A lot of people have a lot of record albums. Some would rather not store them in a pile on the floor, so they choose to put them away in a record storage. This article will show you how to properly store vinyl records so the albums are always within reach and don’t get damaged by jumping up and down on your collection.
Vinyl Records are very fragile, so storing them correctly is key to preserving your investments. Always store them in a large, open box that has plenty of air circulation and protection from dust and moisture.
Vinyl records should never be stacked – they are susceptible to compression damage due to temperature and humidity changes. Stacking will only create dirt and can cause mold or pre-existing damage to expand further.
Always store the record album vertically – do not store them horizontally as this will create pressure on the seams leading to cracks. The vinyl record will flex during storage, so allowing flex motion is important in ensuring your records aren’t damaged.
Keep your record albums away from sunlight or heat sources. Dust, heat, cold drafts are all factors that can damage vinyl recordings over time.
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Ways of Storing Vinyl Records:
There are two different ways of Storing Vinyl Records.
1. Vertical storage :
Stack vinyl records vertically one on top of the other standing up. This is the best way to store them if you have a large collection and limited space. The bottom record can be stored flat, but not the rest of them.
This method is only good if all your record albums are in mint condition – but even mint condition albums can show damage after a few years under the weight of multiple records stacked on top.
They also take up a lot of space – which may be a problem for those with a large collection – so make sure you have enough shelf space for bulk storage .
2. Horizontal storage :
Store your vinyl records horizontally (like a book) and upright. The best way to do this is to use a protective box like the cardboard holders found at your local record store – or you can purchase a specialized box designed for this purpose.
This method is especially good if you have space constraints – but it’s not as efficient as vertical storage and doesn’t provide for as much air circulation, so it’s not the best long-term solution.
If you really need to conserve space – invest in a large box and lay your albums flat – but remember vertical storage will cause the records to warp over time – so only do this if necessary.
Precautions:
1. Dust:
Dust is a vinyl recording’s worst enemy. 180 gram Vinyl records will sound better if they are kept clean – If you have a vinyl collection that is already dirty – wash the albums with warm water and soft soap, but do not use any type of abrasive cleaners as this may make the condition worse.
Just use water to remove as much dirt as possible. Once dry, place them in a protective sleeve or back in their original sleeve to prevent further damage from dust and dirt buildup.
2. Moisture:
Moisture is another enemy of vinyl albums. If you have a collection that is already water-damaged – do not store them in a home of moisture as they will only get worse over time – First of all, make sure your vinyl albums are clean and free of dust.
This can be done by using warm water with some type of soap to wash the album – if dried out, leave the album for a few hours to allow it to dry out properly. Once dry, store them in a protective sleeve or back in their original sleeve to prevent further damage from water buildup.
3. Dust Mites:
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live in the dust and feed off of dead skin cells. They can be found in pillows, mattresses, carpeting and storage boxes. This may sound gross – but chances are you have a few mites in your house already – it is inevitable.
These bugs can cause a lot of damage to your vinyl records – therefore keeping them clean and dust-free is essential to keeping your record albums clean and undamaged. Keep them clean by washing them with warm water and soap – this will limit the amount of dust mites that will feed on your vinyl over time causing damage to the album’s surface area.
Conclusion:
Now you know how to store vinyl records to preserve your investment. Keep in mind that a lot of these precautions are based on a perfect environment. If you live in an area where the temperature and humidity changes often, storing them vertically is not recommended – this will put too much pressure on your scratches and can cause the album to warp over time.
If you live in a humid area, always use a protective sleeve or back in their original sleeve to prevent further damage from moisture buildup. If you live in an arid area, storing them horizontally may be your best option – but try and keep them away from direct sunlight as well.
FAQ:
Q: What is good temperature to store vinyl records?
A: Keep your records away from sunlight. Just like paintings,vinyl sleeves that are kept in the sun will fade and crack over time. Avoid extremely hot or cold areas. When exposed to extreme heat,vinyl records can melt and warp around the edges,making them unplayable. Stay away from extremely humid rooms. … Avoid open,dusty areas. …
Q: How do I store old vinyl records and display them?
A: Purchase a display shelf for easy access to your records. … Purchase a storage box to archive your vinyls. If you’re tight on space,plan on travelling,or want to store your records for a long time without using them,… Store your records vertically. … Minimize your records’ air exposure. …
Q: Where is the best place to buy vinyl records?
A: The nostalgic return of vinyl continues to win the hearts and eardrums of old souls and audiophiles all over the world. Thankfully, record stores have become much more abundant as a result. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to buy records in the …
Q: How do you store and catalog your vinyl?
A: Discog’s customizable home page makes you feel,well,at home. If you’re a vinyl record enthusiast looking to keep track of your record collection,Discogs offers a free service that … Adding records to your collection takes only a few clicks of a mouse. … Selecting the correct pressing is a drop-down menu away. …