Vinyl records are a popular format for listening to music, but they can be damaged by heat. Here’s what you need to know about how heat can affect vinyl records and how to protect them from damage.
How Heat Can Damage Vinyl Records
Vinyl records are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a thermoplastic material. This means that PVC can be softened and melted by heat. When vinyl records are exposed to heat, the PVC can become soft and warped. This can cause the grooves in the record to become distorted, which can lead to playback problems.
In addition to warping, heat can also cause other damage to vinyl records. For example, heat can cause the record’s label to peel off, or it can cause the record to become brittle and crack.
How to Protect Vinyl Records from Heat
There are a few things you can do to protect your vinyl records from heat:
- Store your records in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing vinyl records is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Avoid exposing your records to direct sunlight. Sunlight can heat up vinyl records and cause them to warp.
- Don’t leave your records in your car. The temperature in a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, which can damage your vinyl records.
- Use a record cleaning kit. A record cleaning kit can help to remove dust and dirt from your records, which can help to protect them from heat damage.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your vinyl records from heat damage and keep them sounding great for years to come.
