The way you store records has a drastic impact on the life of your favorite albums. You may better understand the impact if you have ever purchased a garage or yard sale sitting in an attic for decades.
Vinyl is a delicate medium that can easily be damaged if you don’t store it properly. The environment, temperature, humidity, and other factors contribute to the health of records.
Here, we will explain everything you should consider about vinyl storage. Cleaning, the material used for drying, how to store, and other common mistakes and pitfalls are addressed.
The Best Way to Store Vinyl Records
Static Charge
Like storing any other object, records should be as clean as possible. Whether you have listened to vinyl records, you’ll be familiar with the sound of a scratch or static on a record. It’s a ‘go-to’ sign for the reproduction of old recordings. Vinyl records are like magnets for dust particles. Turntables often encourage static charge as they turn. Stylus drags on the record’s surface. Dust on the vinyl surface causes unwanted background static noise that reduces the fidelity of the sound.
Keep the turntable cover closed while playing to avoid dust on the record’s surface. It prevents additional dust from adhering to the record’s surface. Brush with an antistatic brush or wipe with an antistatic wipe to disperse the static charge once playing is complete. New technology includes a high-pressure electric duster, like the CompuCleaner Xpert, to get this job done. Stubborn dust is removed without contacting the record’s surface.
Handle records carefully
Oil from your hands should not be pressed into the grooves while holding a record. Trapped oils can trap dust and debris, making cleaning harder, providing a breeding ground for mold, and causing Boise while listening.
To avoid trapping oils, keep hands dry and clean when holding records. Use finger cots for extra grip and to eliminate the risk of transferring dirt and oil from your skin. Hold records from edges away from grooves. You can use finger cots or nitrile gloves when cleaning records, as maximum care is essential.
Proper cleaning of records
The record can have debris in grooves if used multiple times before. There may be visible finger marks and UFDs (unidentified flying drinks) that require cleaning before storage. The best way to check by eye is by using an LED torch. When using UV light, results can even be unexpected. Multiple ways can clean records. Thorough cleaning can be risky as grooves are susceptible to damage and trapped dust.
You can wash records by careful wetting to avoid risk to the record’s label. Make deionized water your preference for washing and rinsing. Use a lint-free, high-quality cloth like Dust Bunny or PEL microfiber cloth to remove surface marks and water. Evolon is an absorbent material that is also viable for dry, clean records. Also, use the lint-free cloth to clean the outer sleeve of any dust and fingerprints. Adhesive residue marks from old pricing labels are also removable using a crepe adhesive removal eraser.
Change the Inner Sleeve.
They protect from scratches when the record is removed or inserted into the outer sleeve. The original inner sleeve offers little protection and could harm the record. The original inner sleeve is often made of low-grade paper, which makes it susceptible to dirt, dust, and acid.
Acids can cause a quick breakdown of the plasticizers in the record, causing damage to the outer sleeve. The old inner sleeve can be creased and damage the record’s surface when under pressure. If the record is dirty, the inner may still contain contaminants; they can find their way back, which can damage the surface of the record. Use acid-free paper sleeves because they produce minimal static, unlike plastic alternatives. If the inner sleeve has value, keep it and store it separately.
Select Storage Area for Record Collection
The environment has a significant influence on the longevity of records and sleeves. High humidity and fluctuations can cause mold growth and quicken deterioration; sunlight can fade sleeves, and extreme heat can warp vinyl. So, there’s a lot to consider when choosing a storage area.
Avoid storing near a radiator or window because of the high temperature, which can lead to record distortion. Deterioration of the outer sleeve can speed up because of UV radiation in the sunlight. Windows and radiators can cause water leaks that can ruin records. Also, avoid cold external walls because they are a haven for mold. With condensation, minimal light, and minimal airflow, mold growth is inevitable with cold walls. It can stain your sleeves and grow in record grooves.
You can’t keep records in garages, sheds, or lofts either. These places can fluctuate in temperature and humidity, which causes stress to the record and sleeves. Avoid accidental damage or exposure to vibrations. Find a cool, dry area away from leaks. The ideal relative humidity is 35–40%.
Flat or Upright
Archiving your record is the final step. Box an acid-free and archival-quality record box if the record collection is valuable. It will help avoid acids, dust, UV light, and pests. Wood is not an acceptable material because it contains acids that migrate to the sleeve and cause damage to records.
Storing different records can cause pressure, so store the exact sizes together. Storage boxes should be free from adhesive to eliminate damage to the contents. Store records vertically. Storing records flat can cause pressure on the lower stack of records. Records should never lean at angles in a box or on a shelf, as it can cause the vinyl to warp. Index your collection with shelf marker cards, which can help minimize handling. Ensure enough space to remove records easily from a box or shelf. Avoid wood containers.
Common Mistakes When Storing Records
- Attic storage with no temperature control
- Store in humid basements and cellars.
- Keep under huge pressure that causes warping and other issues.
- No old sleeves that attract dust like magnets.
- No sturdy shelf under the record collection
Wrapping up
Store your records carefully in a cool, dry place, free from bright lights. Don’t stack them on top of each other. As long as you follow the instructions mentioned in the above process, your vinyl collection will remain healthy for years.