Roots Archives Forum

When I play my reggae 7" vinyl to record to CDR I use to wet them, for I noticed it cause the noise to reduce. It plays cleaner. But when I put the same records to play dry some time later, it seems to have more surface noise then before (as if some dirt was added by the water - drinkable filtered water). Then it only sounds clean if I wet the records again and it comes dependable on wetting. Is it a permanent demage in the grooves or it's just dirty and can be cleaned?
Anyone with such an experience?

Youre problem is as old as playing records
Ask somebody you know who is over 40 years old and who was collecting vinyl albums (rock-albums that is) back in the 70s and they will wisely nod in 'fond' memory.
If you play records wet once you'll have to play them wet everytime ! When they dry (and I do hope you don't use a hairdryer) all dirt denses onto the record, like dust, fume etc. This condenses in an extra layer of smearfilm onto vinyl.
Bad luck.
Greetings.

You can however clean weted records again by using Isopropylalcohol and destilled water (1/4 respectively 3/4). It cleanes them up great.

If you like vinyl, you should buy a record cleaning machine and some fluid and clean your records. VPI, Nitty Gritty, and Disc Doctor are all good choices.

thanks for the tips guys

maybe not a secret to many of you out there , but wetting records or spraying them is a method used by some soundmen.
Its to do with improving the sound quality, but they use this method on the plates/acetates alone.

ive never heard of playing a normal record like this before, im sure its advised NOT to drench your vinyl!!