Yes, humidity can ruin vinyl records. Vinyl records are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a type of plastic. PVC is a hygroscopic material, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air.
When a vinyl record absorbs moisture, it can swell and warp. This can make the record unplayable and can damage the grooves in the record, which can lead to surface noise and skipping.
In addition, humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow on vinyl records. Mold and mildew can damage the record surface and can make the record unplayable.
If you live in a humid climate, it is important to take steps to protect your vinyl records from humidity. Here are a few tips:
- Store your vinyl records in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your vinyl records in direct sunlight or in humid environments, such as basements or attics.
- Use a record sleeve and an outer sleeve. A record sleeve will help to protect the record from dust and debris, and an outer sleeve will help to protect the record sleeve from wear and tear.
- Use a record weight. A record weight is a weight that you place on the center of the record while it is playing. This can help to flatten the record and reduce the amount of warping.
- Clean your records regularly. Use a record brush or record cleaning solution to clean your records before and after playing them. This will help to remove dirt and dust from the record surface, which can help to prevent warping and mold growth.
If you find that a vinyl record has been damaged by humidity, there are a few things you can do to try to repair it. You can try to flatten the record by placing it between two pieces of glass and then placing the glass in a warm oven. Be careful not to overheat the record, as this can damage it further.
If the record is very warped, you may need to take it to a professional record cleaning service. They may be able to flatten the record for you or offer other advice on how to repair it.
Overall, it is important to protect your vinyl records from humidity. By following the tips above, you can help to keep your vinyl records in good condition for many years to come.
Here are some additional tips for protecting your vinyl records from humidity:
- Use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will help to remove moisture from the air, which can help to protect your vinyl records from warping and mold growth.
- Avoid playing your vinyl records in humid environments. If you live in a humid climate, it is best to play your vinyl records in a room with air conditioning.
- If you do play your vinyl records in a humid environment, be sure to clean them immediately after playing them. This will help to remove any moisture that has accumulated on the record surface.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your vinyl records from humidity and keep them in good condition for many years to come.
