Some Good Vinyl Know-How to Make Your Records Last
Here at Hellbender Vinyl, we love a good record, and we want yours to last. With just a little know-how, they'll hold up for decades. The good news is that most of vinyl care is common sense, and none of it has to cost you anything.
Here's a rundown of some easy 101 care for your records:
Don't Leave Records in Your Car
You probably already know this one, but it's worth talking about! Going to a show, picking up a record, it's an easy thing to do. Cars get hot, especially in summer, and heat is vinyl's worst enemy. A warped record will skip and distort in ways that usually can't be fixed. If you're transporting records, get them inside as soon as you can.
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Same idea - UV rays and heat will warp and fade your records over time. Don't store them near windows, radiators, or heating vents. A cool, dry, shaded spot is ideal.
Always Store Records Vertically
Stacking records flat puts pressure on the ones at the bottom, which causes warping over time. Stand them upright like books on a shelf instead. Don't cram them in too tight or let them lean at an angle for long periods - either extreme causes problems.
Handle by the Edges, Not the Grooves
The oils from your fingers attract dust and grime right into the grooves, which is exactly where you don't want it. When you pick up a record, hold it by the outer edges or the label in the center. It becomes second nature pretty quickly.
Check for Dust Before You Play
Before putting the record on your turntable, give your record a quick look. Dust and debris get dragged through the grooves by the stylus and can cause scratches over time. A soft, lint-free cloth can work for light dust if you don't have a record brush handy. Truly, anything extremely tiny is vinyls worst nightmere.
Put Records Back in Their Sleeves After Every Play
I'm sure this doesn't even have to be said, but don't leave records sitting on the turntable or propped up against a wall without their sleeve. Dust settles quickly, and surfaces scratch. After each play, put it back in the inner sleeve and then back in the cover.
Heat gets most of the attention, but humidity is worth thinking about too. Too much moisture can lead to mold growing on your records, particularly on the labels. Too little and static becomes a constant problem. A normal indoor environment is fine — basements and garages are riskier spots for long-term storage.
Actually Play Them
Records are meant to be played. A well-loved record that gets handled with basic care will outlast a pristine copy sitting in a damp garage for twenty years. Don't overthink it - just look after them and enjoy them.
Thinking about ordering some of your own? Well, you've come to the right place! Check out some of our offerings at Hellbender Vinyl.
