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Cleaning Record Jackets

Hello,

I have found lot's of tips for cleanning records, but not any for cleaning record jackets. I have a bunch of records that I have gotten from trift stores and have cleaned up the vinyl, but the covers remain pretty dirty. I have tired a damp sponge, a bit of diluted windex, some diluted dish washing soap, but so far nothing seems to clean up the jackets that way I was hoping. Anyone have a secret formula they are willing to share?

Thanks,

Jeff
dogface1956
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
When water-soluble products don't do it, try a paper towel folded into a 3" square pad, dampened with Ronsonal lighter fluid. It's naptha, same thing as used in dry-cleaning.

That will remove non-water-soluble grunge. Then if the laquer skin on the jacket is still dull, you can freshen it up somewhat with a small cloth pad moistened with Armoral, buff to a sheen.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Baby wipes. I like the Armoral idea.
dlwask
270 posts
 
Good thread, I was wondering the same thing.

Any issues with doing the above recommendations or similar and then storing in a sealed outer jacket sleeve?

I vaguely recall Fremer making a mention of cleaning LP jackets a while back with some all purpose spray type cleaner lightly applied to cloth and then used on the jackets.
aceto
273 posts
 
After naptha, there is a great product called Renaissance Wax. It is a micro polish plus wax that is used in the best museums for conservation.
photon46
1,088 posts
 
I've had good results cleaning dirt off with the "MagicRub" eraser you can buy in art supply stores. Any soft artists' eraser should work fine to remove things like dirt rings around record impressions.
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