Collecting vinyl is a popular hobby. If you’ve recently started collecting vinyl records, it could be important to consider how you store them. Incorrect storage can lead to records getting damaged – which can negatively affect their sound quality, appearance, and value. By making an effort to store vinyl the right way, you can prevent this. Below are just a few tips on how to correctly store vinyl records.
Store upright
Piling vinyl records on top of one another is generally not a good idea. The weight of the records on the top can cause the records on the bottom to potentially warp or crack. By storing vinyl upright, you can prevent putting any pressure on any of your records. Just make sure that not too many records are leaning in one direction, as the record that they’re all leaning against could get damaged.
Keep at the right temperature
Extreme temperatures can damage your vinyl records. If you store them somewhere too hot (such as right near a radiator) you could find that they become warped and distorted. If you store them somewhere too cold (such as an uninsulated attic on a cold winter’s day), you could find that they become brittle and prone to cracking. The ideal temperature to store vinyl is between 65℉ and 75℉ – which is the average room temperature. Aim to store them in an insulated room away from heating vents or radiators. If you’re storing vinyl in a storage unit, make sure it’s climate-controlled. Where can I find climate controlled self storage near me? Check major self-storage services, as they will usually always have these units available.
Be wary of humidity
Too much moisture in the air may lead to records warping and developing mold growth. In most homes, humidity levels shouldn’t be too much for this to matter (although it should go without saying that you should avoid storing vinyl in the bathroom!). If you live in an area that does have a very humid climate, you may want to consider storing vinyl in a room with a dehumidifier. However, don’t let the air get too dry as this could also damage your records.
Avoid direct sunlight
Records and record sleeves may discolor if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. There’s also a risk of drying, cracking and even melting. As a result, you should be wary of placing a vinyl cabinet opposite a window that gets a lot of sun or leaving a record on a sunny windowsill.
Use dust sleeves
It’s important to keep vinyl records in their sleeve to reduce damage. However, this may not always stop vinyl from gathering dust. Dust on vinyl can cause static charge – causing records to pop and hiss. Too much dust in the grooves may even cause records to skip. Cleaning off dust can meanwhile be risky, as it can cause small scratches which may affect sound quality. Therefore, it’s best to avoid dust exposure altogether. Good HVAC or an air purifier may be able to reduce dust levels in the air and stop vinyl from getting dusty. However, the most effective way to protect your records from getting dusty is to keep them in plastic dust sleeves. You can buy packs of these sleeves cheaply. Your records can still be kept in their original card sleeve – the dust sleeve simply acts as an extra protective layer.
Consider a record crate
Record crates are designed specifically to hold vinyl, making them a great option for storing your record collection. Because these containers are the exact right size, you don’t have to worry about the vinyl getting damaged. Record crates come in many different styles and materials. You can also buy chests, cabinets, and other containers specifically designed for vinyl.
Display prized vinyl in wall frames
Got a record you’re particularly proud of? Perhaps it’s rare or simply your favorite record? It’s possible to display these records on walls using vinyl frames. This is great for showing off the artwork on the sleeve. There are also transparent vinyl display cases you can buy to display records out of the sleeve. These cases have a protective plastic window that stops dust from getting to the record. You can explore many different options online.
Conclusion
As this post shows, vinyl records are very delicate. Pressure, heat, humidity, sunlight exposure, and dust are just some of the major things that could damage your collection. However, by adopting some of the above storage methods, you can preserve your records so that they sound good and look good long into the future.
