To some music fans, vinyl is the only way to listen to music. You might have records from the 60’s and 70’s you refuse to let go, or maybe you’re one of the modern day collectors. Either way, vinyl is a unique material that requires special care. Follow these tips to help keep your music in pristine condition.
Brush With Care
Use a anti-static record cleaning brush and a liquid cleaning solution to keep the surface clean. After each use, the record brush will need to be cleaned by a smaller brush. All of these tools can typically be found in a record cleaning kit.
Avoid Water and Extreme Temperatures
Cleaning your records with tap water or storing them in a damp environment can damage vinyl. It’s also important to keep the room temperature regulated to prevent melting or warping.
Put a Sleeve On It
Keep the record protected from dust. Store each one in three coverings: a paper inner sleeve, the LP jacket (the album cover), and a plastic outer sleeve at least three mil thick. Some experts prefer to place the record behind of the LP jacket instead of within it. This keep the jacket from getting seam splits.
Place Upright, Don’t Stack
In order to reduce the chance of warping, don’t place vinyl records on top of each other or at a 45 degree angle. Instead, keep them at 90 degrees within milk crates. 14” x 14” is the ideal dimensional setup for records.
