What's The Best Way To Store My Records?

Storing records may seem simple, but proper storage is crucial to protecting your valuable collection. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the best ways to store records, from the storage environment to the choice of storage boxes, to provide you with valuable advice.

Part 1: Ideal Storage Environment

The environment in which records are stored is critical to their long-term protection. The first things to consider are temperature and humidity. The ideal temperature should be maintained between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the humidity should be maintained between 40% and 60%. High temperatures and humidity can cause records to warp, mold, or become damp, while low temperatures can cause record materials to become brittle.

Secondly, avoid direct sunlight and bright lights. Ultraviolet rays and strong rays from the sun may discolor and fade the surface of your records. Therefore, it's best to store records out of direct sunlight or use a light-tight storage box.

Part 2: Choosing the Appropriate Storage Container

To ensure the safety of your records, it is crucial to choose the appropriate storage container. The most common options are record protective bags and record cases. Record protective bags are usually made of polyethylene or polypropylene and are dust-proof and scratch-proof, suitable for storing records individually. The record box is more suitable for storing multiple records, which can prevent the records from getting damp and deformed.

Part 3: Correct storage location

In addition to choosing the right storage container, storage location is also very important. It's best to store records vertically and avoid stacking them horizontally, where pressure can cause the records to warp. Also, to prevent the record from bending, you can use record spacers or record clips to secure the record.

Part 4: Record rack with storage
Choosing a record rack with built-in storage can greatly improve the convenience and efficiency of storing your collection. This type of record rack usually has a multi-level design that can hold multiple records and can be expanded as needed. This way, you can not only better organize and display your collection, but you can also save space and ensure vertical storage of records to prevent them from being bent or damaged. Choose a record rack with storage features to better protect and display your collection.

Part 5: Regular maintenance and cleaning

Regular maintenance and cleaning are equally important to protecting your records. Check your records regularly for dust, dirt or fingerprints and clean them with a special record cleaning brush and cleaning fluid. At the same time, regularly replace record protective bags and storage boxes to ensure they are of good quality.

Part 6: Additional protective measures

In addition to the basic protective measures above, there are some additional protective measures that can be considered. For example, placing some moisture absorbers in record boxes can effectively absorb moisture in the air and prevent records from getting damp. In addition, support rods or record racks can be used to ensure that records remain stable when they are stored vertically.

Conclusion

Proper storage not only extends the life of your records, it also protects their sound quality and value. By following the advice provided in this article, you can ensure that your record collection retains its original charm and value well into the future.