Caring for Vinyl Records: A Complete Guide

Vinyl records are enjoying a remarkable resurgence. Whether you’re building a new collection or inheriting one, proper care ensures your records last and sound their best. Here’s how to protect your vinyl investment.

Why Record Care Matters

Sound Quality

• Dust and debris cause pops and clicks
• Dirty records wear out faster
• Groove damage is permanent
• Clean records sound dramatically better

Record Longevity

• Proper care means decades of enjoyment
• Neglect causes irreversible damage
• A well-maintained record can outlast any digital format

Equipment Protection

• Dirty records damage styluses faster
• Debris transfers to your turntable
• A worn stylus damages records

Handling Records Correctly

Basic handling rules:

• Hold records by the edges and label only
• Never touch the grooved playing surface
• Wash hands before handling (oils transfer)
• Keep records away from food and drinks
• Return records to sleeves immediately after playing

Cleaning Your Records

Dry Cleaning (Before Each Play)

Use a carbon fiber brush:

• Place brush on spinning record
• Let it gather dust for a rotation
• Slide brush toward edge while lifting
• Clean the brush regularly

Wet Cleaning (Periodic Deep Clean)

For thorough cleaning:

Manual method:

1. Use a dedicated record cleaning solution (or mix of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol)
2. Apply with a microfiber cloth or cleaning brush
3. Work in the direction of the grooves (circular)
4. Wipe dry with clean microfiber
5. Let air dry completely before playing

Record cleaning machines:

• Vacuum-based cleaners (very effective)
• Ultrasonic cleaners (thorough but expensive)
• Spin-clean type washers (good compromise)

What to Avoid

• Tap water (minerals leave residue)
• Paper towels (leave fibers)
• Circular wiping across grooves
• Harsh chemicals
• Excessive liquid

Proper Storage

Inner Sleeves

• Replace paper sleeves with anti-static poly sleeves
• Paper sleeves shed material and cause scratches
• Poly-lined paper sleeves are a good compromise
• Mobile Fidelity style sleeves are excellent

Outer Sleeves

• Protect cover art from wear
• Clear poly sleeves show off artwork
• Resealable sleeves protect from dust
• Replace damaged outer sleeves

Shelf Storage

• Store records vertically (never stack flat)
• Don’t pack too tightly (causes warping)
• Don’t leave too loose (allows leaning)
• Use shelf dividers to prevent domino effect
• Keep away from heat sources and sunlight

Environment

• Room temperature storage
• Moderate humidity (30-50%)
• Away from direct sunlight
• Away from heating/cooling vents
• Climate-controlled if possible

Stylus Care

Your stylus affects record wear:

Cleaning

• Clean before each listening session
• Use a dedicated stylus brush
• Brush from back to front only
• Consider stylus cleaning fluid for buildup

Replacement

• Replace worn styluses promptly
• A worn stylus damages records
• Listen for distortion as a warning sign
• Follow manufacturer’s hour recommendations

Tracking Force

• Use a stylus force gauge
• Set to manufacturer’s specification
• Too heavy = excessive wear
• Too light = mistracking and skipping

Warped Records

Warped records are common:

Prevention

• Store vertically
• Keep away from heat
• Don’t leave in hot cars
• Don’t leave in sunlight

Fixing Minor Warps

• Store between two flat records for a while
• Professional flattening services exist
• DIY methods are risky

When It’s Too Far Gone

• Severe warps may be unfixable
• Playback may be impossible
• Consider it a loss and replace

Static Electricity

Static causes dust attraction and pops:

Prevention

• Use anti-static inner sleeves
• Use a carbon fiber brush
• Consider anti-static guns
• Maintain moderate humidity

Treatment

• Anti-static record mats help
• Grounding your equipment properly
• Some cleaning solutions include anti-static properties

Common Problems

Pops and Clicks

• Usually dirt in grooves
• Deep clean the record
• May be physical damage if cleaning doesn’t help

Skipping

• Check tracking force
• Check anti-skate setting
• Record may be warped
• May be deep scratch damage

Distortion

• Check stylus condition
• Check cartridge alignment
• Record may be damaged
• May need turntable calibration

Building a Collection

Tips for collectors:

• Inspect before buying (hold to light)
• Know grading terminology
• Buy from reputable sellers
• Store purchases properly immediately
• Keep records of your collection

Our Turntable Services

We support vinyl enthusiasts with:

• Turntable setup and calibration
• Cartridge installation and alignment
• Stylus replacement
• Turntable repair and restoration
• General audio system service

Proper turntable setup makes a huge difference in both sound quality and record preservation.

Have turntable issues or need setup help? Contact us and we’ll help you get the most from your vinyl collection.