Vinyl records were invented in the 1920s and popularized in the 1940s; they have been a staple for listening to music and audio since their invention. Whether records are from the mid-20th century or the modern press, care is essential for increasing lifespan and maintaining quality sound.
Do vinyl records wear out? How? If kept in strict condition, they can last even a century. Records are made of PVC, which takes centuries to decompose. Maintenance, humidity levels, UV exposure, etc., determine the lifespan of a vinyl record. Preserve them correctly, and they’ll outlive you. To guarantee that, you’d love to be knowledgeable. We’ll discuss the primary reasons that can cause records to wear out.
Why Vinyl Records Wear Out Over Time
Some major factors speed up the deterioration or optimize the safety of vinyl records.
Maintenance
Many beginners need to realize that overlooking maintenance and upkeep has a major influence on the longevity of vinyl records. Keeping your record clean from dirt, dust, and fingerprints guarantees longer working years. Dirt, dust, and other debris can fall within the ridges, which affects the record overall. Sound quality diminishes; the record makes noise and skips that aren’t expected from the record.
Skipping is caused by the accumulation of dirt and debris that impacts the stylus or needle and damages the record. Debris can sustain damage within the grooves even after cleanup. Care should also be taken during cleaning to prevent forcing any particles against or into the grooves.
Use a microfiber cloth and wipe the record gently. Dampen the cloth in the distilled water. Rinse it gently. Use a suitable solution, too, if it’s accessible. Dry record using a dry microfiber cloth, and remove any extra moisture using compressed air. If care is not taken, even fingerprints can cause damage. Oil, dirt, or debris create a disastrous combination for vinyl. Oil from fingers attracts dust and other particles that harm the vinyl record. Preferably, hold records from the edges.
Humidity
Vinyl records are collectibles. Treat them as works of art. So, you have to take care of them like some valuable art piece appropriately stored so they don’t tarnish or depreciate.
Records not stored in suitable humidity will likely level positive charges that attract dust, dirt, and other debris. Using a carbon brush can counteract the static charge generated by humidity.
30 to 40 percent is the suitable humidity level for records. If you don’t know about levels around the storage area, purchase a hygrometer. For increasing or decreasing humidity levels, use a humidifier or dehumidifier to get suitable results.
UV Light
UV light has a major influence on the life span of records. Records can warp and become distorted if exposed to high temperatures or sunlight for an extended period.
The rule of thumb is that materials lose resilience at 140 °F (60 °C), making circular, flat shapes deform. Although the impacts of sunlight are alarming from exposure to UV light, it’s relatively easy to avoid. When looking for a space to store records, ensure it’s not directly exposed to sunlight.
Store records in their album jackets
The rule of thumb is that your record should only be out of the album jacket when played. Purposefully keeping it open only has a damaging impact. You should put it away as soon as you are done playing. Even avoid leaving it on the turntable. Dust and diet can accumulate and hurt sound quality.
If the outer sleeve is lost or damaged, buy plastic sleeves. Protection of your record should also be your top priority. Remember to buy an appropriate plastic sleeve for the type of record you are storing. Too tight or too loose sleeves can affect vinyl material.
Keep vinyl records upright.
You can’t keep vinyl records horizontally or flat; you should rather keep them upright. This question is often searched on Google and social media groups, or experts often ask how to keep records for complete safety. Upright, vertical positioning is the most suitable choice to keep albums of superior quality.
Keeping records diagonal for extended periods is more likely to be warped because of uneven pressure. That is why records are often kept in crates to keep them upright. When records are stored vertically, crate dividers remain evenly upright with little or no slanting.
Don’t stack records.
Records can be permanently damaged if stacked on top of one another. Weight can warp and cause other damages whether or not they are in jackets. Vinyl records are not made to accommodate any weight. Once the extra weight is applied, it creates several problems.
For instance, if records are kept horizontally, they can warp over time and crack or create scuff marks, especially on the bottom. Warped records are fixable, but you can cause more damage than you can prevent them from lasting. You can also risk destroying album artwork.
Wrapping up
If you are part of a musical family and hand down your collection to future generations, due care is essential to leaving a musical legacy in great shape. These steps help to maintain quality so that generations of family members can enjoy your record collection with the same inspiration and love.
By ensuring the above steps, you’ll see dramatic improvement. For premium results, you must consistently ensure handling and storage practices.
FAQs
Can I store vinyl records in the storage unit?
You can use a climate-controlled storage unit to protect the album’s integrity. If you store records upright, the storage unit will work fine. Look for a proper storage unit. Also, the chosen location should be temperature-controlled.
Can plastic containers be used for storing records?
Yes, plastic containers are the perfect choice to store records. Choose a heavy-duty plastic container, like a crate or bin. Be careful because the trapped air in the container can alter the climate, which can have a damaging impact. So, better keep the lid open.