Caring For Your Vinyl Records Like a Real Audiophile

It doesn't matter if you've been collecting hard rock albums since the mid-'80s or were just gifted a limited edition Taylor Swift LP—every vinyl lover needs to have a basic understanding of how to care for their prized possessions. The good news? It's easier than you'd think. With a proper understanding of cleaning, caring, and storing your vinyl albums, you'll feel like a pro in no time.

Vinyl Albums Never Go Out of Style

Our parents, and even their parents, grew up buying vinyl records—so how are they still so popular despite the changing technology? It's hard to pinpoint precisely why this retro type of collectible has made such a resurgence in Illinois antique malls and secondhand shopping, but much of it can be chalked up to one simple feeling: nostalgia.

In a world where streaming is everything, and your favorite songs can be taken down without warning, the art of collecting physical media that holds sentimental importance to you feels more crucial than ever. When you combine the need to immortalize those special memories from eras past with the amazing sound quality record players boast, it's no wonder that vinyl remains as popular as ever.

The Importance of Vinyl Record Care

Collecting vinyl records from an Algonquin antique mall is one thing. Maintaining them so they're able to be played for years to come is another.

Proper cleaning and caring for vinyl albums are essential skills for audiophiles. Without regular upkeep and quality storage, something as seemingly minor as a speck of dust or a tiny scratch can ruin the sound quality for good. If you care about the longevity of your vinyl album collection, you'll invest time and energy into learning how to care for your records.

A Few Signs a Vinyl Record Has Not Been Well-Cared For

If someone is a more casual listener or uses a cheap record player, there'll be signs of improper care on each vinyl, including:

• Dust and debris buildup

• Fingerprints on disk

• Warped and bent shape

• Dull scuffs and scratches

• Damaged sleeves

Learn About The 3 Main Components of Vinyl Record Care

When you spend time collecting vinyl albums, you want to be able to play them on your record player for years and years. Unfortunately, if you don't learn proper maintenance, they'll never last that long. Luckily, vinyl record care can be broken down into three main, easy-to-understand categories:

1. Handling Vinyl Albums the Right Way

The secret to giving the disks in your vinyl records collection a long and happy life is in how you handle them. The natural oils on our hands are damaging to the grooved surface of vinyl, attracting dust and dirt and negatively impacting the sound quality.

When transferring an album from its protective sleeve to your record player, always grip it by the outer edges, taking care to avoid touching any grooves. If it's easier, you can also hold it by the inner label.

Pro tip: If you collect valuable and rare records, gloves could be a worthy investment. Donning a pair of cotton gloves will provide a more secure hold and give you peace of mind that your treasured finds will remain clean and scratch-free.

2. Storing Your Vinyl Album Collection

When they aren't spinning on your record player, the way you store your vinyl albums is essential. It may seem tempting to save space in your home, but whatever you do, don't stack your records. The pressure from keeping vinyl discs on top of one another will warp the surface at a surprising speed. Instead, stand them upright vertically on sturdy shelves able to withstand their weight.

Experts also recommend giving your vinyl albums some double-layered protection. Find anti-scratch inner sleeves made out of rice paper or polyethylene to provide a barrier between the vinyl and the outer sleeve. For outer sleeves, search for thicker, more durable options to provide peak protection for album covers.

Helpful Accessories for Vinyl Record Storage

The next time you're shopping for vinyl at the Florida vendor mall, keep an eye out for these helpful bonus accessories:

1. Record weights and clamps

2. LP dividers

3. Record crates and shelves

Should You Keep a Vinyl Record in Its Original Packaging?

People who prioritize collecting over playing assume that you should keep a record in the original shrink wrap, but that couldn't be further from the truth. That thin plastic wrapping traps moisture, enabling mold growth. Remove this layer and encase your record in a high-quality sleeve instead.  

What's the Ideal Environment for Storing Vinyl?

Once you've taken your go-to vinyl off your record player, make sure to return it to its protective sleeve and store it in a climate-controlled space. Ideally, the room where you store your collection should be maintained at a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity of 40-50%. Avoid direct sunlight, and you're golden!

3. Cleaning Your Vinyl and Record Player

To ensure your record player remains clean and runs smoothly, regularly dust and clean the stylus, platter, and turntable surface with a soft brush and a lint-free microfiber cloth. For heavier grime that may build up over time, use a wet cloth soaked in warm water and a mild cleaning solution to gently wipe down the record player.

For daily vinyl record cleaning, you can gently sweep away surface dust with an anti-static carbon fiber brush. If you need a deeper clean, dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe the surface in a circular motion, following the direction of the grooves and avoiding the center label. Use a second, dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture, and let the vinyl completely dry before storing it or playing it on your record player.

Can You Get Vinyl Records Professionally Cleaned?

If you're unsure of your own vinyl album cleaning capability, there's good news—you can always leave it up to the professionals! In fact, it's often recommended for preserving the audio quality of ultra-rare and valuable vinyl. The professional services use one of two methods to remove stubborn grime and debris: ultrasonic cleaning, a method that uses high-frequency sound waves, and vacuum cleaning, a system based on suction.

Collecting vinyl albums is a fun hobby for music lovers of any age—especially once you learn the proper ways to handle, store, and clean them! Stop by America's Antique Mall and start your search today.