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How to Keep a Record Collection Safe

The vinyl record was the industry standard for decades when it came to providing the highest-quality sound reproduction. The record is making a resurgence in popularity in seeming defiance of digital means of recording and playback. People are finding vinyl record treasures at thrift shops and yard sales across the globe. Learn how to care for, store and keep a record collection safe.

Instructions

- 1
  Store the records upright. Never place the records in a horizontal stack. This manner of storing causes unnecessary stress on the vinyl, causing warping or bending.
- 2
  Keep the entire collection away from sunlight or heat. Any kind of heat causes the vinyl to warp beyond use. Find a cool, dry area to store the collection. Closets or specially constructed temperature and humidity-controlled cabinets work best.
- 3
  Provide each record in the collection with an acid-free, anti-static archival sleeve in which to rest. These sleeves keep dust and acids from the vinyl surface and prevent damage from scratching.
- 4
  Clean the vinyl records with a rag, lightly dampened with distilled water. The water removes dust and debris without allowing the material to migrate back onto the record.
- 5
  Replace the record player needle often. Depending on the type of needle used, this instrument causes untold damage to vinyl record collections. Contact the manufacturer of the record player or needle to determine the recommended frequency of replacement.
- 6
  Make certain the tone arm is properly weighted. A too-light arm will skip across the vinyl causing damage, and a too-heavy arm will damage the actual groove containing the sound recording.

Record Collecting