Caring for Vinyl

Looking after your collection will not only give you many years of listening pleasure, it will help maintain its value. 

Our top tips on caring for your collection are:

Playing

Practicing good record player care will not only improve the sound quality but will increase the vinyl’s longevity. 

• Keep the turntable level -, most record players come with adjustable legs – set these correctly before playing anything.  

• Proper alignment - Correctly placing the needle in the groove will protect both the stylus and the disc from scratching. Placing the needle might take a while to get used to if you’re a beginner. But don’t worry, this skill will come with practice. 

• Replacing the stylus - though they should last for many years, if a stylus is worn down, you will notice the loss of ‘highs’.  If you have purchased a second-hand turntable, it may be worth replacing the stylus before you start to play any of your collection. 

Cleaning

Dust, dirt, and hand oils can all prevent a record from sounding its best. To clean a record properly, do the following:

• Sweep the record with a vinyl record brush to remove any small dust and dirt particles.

• Use a cleaning solution or a record cleaner on any smudges or fingerprints.

• Wipe clean with a microfiber or cotton cloth.

• Rinse the record with water (avoiding the central label).

• Dry it off.

• Store correctly.

Protection

Dust and dirt can accumulate on the vinyl, impacting sound quality. If the outer sleeve has become lost or damaged, purchase plastic sleeves for your record. You should use the appropriate size sleeve for the size of your record.

Storage 

The best way to store vinyl is upright (no slant) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat can lead to warping and other damage. Avoid stacking records on top of each other.