by deusdiabolus

Created on: December 12, 2006

The purpose of this article is to offer useful knowledge and advice about how to take care of vinyl records. Whether you are an aficionado or a DJ, these are things which can be useful to you.

To begin with, most records come with an inner paper SLEEVE and an outer cardboard JACKET. The best way to store them is with the inner sleeve's opening at the top inside the jacket, with the jacket's opening facing right. If you don't have an inner sleeve or outer jacket, then you can either order replacements online or just do your best to keep the records protected. Records should be stored as vertically as possible (preferably in a box or crate of some sort), out of direct sunlight, away from sources of heat, and out of wet or dusty areas.

Now let's discuss handling records.

Extend your hand with the fingers outstretched but held together, as if you were asking for someone to put some money in your hand. When you hold a record in this manner, the fingers should rest on the label and the edge of the record should rest in the crook of your forefinger and thumb. This will probably require a little practice, but you'll get the hang of it, and soon you'll probably even be able to slide your fingers into the sleeve and slide the record out without touching anything except the label. You can also handle a record by its edges, and gently pinch the edge to remove it from its sleeve. The important part is to avoid touching the grooved surface of the record as much as possible, because accumulated fingerprints will eventually affect play quality as much as dust and liquid (obviously you'll have to touch the record at some point, so we'll get into cleaning in a moment). It seems like a lot of work, but believe me, it's a lot more work to replace a rare record you didn't take care of.

Now we'll discuss cleaning, and this is similar to handling in that it's a matter of personal preference. Enthusiasts and audiophiles each have their own personal favorite techniques and solutions, from distilled water to a soap solution to homemade cleaning fluids of various ingredients. I personally prefer using plain distilled water and a soft lint-free cloth such as a diaper (preferably one that hasn't been washed in detergents, because the residue can accumulate in the grooves). Soak one end of the diaper and wring it so that it's damp but not dripping wet. Place the record either on a soft rubber mat or other smooth lint and dirt free surface (you can, of course, even use your turntable platter). Holding the record in place with one hand on the label, use the other hand to gently wipe one side of the record, wiping with the grooves. Switch to the dry end of the diaper and repeat the same motion (always wiping gently so that you don't damage the grooves or scratch the record). (I have my own "violin" technique, which involves anchoring the record between the crook of four fingers and the upper shoulder of the same arm, and using the other hand to wipe.) This is suitable for occasional cleaning. For regular cleaning, you can either find a Discwasher D4 brush kit or a carbon fiber brush, and simply sweep the record (going with the grooves) as it rotates on the turntable.

I hope you find this information useful and helpful!

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