Record Care & Cleaning

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Pictured below is the advised way to hold a vinyl record, using your thumb on the edge and your index finger on the label. This helps the natural oil from your fingers making contact with the vinyl, which in turn attracts dust.

Records accumulate dust, even if stored correctly in paper inner and plastic outer sleeves, static can attract dust to the grooves. It's important for the longevity of the stylus and the record that a quick cleaning of the vinyl takes place before going onto the table.

Where possible, use a new microfibre towel, not that old one from your sunnies case. A record with static charge can in fact collect dust by using an old towel. A microfibre towel or static brush can help in removing these unwanted particles, be sure to follow the grooves in a circular (with the grain) motion when cleaning.

There are times when your records accumulate dust and gunk from contact or incorrect storage, and there are many mistakes you can make when dealing with records. In what forms do we see damage to vinyl records? I'm going to list a cause and effect list so we can understand how deterioration is linked to our behaviour.

We recommend cleaning your vinyl records regularly to remove oils and dust.

static spray, microfibre towel and cleaning brushes used for vinyl record maintenance.

TROUBLESHOOTING CHART

EFFECT	CAUSE	TIPS
RING WEAR	Records may have been stacked flat or stored too tightly.	Always store records vertically.
SPINE SCUFFING AND CRACKING	Plastic sleeve not used, stored standing on its spine instead of bottom.	Always store the correct way up and use plastic outer sleeves if possible.
TURNED UP SLEEVE CORNERS	When browsing, the browser has flicked through the records by handling the corners.	Hold records by the tops or sides when browsing, not the corners.
SPLITTING ON SPINE	Inner sleeve has not been used, record has been inserted too aggressively and cut through the cardboard.	Always use plastic or paper inner sleeves.
SLEEVE SPLIT AT OPENING	Opening may have been routinely parted too wide to access record. Record may have contributed to cutting through the cardboard.	Minimise stretching of the opening when accessing your records, and handle with thumb (edge) and index finger (label).
MOULD APPEARING ON SLEEVE	Records may have been stored in a sealed sleeve with moisture inside, or in a generally damp environment.	Allow your records to breathe and store in sleeves that have an opening. Some choose to avoid resealable plastic sleeves.
WARPING OF VINYL	Multiple records may have been stored on a lean creating pressure angled pressure.	Avoid storing too many records together vertically, and certainly avoid multiple records leaning.
WARPING OF VINYL	Records may have been exposed to extreme heat.	Always store records in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight.
SCRATCHING OF VINYL	Reckless Stylus use, handling of vinyl, dust or dirt within sleeve etc.	Just be careful! It's bound to happen.
DIRT AND GUNK IN GROOVES	Contact with fingers (oil) and other can contribute to gunk and dirt.	Wash your hands! And avoid touching the records. Use an anti-static brush (and spray if needed) before playing every record.
PAPER RIPS	Tape, stickers or water damage can contribute to sleeve covers tearing.	Avoid using tapes on records. Keep stickers in place but if removable is a must, look into lighter fluid to ease the glue before removing.