A reader on my site requested a more condensed video on this topic, so I listened and created it. Just revisiting topics in a clearer and better way as my channel evolves. Have a lovely day.