How to Store Vinyl Albums
First developed around 1930, vinyl long-playing records came to dominate the record album market following World War II. Today, many vinyl albums are prized collector's items. However, vinyl albums continue to be popular with many music lovers despite the dominance of CDs and other, more recent audio technologies. Whether your vinyl albums are valuable collector's items or records you play purely for the enjoyment of the music, proper storage of vinyl albums will help keep them in good condition for many years to come.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Remove the plastic shrink wrap in which new vinyl albums are packaged. Over time this wrapping shrinks and may damage the record. Replace paper inner liners with polyethylene liners. Paper liners contain acid that degrade the vinyl. Purchase polyethylene liners at most specialty record shops.
-
2
Store vinyl albums in a closed (preferably airtight) cabinet or box designed for vinyl record storage. Never store vinyl albums in a dusty or smoky area. The airborne particles adhere to the surface.
-
-
3
Regulate the temperature and humidity in your vinyl album storage area. Maintain a temperature between 50 to 60 degrees. Humidity should be fairly low (around 40 percent to 50 percent) to prevent mold from forming on dust jackets (album covers) or liners.
-
4
Place vinyl albums at an angle when storing. Ideally, the album should be resting on a slanted surface. Never stand albums on edge for storage or simply stack them. Over time, either will cause the vinyl to warp, damaging the records.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always hold a vinyl album by its edges. Never handle the playing surface.
Don't scrimp on the stylus (needle) you use to play vinyl albums. A top-quality stylus not only produces better quality sound, it minimizes wear and tear.
Cleaning with a solution designed for vinyl albums is best, but you can use mild dish-washing detergent diluted to about 10 parts water to one part detergent. Always use a soft, lint-free cloth squeezed out until it is damp, not wet. Wipe gently in a curved path along the record grooves. Allow your records to dry completely (several hours) before returning them to storage.
Do not store vinyl records near vents or other heat sources.
Never leave vinyl records in the sun, even for short periods.
Never use alcohol or abrasives to clean vinyl records.
