Vinyl records are the oldest known form of recorded music. But even after all these years, vinyl still has a place in the music world—especially for audiophiles and collectors. And as delicate as they are, as long as people take care of their records properly by maintaining them and storing them properly, they’ll last for decades. And when it comes to storage, you can easily find a vinyl storage rack in Australia.
There are still connoisseurs of vinyl music in Australia as they consider this old tech valuable. Vinyl records topped the charts during the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. And for those avid music enthusiasts or Australian vinyl records collectors, here are some tips on how to best take care of their vinyl collection so it lasts them a long time:
Reducing Photosensitive Electricity
Photosensitive electricity is the electricity generated when light hits the record’s surface. This charge can lead to irreversible damage, so people must know how to prevent it.
So, here are some ways to avoid photosensitive electricity:
- Keep the records in a cool, dry place; this will reduce humidity and help prevent damage.
- Don’t expose them to direct sunlight for long periods.
- Don’t place them near heat sources such as radiators or heaters.
Optical Media Goes Bad Over Time
Optical media, such as vinyl, can also deteriorate over time. It’s not uncommon to find a vinyl stored in a jewel case for years to have some skipping or other playback issues. While these problems are avoidable by storing the vinyl properly (i.e., in their original cases), they are still a good reminder that optical media doesn’t last forever—even when properly cared for!
Not All Vinyl Records Are Made Equal
Vinyl records are not all the same. Some vinyl records are made with different materials and have different properties. Also, some are more durable than others, while some will last longer than others of lower quality and price point.
So, it’s essential to know that not all vinyl records are made equal, especially regarding how long they’ll last in the collection or on the shelf. There is a broad range of prices and qualities available today; some will wear out quickly, while others can last for years if cared for properly.
Handle With Care
The most important rule to remember when handling the vinyl is to always use a clean, dry cloth for cleaning. Paper towels are not recommended because they can scratch the record’s surface and cause damage. Also, don’t use any cleaning product on the record either, as these can also cause damage to its surface.
Buy a Record Player Stand With a Storage
Record player stands are a great way to store records and show off the fact that people have a record player. People can also display them on a shelf, hang them on the wall, or store them away by buying a vinyl storage rack in Australia.
Vinyl Is Delicate, So It Needs to Be Treated Well
Vinyl records are sensitive to light, direct sunlight, and heat. So keep the records in a cool, dark place in your home in Australia. Don’t stack them on top of each other, as this can cause warping or bending. Also, don’t keep the records in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can damage the disc and cause it to crack or warp over time.