Storing and Caring for Vinyl Records
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Record collections are passed down through generations, built with a collector’s consideration, enjoyed in quiet contemplation and at raucous social events. Vinyl is a warm, textural listening experience, and steps must be taken to preserve it. Following a few basic principles will help to conserve your collection for present and future enjoyment.
Inventory. Depending on its size and/or value, you should prepare an inventory of your collection. Record the title, artist, date of release or date purchased (if known) and any other noteworthy information of each recording. Organize them in a way that makes sense for you – but keep it consistent.
Care. Keep your records clean. Dust and body oils can and cause poor sound quality and static. They damage the vinyl as well as the needles. Use cloths and brushes specially made for cleaning records; special chemicals are also available. The best, and easiest, way to clean a record is while it rotates on the turntable. Do
..