Cleaning Grubby Record Labels

[Russ Vickers]

Not sure if this has been covered before, so if it has I apologise.

I was wondering if there is a way of 'cleaning' grubby record labels, Im not talking pen or marker here, just generally dirty or grubby labels - someone once told me that an eraser (rubber) would sometimes clean paper labels up nicely, is this true & are there any other tips for cleaning labels up pse.

Best Russ

[AlanB]

I've found gently rubbing breadcrumbs from dried white bread quite successful in removing grubbiness and ringwear from white labels. Haven't tried it on coloured labels. It's possibly less abrasive than an eraser, which might lift some of the paper surface.

Alan

[Tezza]

I have used PC Screen Foam Cleaner before. Spray on, leave 10 - 15 secs then either gently wipe with soft tissue or dab off. Not sure if it gets all the baked on dirt off though. Also works on Vinyl but then you would need to clean with luke warm soapy water.

[Tezza]

I've found gently rubbing breadcrumbs from dried white bread quite successful in removing grubbiness and ringwear from white labels. Haven't tried it on coloured labels. It's possibly less abrasive than an eraser, which might lift some of the paper surface.

Alan

So gonna have to try that !!

[Russ Vickers]

How do you discover that rubbing dried white bread crumbs on a record labels can clean it lol....its not like you can discover that by accident is it ....its not 1st April is it .

Best Russ

[AlanB]

I can't remember where it came from, but it's not a joke...honest!

Alan

[Wilxy]

How do you discover that rubbing dried white bread crumbs on a record labels can clean it lol....its not like you can discover that by accident is it ....its not 1st April is it .

Best Russ

somebody obviously used their loaf

[boba]

it depends on the type of label paper, etc. paper restoration is a field in of itself.

an eraser can be useful but it basically just rubs off a layer of the paper. If used lightly it can be helpful. But you can end up with the colored layer of the paper taken off leaving white where the stain was or you can even erase through the label to the vinyl.

[Northern Soul Uk]

somebody obviously used their loaf

Oh Crumbs!

[Northern Soul Uk]

You need to be really careful! using any liquid formula could and often does make the ink run or come off.

[Gigs]

I've found gently rubbing breadcrumbs from dried white bread quite successful in removing grubbiness and ringwear from white labels. Haven't tried it on coloured labels. It's possibly less abrasive than an eraser, which might lift some of the paper surface.

Alan

If it took off it could make plenty of dough.......... :sleep3:

[Citizen P]

I haven't tried it, but...

Do you think Blu tack would lift some of the crud off ??

Tony

[Jhsoulnotts]

Edit - tony P beat me to it!

but yes, blutack, warm it up till its really warm and stretchy and then rubbing it around your ring...

Edited August 24, 2012 by Jhsoulnotts

[Mak]

How do you discover that rubbing dried white bread crumbs on a record labels can clean it lol....its not like you can discover that by accident is it ....its not 1st April is it .

Best Russ

My grandmother used to use them for clean things with , I'd forgot about that trick.

[Tiberius]

it depends on the type of label paper, etc. paper restoration is a field in of itself.

an eraser can be useful but it basically just rubs off a layer of the paper. If used lightly it can be helpful. But you can end up with the colored layer of the paper taken off leaving white where the stain was or you can even erase through the label to the vinyl.

Label paper type is key. Matt or glossy. Glossy labels are easier to clean. On cheaper records I use a Steadtler Mars plastic eraser to gently remove storage ring marks on the white areas of glossy labels. These are far less abrasive than conventional erasers but must still be used with care (very light pressure) to prevent label damage. After use you will see the grime on the white of the eraser. It's then necessary to scrape this residue left on the eraser away, I just use my finger nail, to reveal fresh clean white eraser surface prior to use again. On dirty labels keep checking how mucky the eraser is getting and clean it as required. This way you aren't just spreading the crap around the label. I don't try to get the label spotless, just improve it somewhat, although often they come up very clean. I wouldn't use this technique on the coloured areas of a label, or a coloured label with no white bits, as you'll easily rub through the colour. Matt labels are best avoided as are damaged/bubbled labels for obvious reasons. A good example of a label which cleans up well using this method would be 60's US RCA white label promos. Note: Try at you own risk, I accept no responsibilty for accidents.

Edited August 24, 2012 by tiberius

[Guest DELORENZO]

wrong forum lol

Edited August 24, 2012 by DELORENZO

[Markw]

somebody obviously used their loaf

Boom Boom Mr Mike!

[Dazdakin]

Edit - tony P beat me to it!

but yes, blutack, warm it up till its really warm and stretchy and then rubbing it around your ring...

"Rubbing it around your ring"..............oh my

[Guest Brett F]

Being in the armed forces Russ i would have thought explosives might have been easily available, i had some 'grubby label 45's', my solution was a heavy laden 'Chinese Blast Bomb' firework, make sure the detonation area is secure ( animals and children inside the safe zone ) then ignite said touch paper...Then wait..... Ok they then after the cleaning process are unplayable, but i felt sure that any grease or foreign elements were totally annihilated...

Best Brett

[Russ Vickers]

Being in the armed forces Russ i would have thought explosives might have been easily available, i had some 'grubby label 45's', my solution was a heavy laden 'Chinese Blast Bomb' firework, make sure the detonation area is secure ( animals and children inside the safe zone ) then ignite said touch paper...Then wait..... Ok they then after the cleaning process are unplayable, but i felt sure that any grease or foreign elements were totally annihilated...

Best Brett

This sounds as likely as the breadcrumds lol...hope all is well with you Brett n hope to see you soon.

Best Russ

[Guest sharmo 1]

How do you discover that rubbing dried white bread crumbs on a record labels can clean it lol....its not like you can discover that by accident is it ....its not 1st April is it .

Best Russ

This is not as crazy as it sounds I remember a few people telling me that they used to use white bread to erase the inc/stamp marks from ration books during the war .Perhaps they should have eaten the bread in the first place.regards Simon.

[Russ Vickers]

I know, you are right Simon was just messin...

Russ