Your stylus (or needle) is the unsung hero of your turntable — and just like any hero, it needs a little care to keep performing at its best. Every time you drop the needle, tiny dust particles and grime cling to it, even if your records look clean. Over time, this build-up can muffle your sound, cause unnecessary wear on your records, and even shorten the life of your stylus.
Using A Tack Base Cleaner
This video directly from Audio Technica shows a step by step guide to using their stylus cleaning products. The tack base cleaner is long lasting and requires minimal effort to ensure your stylus is spotless.
Using A Stylus Brush
Gently place the brush underneath the stylus and lightly sweep from back to front — never side to side. A few soft passes are enough to remove dust and debris without damaging the delicate tip. Always brush in the same direction the stylus moves across the record.