The Care And Feeding Of Your Record Collection

Many people just beginning to collect vinyl records may not realize how to care for their collection properly. Careful storage, proper care and cleaning can make a world of difference in prolonging the life of a record. Here are just a few, simple tips to remember to keep your collection in great shape for many years to come:

STORAGE

Records should always be stored in an upright position. This is why records are often kept in crates, so they will stay evenly upright with little or no slanting. Records that have been stored at a slant for an extended period of time can warp because of the uneven pressure which has been placed on them. Older records, particularly from the 1950‘s and 1960‘s, are less prone to warping because of their thickness and material content. Newer vinyl, especially 1980‘s records, were pressed much thinner and are more susceptible to damage.

The same can be said for covers as well; album covers from the 50‘s and 60‘s were made of hard, substantial cardboard often covered with glossy photo paper which stands up very well to the test of time. Newer records have much thinner covers, which are easily bent, marred and rippled from moisture damage.

Do not stack records on top of each other, the pressure can also cause them to warp and/or (God forbid) crack. Their weight can be deceptive until a few or more are stacked together, causing the record(s) on the bottom to withstand the combined weight. It’s just good practice to keep them upright and free from the weight of other records.

Store records in a temperature controlled room, away from extreme fluctuations of cold and hot. Records make great conversation pieces, as well as beautiful works of art so display them proudly where guests can peruse your collection in a comfortable environment. Dirty, moldy, wet basements are certain death to records, so unless you’re planning to build a vinyl graveyard, keep ‘em outta here. The same can be said for attic spaces; attics tend to be stifling, hot, dusty and confined, so your precious copy of John Denver's Rocky Mountain High won’t last long up there.

Poly outer sleeves are an excellent way to keep dust, dirt and damage off your records and covers. They provide a protective layer for the covers, keeping them free of surface rubbing or ‘ring wear’, corner bumps and scratches which are all normal occurrences with everyday use. A ‘collector’s favorite’ poly outer sleeve is made from 3mil Polyethylene and comes in LP (12“) and 45 (7“) sizes. These are a minor investment and will keep your collection looking top notch.

Cleaning

There are many methods for cleaning records properly, of which the specifics can vary greatly. Phan-Stat is one of several record cleaning fluids which can be purchased online or in some record shops. Used moderately and with a low nap chamois cloth, it will produce excellent results on a dirty record. A little research could be necessary to discover the many methods of record cleaning, but are ultimately a personal choice.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when collecting records, or preserving a current collection. With the vinyl revival in full upswing, the proper care of vinyl records is more important than ever as their value continues to increase. If you ever decide to part with your collection, your resale value will also increase if you have properly cared for them. As with all collectibles, condition means everything and the better the condition, the higher the value.