Stylus and record care

Protect
your equipment

Listening to vinyl

Maintain the
optimal sound

Listening to a vinyl record is a special musical experience. As vinyl record enthusiasts, nothing beats the sound of our favorite albums played on a turntable. It is a conscious choice where we carefully select exactly the record we wish to hear; we remove it from its sleeve, dust it off, and place it on our turntable. It is like a ritual, a magical moment. We take our time, and the music matters. It allows us not only to listen but to feel the music. At the core of this music experience lies the stylus. The stylus, or needle, is the small, delicate component responsible for reading the grooves on your records and transforming those tiny vibrations into the beautiful music we hear.

How to clean your stylus properly

Stylus cleaning

Taking care of your stylus is crucial for both its longevity and the lifespan of your records. Follow these steps to ensure optimal performance and preserve your cherished vinyl collection.

The stylus, a delicate part of the phono cartridge, must be handled gently. Avoid touching it with your fingers. Also, refrain from playing visibly damaged records, as scratches or cracks can cause excessive wear on the stylus.

Before every playback session, make it a habit to clean your stylus using a dry brush. Use the stylus brush to delicately remove any debris. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your stylus and maintain the quality of your records. Note: We recommend the use of a dry brush only; avoid any fluids or gels as they can potentially damage the stylus or the internals of the cartridge.

Guided video

How to use
the Stylus brush

Use the stylus brush a few times along the cantilever in the direction of the stylus tip whenever you play a new record or change sides. Use the brush in the forward direction from the rear of the cartridge toward the stylus tip and never from stylus tip to the rear of the cartridge and never from side to side.

Watch the video to see how to clean your stylus.

Keep your records
clean and free of dust

Cleaning your records before every use increases the lifetime of the diamond and improves your listening experience, as dust and dirt can cause excessive wear on the stylus.

The Ortofon Record brush safely and effectively removes dust and dirt from the record surface without scratching.

Protect against damage

Remember the
stylus guard

The stylus guard protects against damage to the stylus and is designed to be easily replaced and removed without risking contact with the fragile stylus assembly.

To avoid accidental damage to the stylus or cantilever, please mount the enclosed stylus guard onto the cartridge whenever the cartridge is not in use. The stylus guard should also be attached during mounting or removal of the cartridge.

Must have accessories

Keep your vinyl clean
and ready for use

  • Ortofon Record brush

    Designed by the Danish industrial designer Møller Jensen Innovation and Design, a must-have accessory for any music enthusiast.

  • Ortofon Stylus brush

    Use the Ortofon Stylus fiber brush a few times along the cantilever in the direction of the stylus tip whenever you play a new record or change sides.