78's from my Grandmas

[DougMac]

Are you still here?

You mentioned that the records are dirty and without sleeves. They shouldn't be played before they are cleaned.

Take a paint brush with moderately stiff bristles and sweep away as much loose dirt as possible. Mix up a pan of tepid water with Dawn. Don't use a substitute, use Dawn. Take another brush and work the solution into the grooves following them. Rinse. Take a paint pad wetted with the solution and follow the grooves. Rinse again. Use a soft cloth to pat dry. Place in a wooden dish rack and allow to dry. Don't play the records for at least 24 hours.

Try to keep the labels as dry as possible. Columbia red labels will bleed. In addition, some RCA Victor 78's made in the late '40's or early '50's used a water soluble ink. Get the label wet and all the print washes off!

Give us a list of a few.