Vinyl records have made a spectacular comeback, and for good reason. Their rich, warm sound offers an unparalleled listening experience. However, to ensure your records stay in pristine condition and continue to deliver top-notch sound, proper care and maintenance are essential.
This guide will walk you through the best practices for keeping your vinyl records clean, safe, preventing damage. We also share some tips from the other end of the stylus on how best to maintain your record player as well.
Keeping Your Vinyl Records Clean
1. Dusting Regularly:
Use a carbon fibre brush to remove dust before and after each play. This prevents dust from embedding into the grooves and affecting sound quality.
Hold the record by the edges and gently rotate it while brushing to cover the entire surface.
2. Deep Cleaning:
For a thorough clean, use a record cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth or a dedicated record cleaning brush.
Spray the solution lightly onto the record and gently wipe in a circular motion, following the grooves.
Record cleaning machines are also an excellent investment for serious collectors.
3. Handling:
Always handle records by the edges or the labelled area to avoid fingerprints, which can attract more dust and oils.
Storing Your Vinyl Records
1. Vertical Storage:
Store records vertically to prevent warping. Storing them flat can cause pressure on the records at the bottom, leading to warping over time.
Ensure they are stored upright but not too tightly packed, as this can cause ring wear and make records difficult to retrieve.
2. Sleeves:
Always keep your records in their inner sleeves when not in use. Polyethylene inner sleeves are better than paper as they are less likely to cause scratches.
Outer sleeves are also essential to protect album covers from wear and tear. Plastic outer sleeves will keep dust and moisture away.
3. Temperature and Humidity:
Store records in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat can warp records, and high humidity can cause mold.
Preventing Damage to Your Vinyl Records
1. Avoid Scratches:
Be careful when placing records on and removing them from the turntable. Make sure the turntable is stationary.
Never stack records on top of each other without sleeves, as this can cause scratches.
2. Protect from Heat:
Keep records away from heat sources like radiators, direct sunlight, and electronics that emit heat.
Avoid storing records in attics or basements where temperature fluctuations are common.
3. Regular Inspection:
Check records regularly for signs of mold, warping, or scratches. Early detection can prevent further damage.
Maintaining Your Record Player
1. Cleaning the Stylus:
Clean the stylus (needle) regularly with a stylus brush or a stylus cleaning gel. A dirty stylus can damage your records and distort sound quality.
Always brush from back to front, never side to side, to avoid damaging the stylus.
2. Turntable Maintenance:
Keep the turntable clean and dust-free. A cover can protect it when not in use.
Ensure the turntable is level to avoid uneven wear on records and stylus.
3. Belt and Motor:
If your turntable uses a belt, check it periodically for wear and replace it if necessary.
Listen for any unusual noises from the motor, which could indicate it needs servicing or lubrication.
4. Tonearm and Cartridge:
Ensure the tonearm is balanced and the tracking force is correctly set according to the cartridge manufacturer's specifications.
Replace the cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain optimal sound quality.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your vinyl records and record player will ensure they remain in excellent condition for years to come. By following these tips for cleaning, storing, and handling your records, as well as maintaining your turntable, you can enjoy the rich sound of vinyl with minimal risk of damage. Happy listening!