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Caring for Vinyl Records
Vinyl Records
Caring for Vinyl records is important as all recorded materials are delicate, and susceptible to damage and wear. Therefore a few techniques should be employed when it comes to handling, cleaning and storage of your valued recordings.
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Handling Phono Records
Whilst caring for vinyl records, avoid touching the playing or grooved surface of any disc. You should handle the disc by the outer edge and/or the labelled surface only. When available, thin, clean cotton gloves are advisable. Avoid stacking records on a turntable (the use of a spindle to stack albums and 45's was commonplace in the 50's and 60's). DO NOT place on any other surface without a protective sleeve.
Cleaning Records
Most LPs and singles released after the early fifties are composed of polyvinyl materials and are more durable than their predecessors. however caring for vinyl records means cleaning them frequently.
To do this, I recommend a 50/50 solution of isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol (fewer impurities) and filtered or distilled water (again, fewer impurities). A few claim that alcohol is damaging to vinyl... 70% or more by volume strength and continual contact for a long period of time, maybe... but not in the recommended dilution.
Alcohol is water soluble and leaves little or no residue. A mild detergent, such as Johnson and Johnson Baby Bath, can be used in small amounts with water with no rinsing necessary. Photo Flo is a wetting agent used in photography to help reduce water spots and marks during the rinsing of negatives. A couple of drops in the above solutions also help in reducing residual deposits.
The solution can be applied with a soft, clean washcloth, wiping in a circular motion with the grooves. Rinse the cloth often in the solution and replace with a fresh mixture when needed. I recommend thoroughly drying the record with a soft, clean towel... this further reduces residue left behind. Try not to get the labels wet.
For a number of years, whilst caring for vinyl records I have also successfully used a record cleaning system called Discwasher to remove dust prior to and after playing each record as an ongoing method. I have found this to be a major benefit and can highly recommend it.
Storing your Vinyl Records
For long life and playability, proper storage of your recordings is paramount. Some of the factors to consider for the proper storage of discs are temperature and humidity, dirt and dust, improper stacking, excessive pressure and weight, and mechanical or chemical damage.
With respect to the environment, though not always practical, a constant temperature
of 65-
Special attention should be placed on sunlight and on sources of heat such as heaters, vents, and artificial lighting. Also beware of high humidity and water. This will cause mould to grow on the album jackets, and within the inner sleeves causing unrepairable damage.
Avoid dusty environments. Whenever possible, enclose your recordings in a relatively airtight container such as a cabinet with doors, or sealable boxes. Don't be afraid to lightly vacuum the area surrounding your records.
Replace dirty and mouldy record jackets and inner sleeves to avoid further damage to the discs. Do not store, in or around smoky or cooking areas. Smoke and cooking greases easily adhere to records and their jackets.
NEVER...NEVER...NEVER... store recordings on their sides or flat! Always maintain records in an absolutely vertical position....
And, NEVER...NEVER...NEVER... leave them in your garage!!
Remove the original manufacturers wrapping from records. These wraps will shrink over time, eventually warping the jacket and it's contents. Replace this "shrink wrap" with high density polyethylene, or "acid free" sleeves. Additionally, you should also replace regular paper or "acid bearing" inner sleeves, with Mylar or Polyethylene sleeves. Also available are rice paper inner sleeves from Japan, though these type of sleeves are a little expensive. Regular paper inner sleeves will scratch the surface of your recordings with every pass. And, certain plastic lined sleeves will create a chemical reaction with the record, while in storage.
As with most objects, time will eventually take it's toll. But if you follow a few of these simple steps, you will caring for vinyl records and no doubt extend the life of your recordings.