Vinyl 101: How to Properly Store Your Records

Alongside the vinyl boom, you hear all the time about how when you buy records, you’re buying music that lasts; you own it, and you’ll have it forever. But as anyone who’s been to a used record store can tell you, that’s not strictly true: your records will last forever as long as you take care of them as well as they’re taking care of you.

So, Vinyl 101 is here to tell you how to keep your vinyl in good shape for the long haul:

Storage Wars

Always store records vertically, like books on a shelf: never flat and never leaning at an angle. Flat stacking puts uneven pressure on the vinyl and can cause warping over time, especially in warmer rooms. Leaning at an angle has the same effect, just more gradually. Make sure the shelf or rack fully supports the records so they stand straight up without slumping.

Check Your Temperature

Vinyl is sensitive to heat—anything above 70-75°F for extended periods risks warping, and direct sunlight is even worse since it heats the vinyl unevenly and can fade covers. Aim for a stable environment around 65-70°F with moderate humidity (35-50%). Avoid basements (too damp, risk of mold on jackets) and attics or garages (too hot and prone to swings in temperature). Consistency matters more than hitting an exact number, though: swings in temperature and humidity cause more damage than a stable environment that's slightly off ideal.

Put on Your Jacket

Keep records in poly-lined inner sleeves rather than the paper ones records often ship with since paper can leave fibers on the vinyl and doesn't protect against static as well. For outer protection, use plastic outer sleeves over the cardboard jackets to prevent ring wear, seam splits, and general wear from sliding in and out of storage. Store the record with the opening of the inner sleeve facing up and away from the jacket opening, so dust has a harder time getting in.

Handle With Care

Always hold records by the edges and the label; never touch the grooves, since oils from your fingers attract dust and can degrade sound quality over time. Clean hands before handling, and consider a carbon fiber brush to remove dust before and after playing.

Mr. Clean

Periodically clean records with a proper record-cleaning solution and a carbon fiber or microfiber brush to remove built-up dust and grime, which causes surface noise and can be ground into the grooves during play.

Follow these basics and your collection can easily last generations.