More people are getting into record players now. However, not everyone is well-versed in the preservation of records and players. To those who are new to vinyl, maintaining your vinyl and player is essential for long-term quality.

RECORD CARE:

Keep records stored upright. Do not stack your records in a pile; this makes it more likely your records will crack. They must be stored upright, like books on a shelf. Always keep them in their sleeves and jackets.

Avoid water damage. Water on a record will cause permanent damage. Records should be stored in dry areas and away from windows to avoid sun exposure.

Don’t directly touch the record. Bacteria and debris can get on a record, so touch only the outer edges when handling the record. You should clean records after use, just in case.

Keep records dust-free. Dust particles can get into the grooves of records, which make records more crackly-sounding. Dust can also cause the vinyl to wear unevenly. You can use a dry brush to sweep away the particles.

Buy a brush. You can use a brush or a microfiber pad to clear dust and bacteria from the records. Use the brush or pad with record-cleaning solution (you can even dilute it with distilled water). Let the record dry naturally in a vertical position. Don’t play the record when it still has the drying fluid on it.

How to care for you vinylRECORD PLAYER CARE:

Don’t take a record off the platter while it’s still spinning. Removing the record while it’s still playing will scratch the platter, as well as the record itself. Wait until the platter comes to a complete stop before removing the record.

Use the correct cleanser. As with records, the proper cleanser must be used when maintaining the record player. Distilled water with a cleansing solution is always the safest option. Cleansing solution can be found at your local record store or online.

Keep cover or top on turntable when not in use. Dust easily builds up on turntables. To prevent this, it is vital to only have the record player open when you’re actually using it. Pay special attention to the stylus, otherwise known as the needle, which collects the most dust.

Replace your needle every few years. Needles become very worn and can give records a fuzzy sound, which can result in permanent damage to your vinyl. Needles last about 2,000 to 3,000 plays.

By Tricia Wise