How should I store my vinyl? Always store vinyl records vertically, positioned side by side. Storing them horizontally can cause warping and make them unplayable due to pressure and weight. Ideal storage conditions include temperatures between 18 - 21 degrees Celsius and humidity levels between 45 - 50%. To prevent dust and scratches, place records back into their inner and outer sleeves after use.
How should I handle my vinyl? To preserve the life and quality of vinyl records, touch only the middle label and outer edges with clean hands, as moisture and oils from your skin can deteriorate the vinyl over time.
How should I clean my vinyl? Regular cleaning is essential to keep vinyl records playable, as dust and debris can accumulate and impact sound quality. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a carbon fiber brush to clean the surface before each use. For a more thorough clean, these tools can be combined with a record cleaning solution. Avoid using tap water, which may leave deposits, and steer clear of household cleaning products, including alcohol, to prevent damage.
Why is my vinyl skipping? If a record skips throughout playback, it may not be broken. Skipping is often caused by an improperly weighted tonearm. Adjusting your turntable's anti-skating mechanism can help apply more pressure from the stylus onto the vinyl grooves. For turntables without this feature, you can weigh down the stylus with a penny. Ensure your turntable is on a flat, stable surface, ideally separate from the speakers. Cleaning the record can also reduce skipping caused by residual dust or particles.
My vinyl is warped, what should I do? Vinyl records can warp due to various factors like weight, temperature, humidity, and sunlight. Minor warping usually doesn't affect playback, but significant warping can. If you receive a record that is severely warped, contact customer service. Although there is no surefire way to fix warped vinyl, you can try placing the record between heavy books for several days or using a record weight to hold it down during playback.
