The Three Commandments of Record Care
This isn't complicated. Follow these three non-negotiable rules, and your records will outlive you. Ignore them, and you're just collecting expensive plastic frisbees.
I. Handle by the Edges. Always.
The grooved surface of a record is a delicate sonic map. The oils on your fingers are magnets for dust, which gets ground into that map by the stylus. This is the primary cause of pops and clicks. Never touch the playing surface. Hold your records by the outer edge and the center label. No exceptions. This is the first and most important habit to master.
II. Store Vertically, Never Horizontally.
Records are books on a shelf, not a stack of pancakes. Storing them flat is a death sentence. The weight will cause permanent, irreparable warping. Store them upright on a sturdy shelf. Don't pack them in too tightly—let them breathe. A warped record is a sad, wobbly thing that will never sound right again.
III. A Clean Record is a Happy Record.
Dust is the enemy of good sound. Before every single play, give the record a gentle sweep with a carbon fiber brush. This ten-second ritual removes surface dust and static. For any record you buy used, assume it's filthy. A proper wet-cleaning is mandatory to remove the deep-seated grime that a dry brush can't touch. A clean record doesn't just sound better; it also preserves the life of your expensive stylus.
That's the Code.
Master these three habits and you've mastered the art of preservation. Your collection will thank you, and it will reward you with a lifetime of great sound. For a more detailed look at the tools and techniques, see our full Vinyl Care & Preservation Guide.
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