Like CDs, physical damage to the surface of a vinyl record will prohibit it from playing without skipping.
Keeping them clean will help retain the best sound quality possible and caring for old or new records is essential to maintaining their longevity.
Here are a few useful tips for really keeping your records sounding great and lasting for years!
1. What to use
You can pick up a record cleaning kit for not too much money and these come with a specific cleaning solution as well as a tool to clean your records. These are a great investment if you want to take good care of your vinyl.
If you don’t have a dedicated cleaning kit then we recommend using distilled water. Some recommend using alcohol, but you might risk degrading the surface of your records.
Use a lint-free cloth to clean them and to finish the job. This will prevent any scratches from occurring
Anytime you’re handling your records, try to touch them from the edges only, as damage can occur if you touch the inner area of the record.
2. Specialised vacuum cleaning machines
Although they can be a bit pricey, vacuum record cleaning machines are great for removing dust and small particles from the small grooves and spaces on your record player.
They also thoroughly clean your machine with a mild soap solution.
3. How to store your vinyl
Try to keep your records in an area that has low humidity and indirect light. Records can be severely damaged by heat and light, so be sure that you store them in an area that maintains a cool temperature. If records get too moist, they can mildew, and become useless.
Keep them upright rather than laying flat. If records lay horizontal, they might endure “warping,” which can bend the record.
If your record came with a sleeve, keep it! Any additional protection against outside influences will be beneficial for maintaining longevity of your records.
Best place to store your records is on a dedicated shelf of a record player stand, similar to the way you would store books in a bookcase.
Alternatively a purpose built case or crate are both great options.
4. Keep your record player in good condition
It’s also important to ensure that your precious turntable is kept in good condition. If you’re using an old needle or a damaged machine then this can also impact on the quality of your vinyl.
We recommend changing your stylus about once every year, if you’re not a frequent listener and once every 6 months if you listen to your vinyl regularly.
In an age in which most of our music is digital, it’s nice that there’s still ways to play music that isn’t necessarily as automatic and pristine.
Though records are making a comeback, (as in modern artists are releasing records on vinyl again), preserving your record collection will provide you with years of quality sounding albums.
In addition, the potential increase in value of your record collection relies on their condition and care. Proper methods of handling and storage will ensure that your records will last for decades.