Both retro and modern music can be heard on vinyl records.These records provide large, beautiful versions of albums from all genres, ranging from classic rock and jazz to modern hip-hop and electronica.Specialty storage is required for vinyls to stay in mint condition.Knowing how to store your records will keep them looking good and sound good for decades to come.
Step 1: Purchase outer and inner sleeves.
To properly store a vinyl record, you will need sleeves and a case.Used music and record shops, as well as online retailers like Amazon, are some of the places where sleeves can be found.The sleeves on most vinyl records are either 7 in (18 cm), 10 in (25 cm) or 12 in (30 cm).Cheap inner sleeves may not provide adequate protection for your disc.The quality of protection will not be affected by cheap outer sleeves like those made from polypropylene.
Step 2: Place the discs in the inner and outer sleeves.
Take your record out of its case and put it in an inner sleeve.Leave the record on if it came with protective factory film.Take the record out of its case and put it in an outer sleeve.Make sure the open side of the sleeve is parallel to the record case.
Step 3: If necessary, replace damaged sleeves.
Record sleeves are susceptible to general wear and can be affected by mold and mildew.If you want to protect your records, replace damaged or rotten sleeves.
Step 4: When playing the record, do not touch the grooves.
messy handling is not compatible with the best storage in the world.Don't touch the grooves when playing a record.The disc should be held by its edge and center circle.Grease and dirt can slip into the grooves.
Step 5: You can easily access your records with a display shelf.
A display shelf is the perfect solution for music lovers who want to show off their collection.If you want to store more records, look for shelves with long, horizontal rows and short columns that are at least 1 to 2 inches taller than your largest album size.To make large collections easier to navigate, invest in blank or pre-labeled record dividers.
Step 6: You can archive your vinyls with a storage box.
Purchase some storage boxes if you want to store your records for a long time without using them.Wooden crates and plastic tubs are great for quick and cheap solutions.Mobile vinyl boxes and archival plastic storage tubs are more expensive than safer.You should look for containers that are at least 1 to 2 inches taller than your previous record.
Step 7: Store your records vertically.
Lower-level records will warp over time if the weight distribution is stacked on top of each other.Store your records vertically to keep the weight off the discs.Heavy objects should not be placed on the records.Store your records with the open edge facing in.
Step 8: Keep your records out of the air.
Keeping your records sealed and covered is the best way to protect vinyl.Make sure your records are away from the elements when not in use.Don't leave a disc on your record player for long periods of time.
Step 9: Keep your records away from the sun.
Like paintings, vinyl sleeves that are kept in the sun will crack over time.To keep the cover art looking good, store your records in a shady room away from windows and direct sunlight.Even if you don't have front facing vinyls, the sunlight can still affect the edges of your record cases.
Step 10: It is a good idea to avoid hot or cold areas.
When exposed to extreme heat, vinyl records can warp around the edges.Records will become brittle when exposed to extreme cold.For the best results, keep your records below 50 F.Slowly increase the temperature over a period of many hours if your records are exposed to extreme cold.The album cover may be ruined by moving suddenly from cold to hot.
Step 11: Don't stay in humid rooms.
It's a good idea to avoid areas that are extremely humid or prone to leaks.Unless they are sealed and well-insulated, avoid basements, attics, sheds, and similar areas.If you can, store your records in a room with a humidity of at least 35%.
Step 12: It's a good idea to avoid open, dusty areas.
Dust is the main cause of dirty and ruined records.Do not store your vinyls in areas that are exposed to the open air.Make sure your albums are packed in a way that protects the cardboard edges from dust.You should dust the edges of your records about once a week.