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: You can use 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 what most records come with.As you slide your records in and out over time, the paper will add scratches to your vinyl and should not be used.
Step 2: You can store it in an outer sleeve.
Dust from gathering on the vinyl itself can be prevented by covering the card sleeve with the outer 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 is not a good idea.Damage to your record can be caused by this split cover.Slowly slide the vinyl into the jacket or sleeve.
Step 4: There is a shelving system that you should invest in.
You will need a sturdy shelving system to hold your records in order.If you want to hold baskets or boxes, opt 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 keep your shelving system from leaning to one side.You can use dividers to catalog your records.If you want to write in categories, genres or the alphabet, you can find record dividers online.If you lay your records flat, they will warp.Store them vertically.
Step 5: There are containers for archive storage.
To avoid cardboard which can weaken over time, opt for stronger materials that will support the weight of lots of records.Don't stack your records in containers that have a static charge.Try a heavy-duty, top down plastic container with handles.
Step 6: Ensure the environment is free of pollutants.
It's best to store vinyl records in a dry environment.The light and heat of the sun can fade the jacket artwork and warp the record.Don't store in areas where the record will be exposed to 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 touch the surface.
The grooves of the album are stored information that should not be touched.Touch only the edges and the inner label.The sound quality of your record 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 with air should be minimized.
The dirt and debris accumulate when time records are in contact with the air.When albums are not being used, they should be put 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 easily scratch the record if you don't have a steady hand.Shake hands and use the cueing lever on your turntable to raise and lower the needle.You can buy 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.It helps to keep your record clean.It's not necessary to stop the turntable if you're skipping to another song.It is important to not apply downward pressure to the arm.Lower the arm to the dead space after you pick it up.The dead space is different from the rest of the record.The track list can be used as a guide to avoid scratching the record.
Step 11: You can use a carbon fiber brush.
A fiber brush can easily enter the grooves of the record to remove dirt.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 if you use a T-Shirt or towel.
Step 12: You can try using a cleaner.
You can buy pre-formulated cleaning products online and 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, spray onto the vinyl and use a microfiber cloth to wipe it dry.Combine distilled water, alcohol, and laundry detergent into a spray bottle.It is important to use distilled water because it does not have any harmful minerals.
Step 13: Purchase a vacuum.
A deeper clean is provided by vinyl record vacuums.The debris is sucked out of the grooves by the vacuum.A thin layer of cleaning fluid can be applied to the record by vacuums.The device should be consulted to learn to operate the device correctly.The vacuum helps to dry the record in an even fashion.