Levymeetä

Levymeetä is a Finnish term that roughly translates to "record moss." It refers to a specific type of growth that can occur on vinyl records, particularly on older or poorly stored ones. This growth is typically a fungal or microbial colony that appears as a greenish or grayish fuzzy patch.

The formation of levymeetä is usually a result of the record being exposed to dampness or humidity over an extended period. Dust and organic debris that accumulate on the record's surface can also contribute by providing a food source for the microorganisms. The presence of levymeetä can negatively impact the sound quality of a record, often causing pops, crackles, and a general degradation of the audio.

In some cases, levymeetä can be carefully removed using specialized cleaning solutions and techniques designed for vinyl records. However, if the growth has been present for a long time or has penetrated the grooves, it may be impossible to fully eliminate it without causing further damage to the record. Prevention is key, and proper storage of vinyl records in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and moisture is the best way to avoid levymeetä.