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Storing and Caring for Vinyl Records

Storing and Caring for Vinyl Records

The phonograph was invented in 1877 and played delicate cylinders wrapped in foil, later cylinders were wax, and now PVC vinyl. Vinyl records are one of the most stable physical sound recording formats ever developed. Vinyl records can last for decades if cared for properly.

Storing Vinyl 1
Image by Mick Haupt


Environment For Storing Vinyl
Vinyl can withstand low temperatures very well. It’s the heat that you need to worry about. Anything above 120°F (50°C) and your records will begin to warp. When storing them, cooler is better. It’s fine if you keep your records at room temperature, or around 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Long term storage, below 50°F (7 to 10°C).

The softer and more pliable texture used today withstands these cold temperatures, but unfortunately can cause this warping effect when placed in a heated environment. You can’t store your vinyl records in a garage, unless it is climate controlled. Garages tend to get too hot and humid in the summer months.

Protective Vinyl Sleeves
It wasn’t uncommon to see advice like keep your records away from sunlight, away from any known heat source, and upright without any additional or unnecessary weight on top of them. Paper is better than PVC, but polythene is better than paper. Paper releases its own dust, which can cause damage to records. Some paper sleeves contain dyes, which could also damage records. Paper will also retain moisture, which can cause mold to form on your collection. If you go for paper sleeves, you should get ones that have an anti static plastic lining.

Polythene is a plastic based product and does not react nearly as harshly to warmer conditions when compared to PVC. 

Keeping Your Vinyl Clean
Lightly using warm water or hot water are sometimes used but there is no real benefit. If at all possible, the water should be distilled and deionized, otherwise the impurities will remain on the surface of the record. If there are no fingerprints or other oily smudges on the record, you can get away with using just water, which is actually better for the record, otherwise a record cleaning solution is a better choice.
Carbon fiber brushes or microfiber cloths are ideal, they remove any static charge that keeps dust sticking to the record’s surface. A decent alternative are those cloths you use to clean glasses or cell phone screens.
Cleaning records by hand will be the go to method for most vinyl enthusiasts and cleaning by hand is more than sufficient for protecting your records.

Storing Vinyl 2
Image by Cosmoh Love


Importance of proper vinyl storage
Keeping your records clean ensures the longevity of your records, your equipment and getting the best sound and listening experience.
Records collect dirt, dust and debris even when they are well cared for. Removing as much as possible on a regular basis is essential. Dust and debris becomes embedded in the grooves of the record affecting the sound quality over time.

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