Vinyl is not just a music medium: it’s a collectible item and a listening ritual. To keep it in perfect condition, cleaning and storage are essential.

This guide explains in simple terms how to clean vinyl records and how to store them correctly, with useful tips for beginners and experienced collectors alike.

🔍 Why cleaning vinyl is important

• Improves sound: reduces crackles and needle skips.
• Protects the stylus: less wear on the needle.
• Preserves value: a clean record is more appealing to collectors.

🧹 Vinyl cleaning techniques

1. Quick cleaning before listening

Use a carbon fiber brush to remove surface dust and reduce static electricity. Move it along the grooves, never across.

2. Deep manual cleaning

Use a vinyl-specific cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth. Clean gently in circular motions following the grooves. Avoid pure alcohol.

3. Cleaning with dedicated machines

Record cleaning machines (manual or automatic) immerse the vinyl in an anti-static solution and dry it evenly. They are ideal for large collections.

4. “Emergency” cleaning

If you don’t have dedicated products, you can use distilled water with a few drops of neutral soap. Avoid tap water, which leaves mineral residues.

📦 Vinyl storage techniques

1. Inner sleeves

Replace paper ones with anti-static polyethylene sleeves.

2. Outer sleeves

Protect the cover with transparent polypropylene sleeves.

3. Position and storage

Store records vertically, never stacked. Don’t overfill shelves.

4. Temperature and humidity

Keep a cool environment (18°-22°C) with 45-55% humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.

5. Daily use

Handle records only by the edges or the center label, never touch the grooves, and always put them back in their sleeves after listening.

🛠️ Useful tools to have

• Carbon fiber brush
• Soft microfiber cloth
• Anti-static vinyl cleaning solution
• Record cleaning machine (for large collections)
• Quality inner and outer sleeves

❌ What to absolutely avoid

• Pure alcohol or harsh solvents
• Paper tissues or abrasive materials
• Storing records horizontally
• Exposure to direct sunlight or excessive heat

📌 Conclusion

Cleaning and storing vinyl isn’t difficult: just a few daily precautions and the right tools. This way your records will sound better, last longer, and retain their value over time.

Start with a quick brush before playing and always put records back in their sleeves after use: simple habits that make a big difference for your collection.