The beginner-friendly guide to preserving your growing collection
Vinyl is more than just a music format, it’s a hands-on experience, but with that tactile pleasure comes responsibility. If you’re new to collecting vinyl records, knowing how to store, clean, and handle them properly makes all the difference. Whether you’ve just picked up your first LP or inherited a dusty stash from a relative, here’s how to make sure your records stay clean, sound great, and last a lifetime.
1. Always store records upright
Vinyl hates pressure. Stack them flat and you risk warping or cracking. Keep your records upright, like books on a shelf, with just enough room to flip through without forcing them apart.
2. Use both inner and outer sleeves
A paper inner sleeve is the first layer of defense, but a plastic outer sleeve helps protect album covers from wear, dust, and light. Look for anti-static inner sleeves and heavyweight outer jackets.
3. Keep them cool and dry
Records don’t like heat or humidity. Ideal storage conditions are between 65–70°F (18–21°C) with 45–50% humidity. Keep them out of direct sunlight, away from heaters, and never in a loft or basement.
4. Clean before and after playing
Before the needle drops, give your record a dry clean with an anti-static brush. After playing, do it again. This keeps dust out of the grooves and stops it from clinging to your stylus.
5. Deep clean with the right tools
About every six months, or when you notice surface noise, clean your records with a proper vinyl cleaning solution and a velvet brush. Never use tap water or kitchen cloths — they’ll do more harm than good.
6. Never touch the grooves
Hold records by the edges or the labelled middle. Fingerprints leave oils behind, which attract dust and grime, leading to clicks, pops, and eventually damage. If you handle vinyl like a frisbee, expect it to sound like one
7. Mind your turntable setup
Make sure your stylus is clean and your turntable is level. If the tonearm is too heavy, it’ll grind into the grooves. Too light, and it’ll skip around. A properly balanced tonearm protects your records and improves sound.
8. Don’t let records sit on the turntable
Once the side ends, take it off. Leaving a record on a spinning platter (especially if the stylus is still resting) can create heat and pressure — two things vinyl doesn’t love.
9. Watch the playback time
Playing the same side on repeat over time causes wear. If it’s a favourite, consider digitising it for everyday listening, and save the vinyl for those focused, quiet sessions.
10. Keep the dust away
Dust is your biggest enemy. Make sure your room is clean and consider covering your turntable when not in use. A dusty environment means dusty records, and dusty records don’t sound good.
11. Label damaged or warped records
If a record is scratched or warped, label it. Use a simple coloured dot on the sleeve so you don’t accidentally play it. Playing a damaged record can damage your stylus, which in turn damages every other record you play.
And finally … respect the format
Vinyl records aren’t hard to look after, but they do demand a little care. Do the basics right and your collection will reward you with warm, full sound and cover art worth framing. It’s not about being a perfectionist, it’s about building good habits early.
Put the needle down, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the music … properly.
