If you’re going to go to the trouble of assembling a superior vinyl collection, you owe it to yourself to take care of that investment. Contaminants like dust, fingerprints and even atmospheric moisture will gradually degrade the fidelity of your vinyl if you let them. In order to guarantee that records remain pristine over time, there are two crucial things that every hardcore audiophile and vinyl collector must do.
1) Store Them Properly
Firstly, vinyl records should only be stored in a controlled environment where they’re not exposed to excessive moisture, heat or light. Get a decent humidifier or dehumidifier if need be to ensure that records don’t warp. Furthermore, records should be stored standing upright rather than stacked one on top of another. Finally, be sure to store records inside clean paper inner sleeves. Double up on protection by storing records in outer sleeves as well.
2) Clean Them Regularly
Besides proper storage, vinyl records require cleaning on a regular basis to remove dust, lint and other gunk. Before and after playing a record, it’s a good idea to use a chamois cloth, a microfiber cloth or an anti-static record brush to wipe off any debris. If you really care about your vinyl records, you’ll need to actually wash them with a specialty fluid. A dedicated record washer machine is beneficial for larger collections. They’re fairly inexpensive and speed up the cleaning process.
The Right Tools for the Job
One of the best reasons to buy vinyl records is the fact that they’ll give you a lifetime of listening if you treat them right. Don’t make the same mistake that so many casual vinyl collectors make by neglecting to properly care for your hardware. A small investment in the right storage and cleaning gear will ensure that your vinyl is still producing beautiful sounds decades from now..