Vinyl records are a delicate medium, and there are a few things you should avoid doing to keep them in good condition. Here are some tips:
Don’t touch the grooves. The grooves in a vinyl record are what carry the sound information. If you touch the grooves, you can leave fingerprints or other smudges that can degrade the sound quality. If you need to handle a record, hold it by the edges.
Don’t stack records tightly. If you stack records too tightly, they can warp. It’s best to store records in a vertical position, with spacers between them to allow for air circulation.
Don’t expose records to extreme heat or cold. Heat and cold can cause records to warp and crack. It’s best to store records in a cool, dry place.
Don’t clean records with harsh chemicals. Some people use harsh chemicals, such as Windex or alcohol, to clean their records. However, these chemicals can damage the vinyl. It’s best to use a record cleaner specifically designed for vinyl records.
Don’t use a dirty stylus. A dirty stylus can pick up dirt and dust from the grooves of a record and deposit it on the next record you play. This can cause the records to skip and sound distorted. It’s important to clean your stylus regularly with a stylus brush.
Don’t drop records. Vinyl records are fragile and can easily break if dropped. If you drop a record, don’t try to play it. The stylus could be damaged and cause further damage to the record.
Here are some additional tips:
- Avoid playing records on a dirty turntable platter. A dirty platter can cause the record to skip and sound distorted.
- Avoid playing records with a damaged stylus. A damaged stylus can scratch the record and cause permanent damage.
- Avoid playing records on a turntable that is not properly calibrated. A turntable that is not properly calibrated can cause the record to skip and sound distorted.
- Avoid storing records in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the record to warp.
- Avoid storing records in humid conditions. Humid conditions can cause the record to mold.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your vinyl records in good condition for years to come.
