How to Fix Vinyl Scratches

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

While there is no foolproof way to repair scratches on vinyl, you can try using wood glue to remove dust and even out the surface of your record. Clean your record with a dry brush, liquid cleaning solution, or a toothpick to remove additional dirt and debris. To prevent scratches, always hold your record from the edges and store it properly when not in use. If your record still skips after cleaning it a few ways, you may need to purchase a new one.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Wood Glue

1
Apply wood glue over the entire record as it spins on your turntable. Place the tip of your wood glue at the edge of your inner label, and squeeze the bottle with light pressure. As the record spins, continue squeezing out the glue so it creates lines around your record. Stop when you reach the outer edge. You should have thin, even lines over all of your record.^{[1]
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- Your record will have stripes of glue following the circular grooves of the vinyl.
- If you squeeze out too much glue on the vinyl, that's okay. You will even out the amount of glue. However, if you use too much towards the outer edge, use a paper towel to wipe up the excess.
- If you are worried about getting glue on your turntable, you can apply the glue to the record on a table instead. The spinning of the turntable helps spread the glue across your record.
2
Use a piece of cardboard or cardstock to spread the glue. Take a piece of cardboard or cardstock about 2 inches (51 mm) wide, and touch it to the outer edge of your record. Let your record continue to spin, and the glue will spread out and cover the record as it moves. Then, lift up on your card and place it at the inside of your record to spread out all of the glue.^{[2]
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- You can leave your hand stationary and let the spin of the record spread the glue for you.
- You will have a smooth, even surface of wood glue covering the entirety of your record.
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3
Stop your turntable and let your the glue dry for around 24 hours. You can leave your record on your turntable overnight. To see if the wood glue is dry, you can gently touch the outer edge of the glue with your finger. If it still feels sticky, let it sit for 1-2 more hours and try again.^{[3]
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- You can also leave your record on a piece of newspaper to dry if you do not use a turntable.
4
Peel away the dried wood glue starting at the outer edge of your record. Using your index finger and your thumb, pull up on the outer edge of the wood glue. Then, lift up with steady, consistent force to peel away all of the glue. Remove the glue slowly and gradually to try to pull it up in 1 piece.^{[4]
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- If your wood glue does not peel in 1 solid layer, that’s okay! Lift up at another edge and peel away the glue until it is completely removed.
- Avoid touching the surface of your record as you peel away the glue.
5
Play your record to test the sound. Put the arm of your turntable onto your record and power it on. Listen to your record, and the part of the song that used to skip may play clearly now. Wood glue can help your vinyl by capturing even the toughest dirt and dust.^{[5]
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- Keep in mind that using wood glue does not guarantee your record will be fixed.
- The wood glue provides a thorough clean of the entire record by removing any dirt and debris and smoothing over uneven vinyl surfaces.
- If your record still skips, try another coat of wood glue or another vinyl cleaning method. You could also search online for a professional vinyl restorer near you.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning Away Dirt

1
Use a dry vinyl brush to remove surface dirt and dust. Place your record on your turntable and turn it on. While the record spins, lightly hold the brush on the surface of your record to sweep away any impurities and static build-up. Keep your brush on your record for 1-3 spins, then angle your brush at the edge of your record and slowly remove it.^{[6]
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- Most record brushes have 2 rows of bristles, 1 to sweep of the dust, and 1 to remove static.
- Be sure to clean your brush after each use. That way, you do not spread debris to and from your cleaning brush.
- While this will not erase scratches, it will help your turntable pick up as many grooves in your record as possible, helpful to avoid skipping parts of the song.
2
Purchase a record cleaning kit to use professional cleaning products. Visit a music store or search online to find a kit. Most come with a liquid cleaning solution, directional brush, and smaller brush used to clean the directional brush. Then, follow the specific directions outlined in your kit’s instructions to clean away surface debris.^{[7]
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- Your directions will likely have you apply the cleaning solution, then use the brush to sweep away extra dirt.
3
Make your own cleaning solution to deep clean on a budget. Combine ¼ cup of 90-99% isopropyl alcohol, ¾ cup of distilled water, and 1 or 2 drops of dishwasher fluid in a spray bottle. Place your record on a microfiber cloth, and spray the solution on your record. Wait 30 seconds to let the liquid fill the grooves, and wipe away the liquid with another microfiber cloth. Then, soak another microfiber cloth in distilled water, and wipe off both sides of your record.^{[8]
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- This will remove fingerprints and grime that a record cleaning brush cannot pick up.
- Avoid spraying the label of your record.
- You can repeat the process for both sides of your record to thoroughly clean away dirt and dust.
4
Rub a toothpick back and forth over the scratches with soft pressure. Locate the scratches of your record, and angle 1 wooden toothpick at the scratch. Apply a little pressure, and rub back and forth on the scratch. Do this for any and all scratches on your vinyl. Rubbing the scratch with a toothpick helps get into the small cracks and lift up stubborn debris.^{[9]
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- Take your time when cleaning with a toothpick and be careful not to scratch other areas of your record.
- This may not fix the scratch, but it can help remove any surface debris from your vinyl.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Protecting Your Vinyl

1
Place your record in its inner sleeve after you finish listening to it. Inner sleeves come in either paper or plastic material. When you finish listening to a record, carefully slide your record in between both sides of material as a first line of defense.^{[10]
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- Your vinyl will come with an inner sleeve when you purchase it. You can also purchase replacement sleeves online or in music stores.
2
Store your record in its outer sleeve when not in use. When you purchase a record, it comes in a cardboard outer sleeve. You can also purchase replacement plastic sleeves. After you place your record into its inner sleeve, slide it into its outer sleeve. The outer sleeve adds another layer of defense.^{[11]
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- If your outer sleeve is worn and you can see the ring of your record, consider purchasing a replacement plastic outer sleeve.
3
Designate a shelf or crate for your record collection. When you expand your record collection beyond 1 or 2 records, it is important to keep them safe to prevent damages. You can securely keep your record either on a shelf or in a crate, and always store them vertically.^{[12]
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- You can purchase a shelf or crate at a home store or online. You can also make your own!
- Keeping your records in piles can warp the records or the covers.
4
Avoid touching any part of your vinyl besides the edges and inner label. Handing your record correctly prevents scratches, dirt, and fingerprints from appearing on your record. The grooves of your record are delicate and contain the musical information to play the songs, so do your best to not touch them.
5
Close your turntable’s lid if you have one to prevent airborne dust. Some turntables have an attached lid. When you are finished listening to your vinyl, flip the lid overtop of the turntable to keep out dust and debris.
- Keeping your turntable free of dust is helpful because it lowers the risk of transferring dust onto your record.

Community Q&A

Question

Will rubbing compound take out scratches on a vinyl record?

Community Answer

Rubbing compound will almost certainly ruin a record. The grit will wear the grooves and degrade the sound. I would never use rubbing compound on a vinyl LP.
Question

Can micro fiber and a polish remove scratches from a record?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. It cleans, polishes and removes any scratches from the record.

Warnings

Never clean your record with rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid, furniture polish, toothpaste, or steel wool. All of these can cause permanent damage to your vinyl.^{[13]
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