Imagine one night you’re feeling a tad nostalgic. You decide to rummage through those dusty shelves to find an old vinyl favourite. However, the moment you play it, you hear the dreaded crackling. When you play another record from your cherished collection, you get the same result.
That's a nightmare situation for both new and seasoned vinyl collectors, but one that could be easily avoided with proper storage methods. With vinyl records' growing popularity, it's important for collectors to learn how to store them properly so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
So, how should vinyl records be stored anyway? Many factors affect vinyl records' sound quality and physical integrity, including temperature, humidity, handling practices, and many more.
The good news is that we’ve put together this comprehensive practical guide on vinyl storage. Say goodbye to pops, clicks, or crackling on your treasured vinyl records.
Where To Store Your Vinyl Records?
Extreme conditions are your vinyl records’ worst enemy. To avoid damage to your collection and individual records, you’ll need to find a stable environment free from fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
While extreme cold can cause cracking on the vinyl, excessively hot temperatures can cause warping. Both of these situations need to be avoided at all costs. So first, ensure you’re storing your records in a cabinet far from direct sunlight or heaters.
Secondly, while safety is paramount, you need to make sure your collection is easy to access as well. This is a crucial consideration, especially when you play your vinyl frequently. A vertical storage solution or wide cabinet next to or beneath your turntable is often a great option.
Custom-built shelving is also a good solution, especially if you're looking to integrate it into the existing design aesthetic of your home.
Factors To Consider When Storing Your Records
Creating a controlled environment for your vinyl records is easy. But only when you know what conditions and mistakes to avoid when choosing a storage space.
Humidity
Humidity is one of the most common risks to vinyl storage. The safe humidity level for vinyl records sits at around 30-40%. You can check the humidity level of your room by using a hygrometer. To maintain the perfect humidity level, make use of a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on the environment.
If humidity is too high or too excessive, it can cause mould growth on your vinyl. Mould can ruin the sleeves and the record itself, which is a double tragedy. No one wants that!
To minimise the risks around humidity, ensure good air circulation around your records and place silica gel packs in storage areas to absorb excess moisture. The right material for your record sleeves and storage units is also important. Opt for polyethene or other plastic materials rather than paper. They are moisture-resistant, reducing the risk of mould growth.
Temperature
Ideal conditions for vinyl storage include a room with a temperature between 18-21°C. Below that — meaning, if it's too cold, there's a higher chance of mould growth and cracked vinyl. If it is too hot, your vinyl will experience warping and sound quality degradation.
Sudden temperature change is a no-no, so it's important to maintain a stable temperature environment. Avoiding placing storage units near windows or external doors is a good start. If possible, you can also use temperature control systems to maintain a consistent temperature. Ensure you insulate your storage areas with proper shelving to protect records from external temperature influences.
Sunlight
Sunlight poses a significant danger when it comes to storing vinyl records. Exposing your collections to direct sunlight can cause warping and fade the artwork over time. Consider installing a UV-filtering window or simply choosing opaque cabinets for vinyl storage or individual opaque sleeves for each record.
A consistent routine of rotating records is recommended to ensure even exposure to ambient light. Once in a while, inspect your collections for signs of sun damage. Replace the protective coverings where required or adjust storage arrangements as needed to minimise any potential damage.
Avoid Heat
Heat sources have the potential to cause a lot of damage to vinyl. They can lead to irreversible warping and even melting of records, which can leave them unplayable and worth nothing. Identify heat sources in your home, such as radiators, kitchen appliances, or certain electronics. Keep your vinyl records away from them, and use heat shields for extra protection if you’re unable to avoid these sources.
How to Store Vinyl Records In Sleeves
Once you know where to store your vinyl records, let's dive into the optimal vinyl record care and how to store your vinyl records. Storing records correctly will be easy once you follow these practical guidelines.
1. Clean Your Records
How do you keep your vinyl records clean? How often should you clean them, exactly? Are there any cleaning tips for vinyl records? We are going to answer all of these questions.
Maintaining clean vinyl albums should be done before you store them in their inner sleeves. This routine will prevent dust, oils, and debris from settling in the delicate grooves.
There are many vinyl record cleaning techniques, but the best practice is the most gentle method. Use soft anti-static brushes and microfibre cloths to gently remove surface dirt without causing scratches. We also recommend using microfibre gloves when handling the record.
This method only works for lightly soiled records. For heavily used or particularly dirty records, consider ultrasonic cleaners or professional services.
2. Opt for Plastic Sleeves
Sleeves are a must if you want the best protection for your vinyl collection. There are both inner sleeves and outer sleeves. While inner sleeves protect your records from dust build up and scratches, outer sleeves can help protect both the album cover and the vinyl inside.
When selecting sleeves, opt for polyethene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) over PVC. Here's a brief explanation of why:
- Polyethylene (PE) is flexible, soft, and antistatic, making it the safest option for vinyl records.
- Polypropylene (PP), on the other hand, provides better clarity and a glossy finish. However, it's not as soft as PE, i.e., stiffer. This means it might cause minor friction within the record, leading to scratches over time. This sleeve is best for outside your cover.
- PVC should be avoided at all costs! It contains plasticisers that can cause a cloudy film and permanent damage to the grooves on your records. Many audiophiles discovered this when they noticed hazing and misting on their records’ playing surfaces.
3. Storing Upright vs Flat
Storing your vinyl records flat is not advised. This is because storing them like so comes with uneven weight distribution, resulting in potential warping and can damage records at the bottom of the stack.
The right way to store LPs is by positioning them upright, with a sturdy base (ideally slightly soft, like on a mat). This position reduces the risk of warping and undue pressure on your vinyl records. It also results in better integrity and longevity for your collection.
For the actual packing process, leave some space between records for easy access and airflow. Avoid tightly packing your vinyl, as this only increases the risk of warping and makes retrieving it difficult.
Expand Your Record Collection with The Record Hub
Discover rare gems and must-have albums that elevate your collection only at The Record Hub. We offer a curated selection of exclusive releases, limited editions, and top-quality reissues waiting to be rediscovered by discerning audiophiles like yourself!
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Frequently Ask Questions on Vinyl Storage
What is the best way to store vinyl records?
Keep your records in a stable, controlled environment, free from temperature fluctuations and bright lights. Don’t stack them on top of each other, and keep them in an upright, vertical position. Invest in outer sleeves to protect your album covers from fading.
Is it better to store vinyl upright or flat?
Store your vinyl upright. Storing them flat can cause uneven weight distribution. This can result in potential warping and can damage records at the bottom of the stack.
Is it safe to store vinyl records in a storage unit?
This depends on several different factors. If your storage unit is equipped with a climate control system and protection from the sun or artificial light, then you are good to go.
How do you keep your vinyl records clean?
Start by cleaning them gently before and after each play. This will prevent dust, oils, and debris from building up in the grooves. For deeper cleaning, consider ultrasonic cleaner or professional services.
