In December of 2016, the sales of vinyl records surpassed those of MP3s from online retailers such as iTunes and Amazon for the first time in over a decade. People are digging out their parents’ old turntables and flocking to record stores by the millions, in search of pure musical nostalgia. New record stores are popping up all over the world and many are thriving in this revitalized market. Unfortunately, many people new to this format are unaware of how to properly care for their records. This is a guide that will help make your LP’s and 45s stay in great condition and sound amazing!

First, records need to be stored vertically! Horizontally stacking records creates a large amount of pressure on the records and causes the vinyl to warp. Warping results in an unattractive wobble when the record is played and considerably lowers the record’s value. If the warping is serious, it may result in the vinyl being unplayable. Invest in some way to store your collection. There are a ton of great options ranging from bins just like you see in record stores to a simple milk crate. Once you have your shelving or bin of choice, store your collection in a temperature controlled room out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources, as these also lead to warping.

Second, invest in a way to clean your records. I would suggest the RCA Discwasher. The RCA Discwasher has been a staple in audiophiles’ lives for decades and is, in my opinion, the most practical and efficient option for keeping your vinyl fingerprint and dust free. The RCA Discwasher comes with a small bottle of D4+ cleaning solution that provides a deep clean, getting rid of the dust and giving the vinyl a shiny finish. Cleaning your vinyl before playing will give it the best playback sound and limit any ticks and surface noise. Most record stores carry Discwasher kits but they can also be found online from a number of retailers.

Possibly the most important factor of caring for your records is how you handle the vinyl before and after playing. When holding the record, make sure to keep your fingers on the edge or center label. Touching the grooves will leave residue from your hands and could damage the vinyl. If you do touch the grooves, don’t freak out, just make sure you clean the record before you play it. Following these guidelines will help keep your records sounding, and looking amazing, for years to come.