Yes, vinyls can get ruined. They are made of a delicate material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is susceptible to damage from a variety of factors, including:
- Scratches: Scratches are the most common type of damage to vinyl records. They can be caused by carelessness, such as dropping a record or not using a record sleeve, or by dust and dirt on the stylus. Scratches can cause pops and clicks in the audio playback, and they can also make it difficult for the stylus to track the groove correctly.
- Warps: Warps can occur when vinyl records are exposed to extreme heat or humidity. A warped record will not sit flat on the turntable, which can cause the stylus to skip and drag. Warps can also make it difficult for the stylus to track the groove correctly, resulting in distorted sound.
- Dirt and dust: Dirt and dust can accumulate on vinyl records over time, and it can cause pops and clicks in the audio playback. Dirt and dust can also damage the stylus over time.
- Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew can grow on vinyl records if they are stored in humid conditions. Mold and mildew can cause the records to smell bad, and they can also damage the grooves.
Here are some tips for preventing your vinyl records from getting ruined:
- Handle your records with care. Avoid dropping them or scratching them against other objects.
- Use a record sleeve. A record sleeve will help to protect your records from dust, dirt, and scratches.
- Store your records in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in humid conditions.
- Clean your records regularly. Use a soft brush to remove any loose dust and dirt from the records before playing them. You can also use a record cleaning solution to remove stubborn dirt and grime.
- Use a high-quality turntable. A high-quality turntable will help to reduce the risk of damaging your records.
If your vinyl records do get damaged, there are a few things you can do to try to repair them. For minor scratches, you can try using a record scratch remover. For more serious scratches or warps, you may need to take your records to a professional record repair service.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your vinyl records in good condition for many years to come.
