Building a vinyl collection is half the fun of getting into records. Whether you’re picking up a new release, hunting for an old favorite, or discovering something unexpected at your local record store, every album adds a little something to your collection.
But unlike digital music, vinyl records need a little care to keep sounding their best.
Dust, fingerprints, and improper storage can affect playback and potentially damage your records over time. Fortunately, keeping your collection in great shape is easier than you might think.
Here’s what every new vinyl collector should know.
Handle Your Records the Right Way
Your records might look sturdy, but the tiny grooves that hold your music are surprisingly delicate.
Touching the playing surface transfers oils from your fingers onto those grooves, attracting dust and debris that can interfere with playback.
The easiest way to avoid this? Handle your records by their edges and center label.
When removing a record from its sleeve, gently support it by the outer edge and center. Try to avoid touching the playing surface, even if your hands are clean.
It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference as your collection grows.
Keeping Your Records Clean
Ever noticed little pops or crackles while playing a record? Sometimes that’s part of the recording or pressing, but it can also be caused by dust and debris collecting in the grooves.
One of the easiest ways to keep your records clean is with a carbon fiber record brush.
These inexpensive brushes help remove loose surface dust before listening, and many are designed to reduce static buildup.
How to Clean Your Records Before Playing
- Place your record on the turntable and start the platter spinning.
- Gently hold your carbon fiber brush against the record’s surface.
- Let the record rotate beneath the brush a few times.
- Carefully guide the collected dust off the record, following your brush’s instructions.
That’s it! A quick brush before each listening session can help reduce dust-related surface noise and keep your stylus cleaner.
What About Really Dirty Records?
If you’re buying secondhand vinyl, you’ll occasionally find records that need more than a quick brush.
For fingerprints, grime, or stubborn dirt, use a cleaning solution specifically designed for vinyl records and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid household cleaners, paper towels, and excessive scrubbing. These can leave residue or damage the playing surface.
Make sure your records are completely dry before playing or putting them back into their sleeves.
How to Properly Store Your Collection
As your collection grows, you’ll need somewhere to keep all those records.
The most important thing to remember is to store your records vertically, not stacked flat on top of each other.
Stacking records can put unnecessary pressure on the albums at the bottom, potentially leading to warping over time.
You’ll also want to pay attention to where your records are stored.
A few simple guidelines:
- Avoid direct sunlight. Heat can cause vinyl to warp.
- Keep records upright. Use a sturdy shelf that supports their weight.
- Avoid extreme temperatures. A cool, dry living space is ideal.
- Use protective sleeves. Anti-static inner sleeves help keep dust away, while outer sleeves protect your album artwork.
You don’t need any elaborate storage equipment. A sturdy bookshelf in a comfortable room is a great place to start.
Don’t Forget About Your Needle
Taking care of your records also means taking care of the part of your turntable that touches them.
Your stylus, often called the needle, travels through the grooves of every record you play. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on its tip, affecting playback.
A dedicated stylus brush can help keep it clean, but always follow your cartridge manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. The stylus is delicate, so gentle handling is important.
You’ll also want to make sure your turntable’s tracking force and anti-skate settings are properly adjusted. These settings help your needle follow the grooves correctly while minimizing unnecessary wear.
Not familiar with tracking force or anti-skate?
Check out our Before You Drop the Needle: A Beginner’s Guide to Turntables for a walkthrough of these important adjustments.
Keep Your Collection Spinning
Taking care of vinyl doesn’t have to become another chore. A quick brush before listening, careful handling, and proper storage are often all it takes to keep your records in great shape.
And as your collection grows, those little habits become second nature.
After all, you bought those records to listen to them. Taking a little time to care for them means you can spend more time enjoying the music.
Just Getting Started With Vinyl?
Whether you’re shopping for your first turntable or looking for the right speakers to complete your setup, we’re here to help.
Our Turntable Purchase Guide walks you through everything you need to start listening, from choosing a turntable to finding the right Audioengine Home Music System.
