Record lovers know how important it is to protect and maintain their vinyl records.The tendency to wear over time is one of the disadvantages that vinyl has over other listening media.It's important to learn how to properly care for your vinyl records.
Step 1: There is an inner sleeve.
The only thing that should come into contact with the record is the inner sleeve.The best sleeves are made of either a plastic liner within a paper inner or a round-bottomed plastic-only sleeve.It's important to protect your record from scratches and debris by storing it in one of these sleeves.Online and in local music stores, these can be purchased.Paper sleeves are used for most records.As you slide your records in and out over time, the paper will add scratches to your vinyl, so don't use these.
Step 2: You can store it in an outer sleeve.
Dust from gathering on the vinyl itself is prevented by the outer sleeve, which covers the card sleeve.The softer, roomier sleeves should be used to avoid peeling off the artwork.Online and in local music stores, these can be purchased.The plastic sleeves are heavy.These can stick to the record sleeve over time.They may damage the artwork when removed.You can use a bag that fits like a normal sleeve but has a large flap on the outside to fully cover the record.
Step 3: It is not a good idea to put a record in its sleeve.
Dropping a record into a jacket or sleeve is not a good idea.Damage to your record can be caused by this splitting the cover.You can put away your records by sliding them into a jacket or sleeve.
Step 4: You should invest in a shelving system.
You will need a sturdy shelving system to hold your records in an organized manner.If you want to hold baskets or boxes, look for a shelving system that has built-in square shelves.Inexpensive shelving systems can be purchased from local furniture stores.Adding L-shaped metal brackets will make your shelving system lean to one side.You can use dividers to catalog your records.You can find online record dividers that allow you to write in categories, genres or the alphabet.Lay your records flat will cause them to warp.Store them vertically.
Step 5: There are containers for archive storage.
cardboard can weaken over time, so opt for stronger materials that will support the weight of lots of records.Don't use containers that have a static charge, and stack your records in an upright position.Try a heavy-duty, top down plastic container with handles.
Step 6: Proper environmental conditions must be ensured.
It's best to store vinyl records in a dry environment.The light and heat can fade the jacket artwork and warp the record, so don't store them in direct sunlight.Don't store in areas with a lot of dust or airborne particles.Basements tend to have leaks and environmental extremes.The storage temperature should be between 46-50 degrees F.
Step 7: Don't look at the surface.
The grooves of the album are stored information that should not be touched.Touch only the edges and inner label.Sound quality can be affected by dirt and prints.If you come in contact with the record, you should use a fibre brush to clean it.
Step 8: Contact should be minimized with air.
The dirt and debris accumulate when time records are in contact with the air.When albums aren't being used, they should be stored in sleeves.If you have a turntable with a lid, be sure to close it during the movie.
Step 9: When cueing a record, use a steady hand.
If you have a manual turntable, you will have to manually place the needle on the record.You can scratch the record if you don't have a steady hand.The cueing lever on your turntable can be used to raise and lower the needle.You can get a turntable with an automatic system.
Step 10: When removing a needle, be careful.
Wait for the platter to stop spinning before you remove the needle.This will help to keep your record clean.It's not necessary to stop the turntable if you're trying to skip another song.It's important to not apply downward pressure to the arm.Before the song, lower the arm to the dead space after picking it up.The dead space is different from the other parts of the record.The track list can be used to avoid scratching information on the record.
Step 11: You can use a carbon fiber brush.
The grooves of the record can be easily entered by a fiber brush.The type of fiber makes it easy to drain static electricity.Hold the brush over the vinyl and spin it slowly.You can buy special brushes at your local music store.Before and after each record use, use the brush to clean your records.The brush needs to be cleaned between uses.The surface of your vinyl can be damaged by using a T-Shirt or towel.
Step 12: You can try using a cleaner.
You can buy pre-formulated cleaning products online or at local music stores, but you can also make your own cleaner at home.Combine distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, and a couple drops of laundry detergent #without fragrance or dyes#, spray onto the vinyl and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it dry.Combine distilled water, alcohol, and laundry detergent in a spray bottle.There are no minerals in distilled water that could be harmful to the record.
Step 13: Purchase a vacuum cleaner.
A deeper clean is provided by vinyl record vacuums.The vacuum sucks the debris out of the grooves.A thin layer of cleaning fluid can be applied by vacuums to further protect the record.To learn to operate the device correctly, you should consult the included device.The vacuum helps to dry the record in an even way.