How To Properly Maintain Your Vinyl

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post by Jessica Kane. Jessica is a music connoisseur and an avid record collector. She currently writes for SoundStage Direct, her go-to place for all turntables and vinyl equipment, including VPI Turntables.

Collecting vinyl records is a fun hobby. They can also provide you with great-sounding music for many years. However, there are several things that you will need to do in order to properly maintain your vinyl.

Tips For Maintaining Your Vinyl

Clean The Records Regularly

Cleaning your vinyl records is one of the best things that you can do in order to maintain them. It is a good idea to take a cloth and wipe your records off before you play them. You can also use a carbon fiber record brush to remove dust from the records.

You should give your records a more thorough cleaning at least once a month. If you clean your records regularly, then you will preserve them by removing dirt that can cause damage to them. There are cleaning solutions that you can purchase to remove dirt from your vinyl. It is not a good idea to use homemade solutions on your record because that can result in serious damage.

Clean The Stylus Regularly

If your record player has a stylus, then it will have to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning the stylus is just as important as cleaning the records. If your stylus is dirty, then this dirt can easily be transferred to your vinyl records. This can result in permanent damage to the records. It is a good idea to clean the stylus before and after you play the records.

Additionally, if your stylus is worn out, then you will need to replace it. A damaged stylus can cause scratches to develop on the records.

Store The Records Properly

You should store the records vertically because this will reduce the amount of stress that is placed on the record. You should never place your vinyl records under a pile of heavy objects or other records. The weight can put a lot of stress on the records. This can cause damage and reduce the sound quality. When you are storing your records, it is important for you to make sure that they do not lean. This can cause your records to warp.

Keep Your Records Cool

You should store your records in a cool place. Do not store your vinyl records near the heater or window. The heat can damage your records. You should also avoid storing your records in humid places. A humid environment creates the right conditions for mold growth. It is really difficult to remove mold that gets on your records.

Store The Records In The Sleeves

This is perhaps one of the simplest things that you can do in order to maintain your vinyl records. Putting the record in the sleeve helps protect it from dirt and scratches. It also protects your record from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays.

Handle Your Records With Care

You should hold the record by its edges. Make sure that you are careful not to drop the record. This will not only cause the record to skip, but it can also cause permanent damage to the record.