I stumbled on this by accident. Being a lifelong cigarette smoker of the roll-your-own flavor, I have often cured dry tobacco by putting a moist sponge in the container with the tobacco. And I know the action is almost immediate. I'm talking only a matter of minutes if you use a sponge. Dried fruit works great, but it takes longer. OK, you get the idea.
The last few days I've avoided recording my vinyl because the air has been really dry due to the cold weather and consequent heating of the playroom. Today I couldn't stand it any longer and decided to give it a try. I heard plenty of the nasty snap, crackle & pop. So it occurs to me why not try a sponge on the turntable to get some moisture in the air over the record. My table has a lid that closes on the vinyl. I cut a chunk of sponge about 2.5" x 1.5" and about 1" high. Then I cut a waterproof base for that out of an old plastic lid. I soaked the sponge with hot water, knowing that would facilitate the evaporative action inside the TT, and wrung it out being sure to leave plenty of water in it.
The difference was immediate and striking! No more pop when playing the same album again and then playing another one. I have The Doors Faux Lizardskin Box Set and that is what I was playing. The plastic inner sleeves that the vinyl is in do not really look like anti-static sleeves to me and the crackle had been quite severe.
If you are sparking when you walk in the room your shoes are at fault. Go bare-footed or cotton-sock-footed. If you are sparking when you handle the TT your clothes could be contributing a lot to this as well. Synthetic fibers are especially susceptible. Wear organic clothes (cotton, or your b/day suit).
Cheers!
