Tips on storing your vinyl records

Vinyl records are becoming more and more popular these days, as people search for a higher-quality listening experience than what they can get from digital files. However, albums are expensive and must be treated with care. Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection, or you've been storing your records for years, follow these tips from Ronald Phillips, a New York-based vinyl enthusiast, to keep your records in the best condition possible.

• Dust them off properly. Vinyl records highly attract dust because the turntable's stylus causes static charges on the surface. Make sure to remove dust and other loose debris from the records before storing them. Use a carbon fiber brush and gently brush the surface using a circular motion.

• Handle the records with care. Avoid touching the surface of the vinyl records with your bare hands as it could lead to an accumulation of oil and residue, which can impact the sound quality. Use finger cots or gloves and hold the record at its edges or the center.

• Use paper or plastic sleeves. Before storing vinyl records, place them inside sleeves first to keep dust out. Paper sleeves would suffice, but Ronald Phillips of New York recommends plastic sleeves to prevent scratching. In addition, a thick plastic outer cover will keep your album's sleeve in pristine condition.

• Store upright. Vinyl records should always be stored vertically. Horizontally storing records can cause too much pressure on the vinyl, especially those at the bottom, which can warp your albums. Instead, the records should be stored upright in a sturdy shelving system with the spines facing outward.

• Check the storage environment. Ronald Phillips of New York keeps reminding vinyl record collectors that the records are sensitive to harsh environmental conditions. He recommends that your storage area have a cool temperature (between 45-60 degrees Fahrenheit) and low humidity (between 30-40 percent).