Music lovers are again feeling conscious about vinyl records due to their good sound quality and physical appeal. However, as your collection grows, it becomes crucial to store your LPs correctly to prevent dust, scratches, and bending. Here are some expert tips to maintain your record collection in top condition and enhance its appearance:
1- Choose the Optimal Storage Method
If you store your vinyl correctly, it will last longer. Never store records horizontally because this will twist them and, over time, destroy them. Instead, utilize the following storing options that are vertical in nature:
Boxes: More robust, record-specific boxes keep everything safe and are easy to look through.
Shelves: These shelves allow you to adjust the distance between records and the size of each one.
Cabinets: The vinyl storage cabinets with doors offer an additional level of protection against light and dust.
2- Think About Climate Control
Vinyl records can become damaged by sources of heat and moisture. Heat, for example, can cause things to warp. High humidity promotes the growth of mold. Store your vinyl music in a cool, dry, and consistent temperature environment. Avoid placing vinyl music near your attic or basement and away from direct sunlight.
3- Handle It With Care
Avoid touching the sides of a record with its edges, and always mark the surface. Fingerprints and oils can degrade the sound quality of a record by attracting dust. Additionally, when removing the record from its sleeve, avoid pulling it from the top; instead, slide it out.
4- Spend Money on Good Sleeves
For added protection against dust, scratches, and static electricity, good-quality plastic or polypropylene bags can be used instead of old, torn paper cases. If you wish to enhance the protection of your record cover even further, you should consider purchasing PVC outer cases.
5- Keep It Clean
The air and other elements on the records will cause damage and deteriorate the sound quality. Keep them clean with a carbon fiber brush or an antistatic record cleaning product. You should always brush in a circle and go with the lines.
6- Organize Your Collection
That makes it much easier, not to mention more pleasant, to browse your collection. You can organize your songs in any way you want: artist, genre, or release date. Dividers can be used to divide areas and aid in finding items quickly.
7- Show Off With Honor
Do not conceal your collection; create a shelf or space where you can play your favorite records and proudly display them. Use picture frames to show off unique record covers as art.
8- Make Your Collection Digital
You may protect the songs by making digital copies of your records and carrying them anywhere with you. Acquire a turntable that has a USB port so that you can directly connect it to your computer and record the sound.
9- Protect Those Important Records
You may be attracted to adding rare or expensive music to your home or renter’s insurance. If so, it would protect your investment in case the record got broken or stolen.
10- Let Other People Enjoy the Vinyl
Give your family and friends vinyl and let them enjoy it. Have listening parties with them and let them enjoy this unique experience. That will keep the love for the old format alive.
With these suggestions, your record collection can continue to bring you joy for many years to come. Happy listening!
