How To Clean A Recording Studio?

A recording studio is the ultimate hub for creativity, where you can let your imagination flow freely. It's the perfect place to create, mix, and master your passion for music. However, the same studio can be a distraction when unclean, cluttered, and disorganized.

While there's a certain romanticism attached to a scattered Digital Audio Workstation, the chaotic environment can create roadblocks between you and your inspiration.
The accumulation of dust, dirt, and grime will not only trigger your allergies and health issues but will streamline the deterioration process of your precious music equipment.

Furthermore, considering the number of instruments used in a music studio, the mess will make it extremely difficult to change between devices and set up equipment.

Before you know it, you will miss deadlines due to accidentally tripping over a wire and turning off the power or finding out your gear has stopped working because of dust accumulation inside.

Fortunately, preventing these unfortunate events is not as challenging as you may believe.

All you need is an adequate cleaning and organization routine that you can stick to. It will streamline your equipment management process and help create a healthy, clean, distraction-free space that inspires creativity.

Don't worry- you don't have to do it alone.

In today's blog, we present a comprehensive guide on how to clean a recording studio. We focus on cleaning different equipment, tips on maintaining a tidy and organized music studio, the process of cleaning, and more.

So, delve into the below section now!

How To Keep A Recording Studio Clean?

The most challenging part of keeping a space clean is not the actual work but consistency. Postponing your cleaning schedule because the studio appears clean enough to work will make it more problematic to eliminate the clutter later.

If you want to stay ahead of the problems and catch the issues before they start, it's essential to have a cleaning and organizing management system with a proper schedule.

In addition, here are a few more steps you can take to maintain the cleanliness of your studio.

1. Up your organization skills

Stay compartmentalized in your recording room and optimizes how everything is set up. It will help you go beyond tossing cables into a corner or placing a new instrument on your desk haphazardly.

You can introduce organizational tools in the studio to up your organization's game. For instance, computer stands, or desk mounts will help you create more space on the desk and reduce clutter. Cable protectors and ties will allow you to bundle the cables and prevent you from tipping over them.

Similarly, you can create dedicated storage on the studio wall for your cables and headphones to reduce the risk of damaging or losing them.

2. Clean the surfaces daily

Dust and dirt can be a significant factor in initiating allergies, breathing problems, and other health issues. Plus, it's the perfect breeding ground for germs. So, one of the best ways to clean a recording studio is to confirm the surfaces and instruments don't collect dust. Dust them daily, even the ones you don't use regularly. It will save you a trip to the doctor and maintain the longevity of your music equipment.

3. Maintain tidiness of shared areas

Tidy up and clean the shared spaces of your recording studio as soon as you notice the mess or dirt. Instilling this habit and cleaning on the go is much easier than waiting for a weak to realize the stain will only leave with a deep clean.

4. De-clutter and archive

While most use digital storage systems these days, you may still have some papers lying around the studio. The mess on your desks and shelves will surely not let you concentrate on the tunes.

5. Clean the devices and appliances

From the Digital Audio Workstation to the microphones and stand, clean the daily-use instruments regularly. Simple sanitizing swipes are enough to maintain the cleanliness of recording instruments.

6. Don't leave your garbage

It is a habit to empty the trash daily. Filled beans are often the source of unpleasant smells and germs. You can set up a reminder or schedule to take out the garbage with colleagues.

7. Deep clean periodically

In addition to regular dusting, allocate dedicated time for deep cleaning the recording studio. This will get rid of the accumulated germs and bacteria and help you create a clean, sanitized environment. Deep cleaning services are particularly vital if your studio has multiple users.

8. Mark areas for tools and materials

Labeling shelves, marking areas, and tools can make it easier for you and your colleagues to organize everything more quickly. It will save time, reduce hassle, and help track your recording equipment.

9. Develop end-of-the-day routines

Develop a checklist for your team to follow at the end of every workday. It can be as simple as organizing their items or not leaving food particles in the room. It can aid in keeping the studio clean consistently.

10. Establish a system to report risk

If your recording studio has a considerably large team, it's essential to establish a system for them to make reports regarding risks and unhygienic spaces. It will give you sufficient time to address their concerns and prevent them from escalating.

11. Set yourself for success

If you purchase new equipment, ensure your studio has ample space to accommodate them. Hoarding unnecessary items will only welcome more clutter and dust in the space.

Additionally, set aside several times a week to clean the studio. It includes vacuuming and dusting to remove the dirt, putting all the instruments in their dedicated space, ensuring easy accessibility of the essential gear, and other tasks. Create a schedule to stay on top of your cleaning tasks.

Benefits Of Having A Recording Studio Clean

The human mind naturally forms associations based on its surroundings. So, when you surround yourself with cluttered desks and floors, your mind will generate unrelated signals and hinder the creative process.

While this alone should be enough to convince you to clean up your recording studio, there are countless other benefits to keeping your recording studio clean you should know about.

So, before we discuss how to clean a recording studio in more detail, let's consider some of the benefits of tidying up.

1. More practical use of the space:

Tidying up and organizing the studio will allow you to optimize the space better. It will make the necessary equipment more accessible, clear up the floor, and help keep track of your tools.

2. Reduce distraction:

As mentioned before, one of the best benefits of cleaning up your workspace is the elimination of distractions. Something as simple as a dirty microphone can disrupt your workflow. These little things can make your tasks much longer and tiring. Hence, a clean, organized space is essential.

3. Boost productivity:

A cleaner studio will make it easier to move around the space and find your instruments and tools. Eliminating cluttered desks, disorganized inventory, and other distractions will allow you to focus on your craft and create an effective and efficient workspace. It will help boost your productivity and performance.

4. Exposes potential hazards:

Recording studios usually utilize multiple heavy equipment, from expensive music instruments, microphones, and stands to sound baffles and mixing boards. Accidentally tripping on wires or knocking over any essential items can be heavy on your pocket. Not to mention, it can cause significant harm to you. Furthermore, when dust accumulates on machinery, it dramatically reduces the longevity of the devices.

By following the proper process of cleaning a recording studio, you can not only avoid potential accidents but also expose the hazards before they turn into unfortunate events. After identifying the issues, you can either work to fix them or avoid them.

5. Increased professionalism:

Nailing the first impression is crucial to getting more clients for your recording studio. If the first thing your guest notices upon entering the studio is a desk overflowing with trash, it will set a negative tone for their experience.

On the other hand, having an organized space that appears clean, functional, and well-maintained can serve as a sign of your professionalism and commitment to delivering a memorable experience.

6. Less stress:

Being surrounded by clutter and mess can cause unnecessary anxiety. You have enough things to fret about when creating new tunes. If you don't want to add more points to the stress list, maintain a hazard-free, clean, and organized studio. It will give you a sense of camaraderie, more space to have professional conversations, maintain productivity, and reduce stress.

7. Reduce fire hazards:

Sawdust, papers, hazardous and flammable materials near electrical boxes, and circuitry can lead to fires in your recording studio. Performing routine checks, cleaning, and organization measures will allow you to ensure your creative space doesn't have any risk of fire hazards and meets safety regulations.

You can also use this opportunity to make sure emergencies are free of obstacles, the studio has functional fire extinguishers in place, and the electricity management of the building is updated.

8. Preserve your musical instruments' sound, functionality, and durability:

Musical instruments are built to emit sound waves. Dust accumulation can reduce the instrument's ability to vibrate, lessen its sound, and facilitate its deterioration. Similarly, dust and clutter can negatively impact the setup of your string instruments.

Basic Cleaning Routine For Recording Studio

Cleaning every inch of your recording studio daily can take much work. It can also hinder your productivity, particularly during business hours.
Therefore, it's essential to have a basic cleaning and maintenance schedule. It will help maintain the flow of your craft while protecting the environment from germs and prevent accidents.

So, how do you create a cleaning routine for a music studio that doesn't take away time from your work hours?
We suggest breaking things down into monthly, weekly, and daily cleaning routines. It will make it more manageable to thoroughly clean the entire studio without missing a spot.

To help you out, we present an in-depth cleaning routine along with our guide on how to clean the recording studio.

So, read on!

Daily cleaning schedule

Chores on your daily studio cleaning schedule should be limited, less time-consuming, yet significant. The weekly and monthly cleaning chores will become highly tiresome if you fail to complete the daily tasks.

Your daily cleaning checklist for a recording studio may include the following tasks.

• Empty and take out the trash from all areas of the studio
• Sweep or vacuum the floor, carpet, and other surfaces
• Dusting furniture, chairs, cabinets and desks
• Cleaning the entrance of the studio
• Disinfecting door handles, push bars, faucets, and other high-touch areas
• Dry mopping hard floors
• Clean bathroom surfaces, such as sinks, mirrors, counters, toilets, and floors
• Clean client-facing windows and doors

Weekly cleaning schedule

These are the most crucial cleaning tasks that will impact the health of your recording gear, music instruments, and yourself. A weekly cleaning schedule will prevent dust from accumulating inside the equipment, keep bacteria away, maintain the studio's drainage system, keep your windows squeaky, and allow you to refill your products.

An ideal weekly cleaning schedule for a business space may include:

• Cleaning the restroom
• Dusting window sills, top of partitions,
• Cleaning and sanitizing phones, keyboards, and other daily used items
• Spraying disinfecting solutions on the surfaces
• Cleaning drainage systems, windows
• Refilling goods
• Damp moping hard floor
• Dusting or vacuuming HVAC vents
• Clean out the refrigerator

Monthly cleaning schedule

Prevention, repair, and maintenance are often the main focus of monthly cleaning schedules. It allows you to check up on your recording equipment, music instruments, electrical wires and management tools, and furniture that are hard to clean daily.

Ensure your monthly organization checklist includes the following tasks for a thorough cleaning and maintenance process.

• Vacuuming the entire studio
• Dusting hard-to-reach areas, such as fans, vents, shelves, and ledges
• Dusting and polishing surfaces
• Dusting blinds, all wooden furniture, and upholstery
• Removing cobwebs
• Changing HVAC filters if required

How often should you clean the studio?

If your recording studio employs many people, consider cleaning it daily. However, if that's not achievable, clean the space regularly. Be sure to dust your recording equipment and music instruments frequently to preserve longevity. Additionally, you can consider deep cleaning the studio every three to six months to keep it like new.

If you need help to balance the chores with your official tasks, consider hiring a professional cleaning company with applicable experience.

How do you know when to clean your recording studio deep?

When you have so much on your plate, it's easy to lose track of your cleaning chores. That's why we recommend keeping a proper schedule. Along with that, it's essential to pay attention to your environment. If your recording studio received increased footfall during a particular occasion, you may notice the signs of dirt and grime earlier than expected.

Here are the most common signs indicating your recording studio needs a deep clean:

• Can you see cobwebs in the corners of the studio?
• Are the radiators and HVAC equipment of the room free of dust and grime? Do you notice any build-up around it?
• Are the door frames, recording equipment, and instruments dust-free?
• Do the windows appear clean?
• Do the interior cabinets look neat?
• Do you notice limescale build-up on the sink faucets?
• Is there debris in the hard-to-reach places?
• Do you notice scuff marks on the baseboard?
• Can you notice marks on the studio's walls and windows?
• Do the toilets look clean?
• Does the kitchen look well-maintained?
• Do you notice discoloration or stains on the carpet or furniture?
• Do you notice dust accumulation inside or outside the equipment or tools?
• Do your musical instruments sound descending?
• Are you noticing pests and insects in the studio?

What cleaning supplies will you need?

The process of cleaning a music studio, whether done by you or hired professionals, requires a long list of supplies, including

• Product-specific cleaners for glasses, recording equipment, and musical instruments
• Disinfect spray
• Furniture polish
• Microfiber cloths
• Floor polisher for hard surfaces
• Vacuum cleaners
• Mops, brooms, dustpans, and buckets
• Cleaning cart
• Shoe covers and spray bottles
• Paper towels
• Toilet brush

Process Of Cleaning A Recording Studio

Now that you know about the tools and routines, let's discuss the main query- how to clean a recording studio properly.

Due to the sheer amount of equipment and tools present in a music or recording studio, cleaning it can be a hassle. You must be careful not to damage anything when dusting the surfaces, tidying up the instruments with strings, and cleaning the electronics.

However, irrespective of how hard it seems, maintaining a neat, dust and germ-free environment is essential for your and the equipment's health. Otherwise, dust accumulation can be the ultimate cause behind the death of your instruments. Furthermore, when surrounded by mess, you will need help focusing on your craft.

That's why we have brought you a comprehensive guide on cleaning a recording studio.

Look below!

1. Organize loose papers and de-clutter the studio

Paperwork throughout the office makes it difficult to refer to crucial documents when needed. So, start your cleaning process by organizing the documents and de-cluttering the studio.

• Used filing cabinets to store critical invoices, estimates, orders, client information, service specifications, and other documentation. Label the files based on the contents before organizing and storing them away.
• You can also use desktop trays and wall-mounted shelves to store frequently accessed documents and shred unnecessary papers.
• To save space, consider scanning and storing some documents digitally.
• Remove unnecessary boxes, junk, bags, and expired items to de-clutter the studio.

2. Disinfect surfaces

The high-traffic areas of your recording studio should be cleaned and disinfected daily. It includes walls, floors, toilets, sinks, doors and door knobs, and the surface of your desks.

• For the toilet, you can use a toilet-specific disinfecting cleaner and brush.
• You can use a similar cleaner to wipe the sink and sweep and mop the floors.
• For glass surfaces, you will need a cleaner that does not leave any stain or mark on the glass.
• A dry and wet mop for the flooring should help you get rid of all the gunk.
• Brillianize, CounterTop Magic, Windex, or 409, and disinfecting wipes are excellent options for cleaning the surfaces of your recording studio.
  However, a gentle, soapy water solution can do the trick if you doubt. However, ensure the water doesn't come into contact with your electronics.

3. Clean your desktop/laptops and keyboards

Do you know an average computer keyboard holds 3,000 bacteria per square inch? That should convince anyone to clean their desktops, mouse, and keyboards.
Here's how you can enjoy using a germ-free desktop.

• Use a gentle ammonia-free cleaning product to tidy up the screen's casing and the gaps in between. You can apply the product with a soft, micro-fiber cloth and remove the dirt with a brush.
• Use a dedicated screen cleaner for the screen itself. Consider applying it with a lint-free cloth without applying too much pressure.
• You can use the same solution to wipe off the keyboard.
• To dust inside your computer, unplug the device, turn it off, and open the case of the desktop's tower. Then, use compressed air to spray off the dust. Avoid using vacuum cleaners as their static electricity can damage the device.

4. Dust the audio interfaces

Most high-quality audio interfaces have brushed aluminum and other metal surfaces. Even if you have budget-friendly audio interfaces with plastic cases, cleaning them is pretty straightforward.

• Use a clean, lint-free cloth to dust off the dirt from the equipment.
• For stubborn dirt on metallic surfaces, you can use the Original Spray Cleaner & Polish.
• You can use a similar or all-purpose cleaner for plastic surfaces. Again, stay away from ammonia-infused cleaning products to prevent damage to the device.
• Furthermore, you can use a fine brush to clean the dirt from the gaps and openings between sliders and knobs.

5. Tidy up the microphones

There are many ways to clean a recording studio. One thing common in every process is the thorough cleaning of microphones.

In commercial music studios, dozens of people use the same microphones on and off stage. With so many mouths and hands close to it, microphones get extremely unhygienic at the end of the day.

Here's an easy way to keep your microphones clean and hygienic.

• The metal grill houses sensitive parts of the microphone. Therefore, our experts suggest refraining from using any moisturizer or material from cleaning it. Instead, you can use a lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to clean it.
• If the cloth cannot remove the dirt, use a soft, small brush to clean it.
• If you notice unsavory particles or dirt inside the microphone, use an antimicrobial cleaning fluid, like a Microphone, to remove them. Ensure the product doesn't contact the equipment's sensitive electrical part.
• For the less-sensitive part, like the microphone handle, you can use a lint-free cloth or an all-purpose cleaner.

6. Clean the studio monitors and speakers

Studio monitors usually come in various protective casings, from wood to plastic and synthetic materials. They also feature a thin grill mesh fabric protective covering, which requires careful handling.

You shall do the following to clean your record studio's monitors and speakers.

• Use a very light brush or feather duster to remove dirt and the gaps present in the equipment. Use the same cloth to clean the casing of the speakers.
• For stubborn marks on the housing, use an excellent multi-purpose cleaner.
• For the mesh fabric, you can use a feather duster or a vacuum cleaner with light suction. Start the cleaning process by gently removing the grill. Then, run the pipe with proper extensions across the grill.

7. Clean your musical instruments

If you have musical instruments in your recording studio, you have another area to worry about. As previously mentioned, dust accumulation can significantly escalate the deterioration of musical instruments.

Fortunately, most musical instruments only need a simple soapy solution to be disinfected.

• For instance, you can mix some mild dish wash with water to create a cleaning solution and use it to clean the keys of your piano and built-in touchscreens. Alternatively, cleansing wipes, with or without alcohol, are great at disinfecting instruments.
• You can find string cleaners for guitars and other similar instruments.
• Isopropyl alcohol is another option for cleaning the strings of musical instruments. However, you must be careful, as isopropyl alcohol is not suitable for all types of casings.

8. Studio cameras and other equipment

For example, cameras need some TLC for your musical instruments and recording equipment. Otherwise, lens dirt can mar the image and affect the overall performance.
So, follow these tips, and your studio cameras dust dust-free.

• Experts recommend using ethanol (76.9-81.4% by volume) as a cleaning agent for high-touch electronics consisting of plastic. You can use this solution by dampening a soft cotton cloth and lightly wiping the product's surface.
• However, certain surfaces, like clear plastic, monitor screens, and camera lenses, should not be cleaned with ethanol since it can lead to damage. For these surfaces, it's best to use non-chemical cleaning products.

Tips To Keep Your Recording Studio Clean

Whether you have a commercial studio or a home studio, clutter, dirt, and dust will always find a way to creep in. One day, you will walk in, and a cobweb will emerge out of nowhere. However, it didn't appear out of nowhere, and you could've prevented it.

But don't worry; we won't let your studio become a pest-heaven.

To ensure you stay on top of your cleaning chores, we present a few practical tips on keeping your recording studio clean.
So, read on and note these down!

1. Label your cables

Tangled cables are one of the most common sources of frustration and confusion in a recording studio. Labeling is one way to eliminate the confusion about which cable goes where. You can use tape, color-coded tags, markers, cable tiles, racks, or hooks to keep your cables secure and neat.

2. Regularly dust and disinfect your gear

Dust and dirt can cause clogging in vents, fans, and knobs and reduce the lifespan of your recording equipment. So, make it a habit to dust your equipment with a brush or soft cloth. Also, you can use alcohol wipes to disinfect the gear.

3. Organize everything and backup your files

If you don't wish to lose your work or have trouble finding it, back up your essential files digitally. Create a logical system for naming the files and folders with descriptions and numbers. Additionally, ensure everything stays organized in the studio, from your desks to the floor and shelves.

4. Clean the floor and carpets

Carpets are notorious for collecting dust, dirt, hair, and food crumbs. Leaving your carpet dirty can trigger health issues and allergies and attract pests. They can also absorb and reflect sound waves, altering your sound quality. Therefore, vacuum, broom, and mop your carpets and floor daily.

5. Maintain ventilation and air quality

One thing people often brush over when explaining how to clean a recording studio is the significance of ventilation. The poor air quality will exaggerate the dust in your recording studio and cause headaches, irritation, nausea, and fatigue. It will affect your performance and mood and contribute significantly to mold and mildew growth.

Why Do You Hire A Professional Studio Cleaning Service?

The fragile equipment in recording studios makes cleaning them highly time-consuming. You may need more time or patience to cleanse every item with utmost care and attention. As a result, despite all your efforts, the items can look 'not quite right' or even damaged.

In this event, a professional team of cleaners can be accommodating. They can help you maintain the performance and appearance of the recording studio and tools without compromising their quality or affecting your productivity.

If you are wondering how, continue reading to find out!

1. Get specialized tools

Professional cleaners are typically aware of the right cleaning products for each recording equipment or tool. They invest their resources to find the most effective cleaning solutions that in no way negatively impact your musical instruments. Along with their wide range of supplies and tools, they bring a relevant experience to the table. They know precisely where the cleaning solution will deliver impeccable results.

2. Access to trained and skilled staff

Experienced cleaning organizations have a pool of highly skilled and trained staff. Their training pays off when delivering efficient cleaning results in commercial environments. Hiring reputed commercial cleaners also means employing security-vetted and background-checked employees that you can be confident of.

3. Boost your productivity

With professional cleaners, you won't have to allocate additional time to clean the recording studio. You can continue crafting without stressing about pests and dirt accumulating in the equipment while your cleaning professionals tackle the rest.

4. A plan tailored to your needs

Most reputed cleaning companies offer personalized cleaning services to their clients. If you hire them to organize and maintain your recording studio, you can trust them to deliver you-centric cleaning solutions that fit your needs.

They will suggest cleaning products designed to clean recording equipment and musical instruments, not "one-fits-all" products with the potential to damage the tools. Additionally, you can hire them to work around your schedule so the cleaning chores don't hinder your productivity.

5. Enjoy exceptional results

The most noticeable benefit of hiring commercial cleaners is the physical transformation of your studio. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference a cleaning company can make. To top it all, the superior work quality, ongoing support, and effective cleaning solutions will be within your budget.

6. Avoid the limitations and costs of in-house cleaning

Having an in-house cleaning crew may initially seem like a good investment, but it has drawbacks. Managing an in-house crew entails planning your cleaning schedule, training the crew, creating a separate budget, investing in cleaning equipment and supplies, and dealing with absences.

On the contrary, when you hire professional cleaners, you will get trained, trusted, and consistent cleaners equipped with effective cleaning products. You will only have to pay for their services, eliminating the requirement of ongoing investment. Plus, you won't have to deal with absence.

7. Reduce allergies and respiratory issues

Dust mites, pollen, mold, and mildew are often the leading causes of your triggered allergies. They take shelter in your recording equipment, music instruments, HVAC systems, and carpets and wreak havoc on your equipment and health.

Commercial cleaners know the best ways to clean a studio, eliminating all these allergens that could harm you and your tools. Their dedication and skills can help you eradicate the risk of pests and insects and preserve the longevity of the electronics.

Sterling Cleaning For Your Commercial Studio Cleaning!

A clean, well-maintained studio is essential to protect the quality of your recording tools and eliminate distractions from the workspace. It also helps foster a culture of safety and positivity.

If you require further professional assistance or guidance on cleaning a recording studio, be sure to get in touch with Sterling Cleaning Services. With our expert commercial cleaning services, you will never have to deal with a cluttered desk again. So, accelerate your productivity; leave us a message today!

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