Vinyl offers you a unique listening experience, and its album sleeve is a work of art. However, these pieces can scratch and bend, making them easily damaged. The easiest way to prevent this damage is by storing them properly in a storage unit. The environment, humidity, temperature, and other factors contribute to the health and longevity of your records. If you’re unsure what to do to preserve your vinyl records, our team at Olympic Storage will help you do this successfully. Here are the tips for storing vinyl records.

Cleaning vinyl records before storing them is a must

Your hands contain natural oils that contribute to fungal growth. Dust and other debris are detrimental to your vinyl records. Therefore, you want to handle them by the edge and label areas when storing and cleaning them thoroughly using the right materials and products. No matter how clean you think your towel is, there are going to be traces of dirt left behind. To clean your vinyl records, consider using a record-cleaning brush to remove dust and dirt. Use a vinyl-cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth.

Always use the inner sleeves

Vinyl records usually come with inner sleeves that you can use for storage. The sleeve should have a smooth, silky texture to keep the record in good condition. Avoid paper-like sleeves, as they could add more scratches to your vinyl over time.

Consider adding an outer sleeve or bag

The outer sleeves cover the cardboard artwork to keep every part of your vinyl protected from scratches. Avoid plastic sleeves that can stick to the cardboard and damage the artwork. If you don’t want to go the extra step, invest in a vinyl bag that folds over the seals.

Store your records in the right conditions

Like most materials, vinyl records require room temperatures to operate and maintain their condition. It would be best if you stored them at room temperature. Keeping them in a very warm room, can cause warping. That’s why we recommend utilizing a climate-controlled storage unit that can maintain steady temperatures throughout. You also want to ensure that they receive minimal light to prevent damage.

Stay away from storing vinyl records horizontally

You may be tempted to keep your vinyl records horizontally to save space, but that is not the safest way to do it. The horizontal position places too much pressure on your collection, stress and cracks.

Keep the air circulating?

Most people think that sealing off their vinyl records prevents damage. However, doing so only causes damage due to the creation of a micro-climate. The records may attract moisture which can cause further damage. At Olympic Storage, we advise against sealing containers and plastic bins. Instead, leave the lids off. You can also use wine or book craters for storage.

Pick the right shelving

Storing your records on shelves keeps them from harm, but not every shelf is appropriate for storage. If your storage unit has shelves, ensure they can hold up to 35 pounds per square foot.

Store your vinyl records with Olympic Self Storage.

Storing your vinyl records doesn’t have to be difficult. Utilize the above tips and get a reliable, efficient, and spacious climate-controlled storage unit from Olympic Storage today and keep your vinyl records in great shape. Contact us today to rent a unit.