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TAKING CARE OF YOUR RECORDS

Looking after your records is actually pretty simple (provided you keep at it), and many regard it as part of the magic of keeping a legendary collection. Chances are, if you own a sizeable vinyl vault, you'll be using the right cleaning materials already. Not everyone does though. And if you've mistakenly thought that tap water will do the trick, there's much more to learn. So stick around.After all, this is probably the one major part of your life that's not stored digitally.

Storage and Passive Care
Much comes down to you treat your records when they're not in use. This part is usually simple, but if you do it properly you'll be rewarded for decades to come. This involves some obvious pointers like keeping your vinyl out of the sunny windows and heat sources like amplifiers, and humid areas of the house like bathrooms or kitchens, presuming they don't have an extraction fan, are a definite no. Be wary of areas that are just hot or humid in general. If you're new to the game, you may not have known that records should never be stored horizontally in large numbers. If you really need to though, stacks shouldn't exceed 15-20 in number.

Then there are the obvious points: records should be kept in their sleeves when not in use. This comes down to the war against dust is, but it doesn't have to be a struggle. One fool-proof method is to store them in plastic sleeves. If you find that comes off as tacky, the cardboard sleeve should fare just fine. It also generates less static.

Guarding against static
Static is the other area you'll need to guard against. The paper sleeves which records are shipped in tend generate plenty of it. It pays to invest in some polyethylene lined sleeves for your most favored records.

Handling your records
If you're staging a romantic dinner and have been cooking all evening, remember keep those oily paws off the fine grooves. If you want your records and stylus to be playing like they did a year from now that is. For general handling though, the place you hold the record matters too: The labeled area and outer edges are safe-zones for those fingers.

Before and after slipping on a record, a carbon fiber brush is handy of removing any micro-particles that could've landed on your favorite LP between taking it out and replacing it inside it's sleeve. Another great way to remain dust-proof is to buy a record player with a lid.

Record Cleaning
No matter how meticulous you are about record storage, a good cleaning now and then will benefit your vinyl, keeping the sound just as crisp and clean as it should be. If it's an older record or you've just let it become dusty as hell through lack of discretion, there are a number of tried and tested ways of restoring it to it's former glory provided it's not been scratched. Any grime that invariably comes with second-hand records should be dealt with immediately so as not to damage your stylus.

If you want to simplify the process, there are plenty of cleaning machines available that will save you time, but assuming you're more hands on, there are some classic methods of record-cleaning that will be available for as long as records are around. That said, cleaning machines are also available, which will make the load lighter.

Cleaning Machines
Although automatic record-cleaning machines tend to be expensive and space-consuming, that doesn't mean you can't save time and money by buying a compact and trusty manual cleaning machine. Especially if you have a massive vinyl collection, this will turn a day's cleaning into a couple of hours. The Spin Clean Record Cleaner is one fine example of this, and it works using the same mixture of cleaning solution and distilled water.

The Classic Cleaning Method

Before you start to clean, always use a dry carbon fiber brush to take off any loose dust particles. Some cleaning solutions include this as part of the package, such as the Clear Groove Record Cleaning Solution for instance. If you don't brush before applying the wet cloth (the next step), dust can become lodged inside the grooves.

Next, apply your cleaning brush with record-cleaning solution. You might choose to dilute with some distilled water (Again, never use ordinary tap water as the minerals will cause the vinyl to degenerate). Now gently wipe the grooves, going with the grain, for obvious reasons. After a few swipes, check the cloth for any dust deposits and rinse them off before restarting the process. The cloth shouldn't be sopping wet, so just wet it enough to pick up those finer dust particles. While you're cleaning, be wary of getting any water on the label. This can cause smudging.

Now stack your records vertically and leave them to dry in an area of the house that isn't too dusty.

Stylus Maintenance
This is the point where the needle hits the groove, so it's crucially important to maintaining a healthy library.As we mentioned before, keeping your stylus clean and properly aligned will have a direct effect on how long your records last. This is because a badly maintained stylus can end up scratching your records. Keeping your records clean in turn, will effect the longevity of your stylus, so it's this cycle you need to keep an eye on, and fortunately it doesn't require a lot of work provided you don't let things get out of whack in the first place.

A few pointers are worth bearing in mind here:

- Never use a worn-out stylus.
-Ensure that your stylus is clean and free of grime at all times.
-Make sure you've balanced your stylus in accordance with your cartridge's requirements.
- Be sure to align your cartridge properly.
-Set up your anti-skate counterweight properly.

Summing it all up

In a nutshell, record-maintenance is all about keeping the physical connection between record and stylus crisp and clear. Records are still the most magical form of music-appreciation, and caring for your record collection won't require heaps of work if you take care of regular maintenance.

Latest additions to BaseVinyl.com

Riverstone Audio Precision RECORD LEVEL Turntable Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge / Scale 100g, 0.005g Resolution (silver)

A Professional tracking force gauge designed for vinyl record purist's interested in more precise measurement of vertical tracking force (VTF). In addition to influencing playback quality, improper VTF can cause excessiv..

Ortofon: Cartridge Alignment Tool

ensures proper alignment, helps eliminate tracking errorFor MM/MC/MI and Piezoelectric Acoustical Pickup, Nonmagnetic, No Magnetic Field Adhesivity, Reading ReliableHigh Precision and Accurate Stylus Gauge for Accurate S..

Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge 0.01g Blue LCD Backlight for Tonearm Phono Cartridge

All Neoteck Product Comes With 18 Months US Base WarrantyFeature:For MM/MC/MI and piezoelectric acoustical pickup, nonmagnetic, no magnetic field adhesivity, reading reliable High precision and accurate stylus gauge for ..

Cartridge Alignment Protractor

Set up and align your cartridge with our new Diskeeper Cartridge Protractor! Easy to follow instructions on the back. Mirrored finish allows you to precisely fix the stylus. Proper setup and alignment is crucial to get t..

Parts, Cleaning & Accessories

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Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, ...

Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Diamond Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, 375, 377, 385, 387, 389, 392, 395, 397Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Diamond..

Pfanstiehl LP Deluxe No-Static Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush with Carbon Fibers

Highly effective for cleaning vinyl records full time or touch-ups between cleaning. Two rows of soft carbon fiber filaments easily remove the unwanted dust and contaminants leaving your records grooves clean while prolo..

Phoenix Record Cleaning System for Vinyl (4 oz.)

Our Phoenix Record Cleaning Kit includes a 4-ounce spray bottle of Phoenix Record Cleaner with enzymes along with a patented, reusable, microfiber cloth! The cloth alone may be used for dry wiping dusty LPs and is better..

PRB FRX23.6 Turntable Belt 23.6 Inch Circumference

Exact replacement belt. Used in many models of Belt Driven Stereo Turntables and Audio Equipment , including the BIC SL3200, BSR TB33, Curtis Mathes OM40, OM41, Fisher MT35, MT6115, Fuji L220, JVC 5250U, JLA1, JLA15, JLA..

Premium Swiss Leather Turntable Mat | Black | Slipmat Made in USA

Precision crafted in NYC's garment district by Hudson Hi-Fi: this Swiss leather turntable mat is designed to enhance the sound of your turntable. Fitting over the center spindle and sitting comfortably on a 12" platter, ..

Pro-Ject: Pro-Ject Turntable Drive Belt

Genuine Pro-Ject turntable belt for use with Debut Series, xPression and RPM 5.1 and RPM 6.1 turntables.replacement belt for Pro-Ject turntables..

RCA RD-1046 Discwasher 1.25 oz. D4+ Vinyl Record Cleaning Fluid Refills (Three Bottles)

D4+ fluid is designed to lift contaminants from the record surface - with use of a soft and non-abrasive and unidirectional fibers of the D4+ pad. Together, the D4+ cleaning solution and pad eliminate airborne contaminan..

RCA RD1006 Discwasher Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit

Removes Dust Dirt & Fingerprints From Vinyl Records. Ideal For Use With All Vinyl Records, Wet System Includes Vinyl Record Cleaning Pad, Mini Dust Brush & Cleaning Solution. Includes Handy Storage PouchUnique Microfiber..

Record Cleaning Brush

OverviewHeres an inexpensive tool for keeping all of your irreplaceable records clean and cared for! Easy to use, easy to clean; this record brush is guaranteed to keep all of your LPs clean and quiet! It gets really dee..

Record Cleaning Brush - (Red) Vinyl Record Rescue

Introducing the Record Cleaning Brush, the best turntable cleaner imaginable, by Record Rescue. Carbon Fiber Brush Removes even the finest dust and dirt particles Eliminates static electricity 1 million carbon fibers pro..

Record Cleaning Velvet Brush - with Anti Static Solution Fluid and Stylus Cleaner by Record-Happy. Extend Life, Improve Fidelity and Keep your Priz...

Your Search for the Perfect Record Brush is Finally Over. When you purchase the Record-Happy Velvet Brush here is what you get: A Safe and Easy to use brush that is a must have for the Serious Collector. Keep your LPs in..

Record Doctor Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Brush

Ya gotta have a record cleaning brush to give your vinyl that last touch-up before your drop the needle. The Record Doctor Carbon Fiber Record Brush is the safe and easy way to remove light dust and dirt from records whi..

Latest additions to BaseVinyl.com

Riverstone Audio Precision RECORD LEVEL Turntable Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge / Scale 100g, 0.005g Resolution (silver)

Ortofon: Cartridge Alignment Tool

Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge 0.01g Blue LCD Backlight for Tonearm Phono Cartridge

Cartridge Alignment Protractor

Parts, Cleaning & Accessories

Pfanstiehl 168-DS73 Phonograph Record Player Needle 911DS, 2129DS, A101XSD, A41073, Astatic N81SD; Fits Astatic 361, 363, 365, 367, 369, 371, 373, ...

Pfanstiehl LP Deluxe No-Static Vinyl Record Cleaning Brush with Carbon Fibers

Phoenix Record Cleaning System for Vinyl (4 oz.)

PRB FRX23.6 Turntable Belt 23.6 Inch Circumference

Premium Swiss Leather Turntable Mat | Black | Slipmat Made in USA

Pro-Ject: Pro-Ject Turntable Drive Belt

RCA RD-1046 Discwasher 1.25 oz. D4+ Vinyl Record Cleaning Fluid Refills (Three Bottles)

RCA RD1006 Discwasher Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit

Record Cleaning Brush

Record Cleaning Brush - (Red) Vinyl Record Rescue

Record Cleaning Velvet Brush - with Anti Static Solution Fluid and Stylus Cleaner by Record-Happy. Extend Life, Improve Fidelity and Keep your Priz...

Record Doctor Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Brush

Riverstone Audio Precision RECORD LEVEL Turntable Stylus Tracking Force Pressure Gauge / Scale 100g, 0.005g Resolution (silver)

Shure N-WHLB Replacement Needle for Shure WhiteLabel Phonograph Cartridge (Dark Blue)

Solid BRASS/NYLON Non-Magnetic Turntable Headshell Cartridge Screw Set 30 Piece

SPIN-CLEAN - STARTER KIT RECORD WASHER SYSTEM Mk2

TECHNICS P-AM18201K1 original replacement tonearm for SL1200MK2/3 Panasonic from Japan

Technics: Counter Weight / Tone Arm Balance Weight for Technics 1200 (SFPWG17201K)