Here’s the thing: vinyl gives back what you put in. If you treat your records and your turntable well, they’ll reward you with sound that’s warm, rich, and full of life. But if you don’t… well, things can get scratchy - literally.
So, you’ve finally got yourself a turntable. Maybe it’s perched proudly on a vintage teak sideboard, or maybe it’s nestled awkwardly next to a pile of cables and coffee mugs. That doesn’t matter - what does matter is the first moment you dropped the needle, heard that satisfying crackle, and realised… oh. This sounds different.
But here’s the thing: vinyl gives back what you put in. If you treat your records and your turntable well, they’ll reward you with sound that’s warm, rich, and full of life. But if you don’t… well, things can get scratchy - literally. And let’s be honest, turntables can be a bit intimidating at first. All those swingy parts, twisty knobs, and weird settings. But it doesn’t take a degree in audio engineering to keep your setup sounding fresh. Just a little know-how, a dash of care, and the occasional brush in the right place.
SPECIAL OFFER
Protect your records and gear with our range of vinyl and turntable care essentials. Buy any vinyl record and get 15% off product from our Vinyl and Turntable Care collection. Discount applied at the checkout.
Let’s walk through six genuinely useful, not-too-techy ways to care for your turntable - so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your music.
1. Dust is the silent killer
That fine layer of dust that seems to appear out of nowhere is not your friend, especially if you’re a turntable.
It might look harmless, but it clings to your stylus and nestles into the grooves of your records like it owns them. Over time, that buildup dulls the sound and can wear out both your stylus and the vinyl itself. Think of it as audio sandpaper. Not ideal.
What to do:
- Use an anti-static carbon fibre brush (something like the Rough Trade Stylus Brush or the Rough Trade Carbon Fibre Brush) before and after each play. Just a few gentle swipes across the stylus and record does the trick.
- Wipe the plinth (the base) and platter with a microfibre cloth every now and then.
- Keep a dust cover on when not in use - acrylic or plastic, anything that blocks airborne grime.
- Store your records in inner sleeves and upright like books - never in piles. Warped records are the enemy of great sound.
Honestly, cleaning your setup regularly is like brushing your teeth. Miss it for a few days and things get nasty.
2. Flat is where it’s at (yes, it matters)
Here’s one a lot of folks skip: your turntable needs to be level. Like, spirit-level flat. Not “looks fine by eye” flat. Because when your table’s off-kilter - even just a bit - your tonearm angle changes, which throws off tracking. The result? Your stylus can’t sit properly in the groove, which means distortion, skips, and long-term damage.
Try this:
- Grab a cheap spirit level from a hardware shop or online (or download a spirit level app).
- Place it on the platter, check from front to back and side to side.
- Adjust the feet if your turntable has them (many do). If not, shim it subtly with coasters or cork pads. Whatever works, really.
It might seem minor, but this is foundational stuff. Imagine riding a bike with one wheel smaller than the other - it’ll still roll, but it’s never going to feel right.
3. Your stylus isn’t immortal
Here’s a harsh truth: styluses (or styli, if you're fancy) wear out. They’re designed to. That tiny diamond tip, tracking each microscopic ridge of your record? It’s doing intense work. Sooner or later, it dulls.
Most manufacturers say to replace your stylus after 500–1,000 hours of playtime. But honestly, that’s a guideline, not gospel. If you’re noticing:
- Harsh “s” sounds (sibilance) even on clean records
- Loss of detail or clarity
- Skipping on records that never used to skip
- Physical signs of wear on the stylus tip (if you squint at it with a jeweller’s loupe, if you have one handy)
Helpful hint: Keep a rough estimate of how often you spin records. If you’re playing an album or two daily, that stylus might need replacing once a year. Think of it like tyres on a car - you can push it, but eventually, it’ll affect your handling.
4. Tracking force
Okay, here’s where things get slightly nerdy - but stick with us. Your turntable’s tonearm needs a specific amount of downward pressure to track the grooves of a record. Too heavy? You’re grinding into the vinyl. Too light? It’ll skate across the surface and mistrack.
Most modern turntables (Rega, Pro-Ject, Audio-Technica) come pre-set or with guides to help you balance the tonearm. But double-check your cartridge’s recommended tracking force - usually 1.5 to 2.5 grams - and adjust accordingly using the counterweight on the back of the tonearm.
How to do it (quick version):
- With the stylus guard on, set the counterweight to "float" the tonearm until it’s level.
- Then dial in the recommended weight using the numbered dial (or a stylus force gauge if you want precision).
Think of it like tuning a guitar string - not enough tension and it flaps; too much and it snaps. Get it just right, and it sings.
5. Cartridge alignment: a game of millimetres
Let’s talk alignment. Cartridge alignment, to be specific. This one’s easy to overlook because it’s not something you see going wrong-until you hear it. Misalignment means the stylus doesn’t sit in the groove at the correct angle, which can cause inner groove distortion, uneven wear, and a general lack of musical magic.
Here’s what you need:
- A cartridge alignment protractor (usually printable for free online).
- A bit of patience and a steady hand.
Follow the guides to make sure your stylus lines up correctly on the null points. If you're using a stock turntable and haven’t changed your cartridge, you’re probably fine - but if you’ve upgraded or tweaked your setup, it’s worth double-checking.
Honestly, it’s a 15-minute job that could save your records and massively improve your soundsystem.
If you need to replace your cartridge, then look no further.
6. Dirty records equal dirty sound
We’ve all done it. Picked up a secondhand record that looks fine, dropped the needle, and… oh dear. Crackles, pops, maybe even a skip or two. It’s not always scratches - it’s often dust, fingerprints, or mildew in the grooves.
Clean records aren’t just nicer to listen to - they help keep your stylus in good shape. Grime on vinyl transfers directly onto the stylus, shortening its life and warping the sound.
Cleaning basics:
- Use an anti-static record brush before and after play.
- For deeper cleaning, use a dedicated record cleaning solution and microfibre cloth, or go all-out with a record cleaning machine.
- Never use household cleaners—some contain alcohol or ammonia that can permanently damage vinyl.
Oh, and while we’re here: no touching the grooves. Handle records by the edge and the label - your fingers are basically big grease dispensers.
Bonus Round
A few things you didn’t know you needed!
While we’re on the topic, here are a few low-effort, high-reward extras worth keeping in your setup:
- Stylus cleaner: Like the Onzow Zerodust or a simple brush with cleaning solution. Keeps that tip squeaky clean.
- Record weight or clamp: Adds a bit of stability, flattens warps, and can sometimes improve bass response. Not essential, but fun to experiment with.
- Vibration isolation: If your table sits near speakers or on a wobbly shelf, isolation pads or a dedicated turntable stand can help reduce unwanted rumble.
And yes - some of this sounds a bit obsessive. But that’s part of the joy, right? You start with a turntable and a few records… then suddenly you’re using a car battery instead of the mains as you hear it improves clarity on the hi-fi system (we are not recommending this, but we have seen it happen). Welcome to the club.
Final Thoughts
Treat it like an instrument.
Your turntable isn’t just a playback device. It’s an instrument. One that requires tuning, care, and the occasional bit of tinkering. And in return, it plays your music - not as background noise, but as something to sit with, listen to, and feel.
And if you’re ever in doubt? Ask someone. Your local record shop (like us at Rough Trade) is full of people who’ve made every setup mistake imaginable - and we love talking about it.
So put on a record, lower that needle gently, and let the music sing.
Need help choosing the right gear or cleaning tools? Pop in-store or visit roughtrade.com – our team are always here to help.
Further Reading
A Rough Guide To: Turntable Setup
A Rough Guide To: Starting Your Vinyl Collection
A Rough Guide To: Valuing and Selling Your Vinyl Records