Collecting records is back in full swing. But old vinyl records are becoming increasingly rare. You can still find these well-preserved treasures only at well-attended collector’s fairs and swap meets. But why do these round discs hold such a strong appeal? And that appeal spans generations, appealing to young and old alike? It’s simply a truly special experience to put a record on, carefully place the needle on the groove, and listen to music from times long past, pressed onto vinyl for eternity. But to ensure you can continue enjoying these rare collector’s items for many years to come, proper care and storage are essential.
Cleaning, Storage, and Care of LPs
LP records must be stored upright—that is, vertically and lined up side by side on the shelf. Storing them at an angle would cause warping over time, and the records would also become distorted. This results in pitch fluctuations during playback. The environment where the vinyl records are stored should be cool and dry, as excessive heat and humidity can damage these rare pieces from the past. Never touch the playing surface with your fingers or hand, as this will leave greasy fingerprints. Therefore, always remove the records from their sleeves by holding the label and the edge. Cleaning can be done with a so-called carbon-fiber brush. This ensures that even the tiniest dust particles in the tiny grooves don’t stand a chance. Wet cleaning methods are only for true professionals, as they can permanently ruin a record and its sound quality. However, when done correctly, they can take your listening experience to a whole new level!
When stored properly, vinyl records will continue to provide great music for a long time to come
You should clean your records regularly. Whether to use a wet or dry method is a matter of personal preference. LPs can also be played using so-called “wet runners.” This ensures crackle-free, clean playback; however, the record must always be played with the wet runner from then on, since fine dust particles settle on it as it dries and can interfere with the listening experience. When it comes to storing records, the highest quality is essential. The inner sleeves provided by manufacturers not only scratch the vinyl but also build up static electricity. Lined, antistatic inner sleeves are also available in very slim versions, ensuring that your old records will still fit into their picture sleeves. And for the cardboard sleeves, there are PE outer sleeves available that prevent scratches. Those good old vinyl records deserve a place of honor in your home and should be prominently displayed on a clearly visible shelf. After all, they are the pride and joy of their owner. And even after many years, they continue to provide the ultimate musical enjoyment and a perfect listening experience.
