Are you ready to take your record handling skills to the next level? In this guide, we’ll look at how to handle a vinyl record like a pro. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast, a DJ or simply a newbie, this guide is for you. We’ll learn how to handle records properly to minimize contamination and avoid scratches, what accessories we need for them and how to create a favorable environment for storage. Let’s dive in!
The importance of proper record handling
Proper handling is crucial to maintaining the quality and longevity of your favorite records. Records are sensitive and, unlike digital recordings, there is no data redundancy or error correction. Therefore, dirt and damage have a direct impact on the playback quality. Basically there are two enemies that we have to defend ourselves against. On the one hand, this is dirt. In addition to loose dust, the most common are fingerprints, which consist of a mixture of grease and salt. Stubborn residue like splashes from sugary drinks should hopefully not be a regular problem. In addition to dust, the second enemy is damage such as scratches. While we can still remove most dirt with appropriate effort, scratches are permanent. That’s why we have to be particularly careful here. So let’s take a look at some best practices of how to store a vinyl record properly.
How to store a vinyl record properly
Ideally, we store our records in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Temperatures that are too high can cause deformation, while excessive humidity can lead to mold growth. Your favorite records feel most comfortable at a moderate temperature between 60°F and 70°F (~15°C … 20°C) and a humidity of around 40 to 50%.
Requirements for the record shelf
When it comes to storing records, it’s best to store them vertically rather than horizontally. Stacking records horizontally can cause unnecessary pressure and lead to warping. But storing them upright on a shelf can also lead to deformation if too many records are leaning against each other or are pressed too hard. The best thing to do here is to use common sense, bearing in mind that records are delicately analogue creatures. Because the laws of nature make no exceptions for dust, gravity prefers to collect it at the bottom of a room (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about). If we have the choice, we don’t place our record shelf directly on the floor, but rather at about chest height. If you want to take dust protection to the next level, give the shelves doors. For example, the Ikea Kallax shelf is a popular classic for this.
Proven sleeves for records
To protect the records from dust and dirt, we use protective inner sleeves with a thin plastic film. The original printed inner sleeves consist often of simple paper. Since paper is abrasive and can permanently damage the record, I recommend you invest in a pack of these inner sleeves with a plastic film. Don’t worry: you don’t have to throw away the original paper sleeve. It usually fits into the album cover together with the carefully packaged record. Our record gets another protective layer in the form of a transparent outer sleeve. Since all sleeves including the album cover are square, we can insert them into each other in any orientation. We align the respective openings so that they are rotated to each other in order to make it as difficult as possible for the dust to enter.
How to handle a record step by step
In order to protect the record from fingerprints and scratches, it is best to go through a typical handling procedure step by step.
How to take a record out of its sleeves
Even though the right clothing makes a big difference, things get really exciting when we turn to carefully undressing. In the heat of the moment, we always remember where we place our gentle touches. Because our darling wants to feel loved and appreciated, we naturally make sure that the bed is attractively prepared.
Oh, yes, I’m still talking about records here. So that the record doesn’t have any unpleasant surprises on the way to the turntable, we make sure that we only touch it on the edge. Don’t even think about touching the surface containing the groove. This is a fundamental no-go that your darling will surely resent. But speaking of the turntable: Before we tensely balance the record on our fingertips, we should first remove possible dust from the platter mat. Wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth. This step is crucial because any particles on the platter mat will end up on the record surface and affect the sound quality. Next, we free the album cover from the transparent outer sleeve before removing the inner sleeve with the record.
We let our hand slide carefully between the record and the inner sleeve, making sure not to ruin this exciting moment with a clumsy touch. We then carefully approach our fingertips to the hole that already awaits us. The center hole. At the center of the label. Phew! With our fingertips on the label and our thumb on the outer edge of the record, we carefully pull the inner sleeve off the record with our free hand. Finally we maneuver our record onto the dust-free turntable platter. With a little practice, we can not only do this with dignity, but we can also look relaxed and have a conversation while doing it.
How to handle a record on the turntable
Before we get into how to handle a record on the turntable, I would like to briefly talk about the turntable itself. In my other articles I go into many of the settings we can and should make on a turntable. In order to protect the record from excessive wear, the tracking force and anti-skating in particular should be properly adjusted. The cartridge’s stylus (also known as the needle) should be free of dust. We therefore evaluate with a critical eye whether a brief wiping with a suitable anti-static brush is necessary. Or we just do it as a routine without craning our necks every time.
We now let the record rotate, initially without putting the tone arm down. Next, we place a suitable anti-static brush along the radius so that it covers the (inner) outlet groove and slowly move the brush outwards until the inner bristles have left the record. This prevents a line of dust that typically remains when the brush is abruptly removed. If our record and stylus are free of dust, nothing can stand in the way of our rendezvous. Lower the tonearm and look forward to (hopefully) unadulterated enjoyment.
How to put a record back in its sleeves
This procedure is the same as taking it out, only in reverse order. Of course, we also make sure that our hands are clean and do not use force when inserting. Sometimes the inner sleeve can sit on an inner seam of the album cover and therefore slightly protrude from the cover. If this is the case, we tap or pluck it carefully (!) until it sits properly before we put the outer cover over it.
Conclusion: How to handle a record
I think you’ll agree with me that it’s not rocket science how to handle a record properly. Most of this is common sense anyway. However, if there is stubborn dirt or your record still crackles noticeably despite the dust being removed, you should perhaps think about wet cleaning. With these simple tips you should be able to enjoy your record collection for a long time. Ultimately, of course, these are just tips. So if you’re a DJ, you can still touch your records with your bare hand to scratch, throw them into the covers and put your beer on them. Go ahead 😉