New vinyl records can arrive with light residue or debris from pressing plants. Learn why this is normal and how to safely clean your record before first play.

Even brand-new vinyl may arrive with a little surface residue. Pressing plants aren&#x2019;t sterile environments&#x2014;small particles like paper dust, debris from inner sleeves, or pressing compound residue can cling to records during production and packaging.This doesn&#x2019;t mean your vinyl is defective or mishandled&#x2014;it&#x2019;s normal and easy to fix.<h5 dir="ltr" id="heres-what-we-recommend">Here&#x2019;s what we recommend:</h5><ol><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration:none;">Clean before first play.&#xA0;Use a vinyl-safe cleaning solution or distilled water with a soft microfiber cloth. </li><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration:none;">Avoid household cleaners.&#xA0;These can damage the grooves and impact sound quality. </li><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration:none;">Consider a record cleaning kit.&#xA0;There are several excellent, affordable options designed specifically for vinyl care. </li></ol>A quick clean will often resolve light crackling or static on a first play and extend your record&#x2019;s lifespan.

Why is my new record dusty or dirty?

Learn what causes noisy vinyl playback, how to clean and compare recordings, and when to contact support for review or replacement options.

A little surface noise doesn&#x2019;t always mean your vinyl is defective&#x2014;records are analog by nature, and some albums include light pops or background texture that reflect the original recording. That said, let&#x2019;s make sure your record is performing as it should.<h5 dir="ltr" id="step-1-give-it-a-quick-clean">Step 1: Give it a quick clean</h5>Pressing plants aren&#x2019;t dust-free, and a quick wipe with a vinyl-safe cleaner and microfiber cloth can remove residue that causes most playback noise.<h5 dir="ltr" id="step-2-compare-with-the-digital-version">Step 2: Compare with the digital version</h5>If you notice the same noise, distortion, or static in the digital recording, it&#x2019;s part of the album&#x2019;s intended sound.<h5 dir="ltr" id="step-3-still-sounds-wrong">Step 3: Still sounds wrong?</h5>If you&#x2019;ve cleaned and compared your record but it&#x2019;s still unusually noisy&#x2014;like skipping, crackling, or distortion beyond normal surface noise&#x2014;please reach out to our team with your&#xA0;order number and a short video or audio clip. Our support specialists will review your case and determine whether a replacement or alternative resolution applies.&#xA0;

Can you replace my noisy record?

Record skipping is usually caused by turntable setup, not a vinyl defect. Learn how to adjust your tonearm, clean your stylus, and know when to reach out for help.

If your record skips, the cause is often the&#xA0;turntable setup, not the vinyl itself. Slight adjustments usually resolve the issue quickly.<h5 dir="ltr" id="step-1-check-your-turntable-setup">Step 1: Check your turntable setup</h5><ul><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold;">Inspect the tonearm balance.&#xA0;Make sure your tonearm&#x2019;s tracking force matches the cartridge manufacturer&#x2019;s recommendation. </li><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration:none;">Clean your stylus.&#xA0;Dust buildup on the needle can cause jumps or distortion. </li><li dir="ltr" style="text-decoration: none;">Ensure the surface is level.&#xA0;Even a slight tilt in your turntable can cause the needle to skip. </li></ul><h5 dir="ltr" id="step-2-examine-the-record">Step 2: Examine the record</h5>If the same section skips repeatedly, gently clean that area with a vinyl-safe solution and microfiber cloth. Small bits of debris or static charge can cause the needle to lift momentarily.<h5 dir="ltr" id="step-3-still-skipping">Step 3: Still skipping?</h5>If you&#x2019;ve double-checked your setup and the record still skips in one or more spots, please contact our team through the Help Center. Include your&#xA0;order number&#xA0;and a&#xA0;short video showing the issue&#xA0;so we can review and determine whether a replacement or further support is appropriate.

My record is skipping — what should I do?

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