Storing Vinyl Records For Beginners: In 5 Easy-Steps

Vinyl records are always cherished for the music experience they deliver.

Everything associated with vinyl records resembles the art and culture of that era whether it is the music or the artwork on the cover. 

If you are just starting out in your vinyl collection journey, then the first thing you must consider is the storage of the records.

The storage of vinyl records is necessary because you’ve invested the money and time to build it – so it is your responsibility to correctly protect it. Every audiophile understands the importance of proper protection and preservation of records. 

Why Store Records Properly?

Vinyl records are prone to all kinds of damage and that happens if you do not store records properly. 

By now you must have known that records are made of a polymer known as PVC (polyvinylchloride) which is a durable material that is why it is still in use.

There is an effect of temperature, sunlight, and weather on the vinyl records which causes various issues such as warps, molds, and scratches. Let us see how these natural factors affect vinyl records:

1. Temperature: Vinyl records are quite tough, but they don’t like extreme heat. When it gets hotter than 60℃ (or 140°F), records can start to warp or bend. Now, it’s not common for temperatures to get that high in our daily lives, but if you store your records in a really hot place like a garage or a storage room, it could harm them. So, just remember to keep your vinyl cool to keep them in good shape.
2. Weather: The optimal humidity range for storing vinyl records falls between 35% and 50%. Levels above this range create a conducive environment for mold growth on the records, while levels below it can cause the records to become rigid and develop cracks.
3. Sunlight: The vinyl records are prone to UV rays and the upper protective layer tends to wear out in direct exposure to sunlight. Always protect records from direct exposure of sunlight.

Considering these climatic conditions, you should opt for a place to store your vinyl record condition in your house.

How to properly store records safely in sleeves? 

It is always advisable to protect it in static-free sleeves. The following steps will help you to store records:

Step 1. Clean the record

In case of starting any process where the vinyl record is concerned, the first step is to always clean a record with a carbon brush or microfiber cloth, which helps to wipe out the surface dust so that it does not get immersed deep inside the grooves of the records.

Step 2. Preserving vinyl with inner sleeve

Originally vinyl records came in paper sleeves that are notorious for being dust and dirt magnets. To ensure your records remain squeaky clean and scratchproof, it’s highly recommended to use plastic inner sleeves, ideally made from polyethylene.

Here’s how: Gently grasp the record from the sides to avoid touching the grooves. Then, carefully slip the record into a static-free plastic sleeve, choosing one that matches the size of the record. This simple step can ensure years of protection for your prized record collection. 

Step 3. Protecting the record jacket with outer sleeve

Vinyl records aren’t just about the music; their album artwork is often a piece of art in itself. To safeguard these visual artifacts, consider using transparent polypropylene bags. These protective sleeves shield the album cover while allowing you to view its original design for years to come.

This one-time measure effectively keeps your album jacket free from dirt, dust, and moisture.

It’s a simple process – give the jacket a quick wipe with a cloth, place it inside the plastic cover, and ensure the opening of the cover faces upwards. This step prevents the plastic cover from slipping off when you slide the record out from the shelf.

However, ensure that you select a bag that fits the album cover perfectly. Using an improperly sized bag could result in undue pressure on the cover, which can damage it over time.

Now place the plastic-covered record inside their jacket.

Best way to store vinyl records: Upright or Flat

The right way to store vinyl records in a shelf, a box, or a cabinet is in the upright position, one beside another. If we stack the records flat one after another then after some time they start to warp due to weights from the above which will result in distorted sound production.

You can slide in or out easily if the records are stacked vertically one after another on a shelf.

Crates: The crates are the easiest options to store your records, they can be plastic or wooden. Milk crates look aesthetic and sufficient for all record sizes. This option is most suitable for those enthusiasts who are just starting out and have a small collection.

Shelves: When it comes to storing a substantial vinyl collection, a record shelf is a practical solution. Popular options include the IKEA Kallax shelf, which you can also check online. These racks are designed to keep your extensive record library neatly organized, ensuring you can easily locate a specific album when the mood strikes.

Final Thoughts

The first thing is to sort out the place for collecting records and that must be a cool and dry place. Then, by following the above-mentioned points about the proper storage of vinyl records, you can preserve the record collection for several years to come and pass your legacy to future generations. 

Record collection is a continuous process of searching for musical treasures from sales, auctions, and stores and it is the wonderful idea of properly preserving it. Also, the value of properly preserved records is always appreciated.