Whether you’re an audiophile who likes the sound of a vinyl record or a collector who wants to keep your records safe for decades to come, you need to know how to store your vinyl records. Vinyl records can last for over 100 years if they are stored and cared for properly. On the other hand, records that aren’t stored properly could suffer irreversible damage after only a year or two. With that said, here are some dos and don’ts of storing your vinyl record collection.
Do: Store Your Records Vertically
When your records aren’t currently being played, they should be stored vertically, preferably in a container meant for storing and displaying vinyl records. Not only will this help keep your records in good condition and easily accessible, but your records will be on display in a way that is much more aesthetically pleasing.
Don’t: Stack Your Records
Vinyl records in their sleeves may look flat enough to be stacked on top of each other, but that will only damage your records. Stacking records on top of each other will cause them to warp or even crack if there’s enough weight placed on top of them. Even a single record stored horizontally can cause it to warp, so store them vertically even if you have a small collection.
Do: Keep Your Records in Their Sleeves
Keeping your vinyl records in their sleeves will protect them from dust and static, both of which will damage them over time. If an inner sleeve is damaged, replace it as soon as possible.
Don’t: Keep Your Records Out When You’re Not Playing Them
The only time your vinyl records should be out of their sleeves is when they’re currently being played. Leaving them out will expose them to dirt and dust, as will handling them any more than you have to.
Do: Keep Your Records in a Cool and Dry Place
High heat and humidity will damage vinyl records more quickly than just about anything you could imagine. Ideally, your collection should be stored at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity between 40 and 50 percent.
Don’t: Get Careless when Cleaning Your Records
Regardless of how you store your vinyl records, they will get dirty and will need to be cleaned if you listen to them regularly. When it’s time to clean your records, don’t rush the job. Cleaning vinyl records properly takes time; you can’t simply go over them carelessly with a dry cloth and expect them to sound good. Careless cleaning will lead to scratches and other issues that will be nearly impossible to repair.
Do: Keep a Cleaning Kit On Hand
The best way to clean your vinyl records is with a vinyl cleaning kit. There are plenty of kits out there that should serve your purpose, so invest in one if you want to keep your collection in good shape. It does take some time to clean your records, but it will be well worth it when they remain in good shape for years to come.
