Vinyl records are fragile and should be handled with care. However, most people forget to store them properly, and incorrect storage methods can ruin vinyl records. The good news is that you can use different sleeves to protect the records; they’ll prevent cracks, dust, crumbs, and many other issues.
To store vinyl records in sleeves, clean the record, slide it into an inner sleeve, then wrap it with an outer sleeve. Keep your records vertically to prevent warps and cracks, then mark each sleeve to identify what’s inside. Store the records between 65 to 70 °F (18 to 21 °C) and 45%-50% humidity.
Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following info about storing vinyl records in sleeves:
- Proper cleaning and storage techniques to preserve vinyl records
- Various sleeves to protect any record
- Recommended temperature and humidity settings
Clean the Vinyl Records
Cleaning vinyl records should be a regular part of your weekly routine. Dirt, grime, dust, and crumbs can spell the end of your favorite disks. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to keep them in excellent condition. You can use a vinyl record cleaning kit (link to Amazon) to do this.
Below, you’ll find the step-by-step process to clean your vinyl records before storing them in sleeves.
- Rub the record with a vinyl record cleaning brush. They’re designed to flow with the circular structure, so follow the lines for the best results. As mentioned earlier, vinyl is delicate. Use the brush to circulate the center of the record until you’ve removed all visible particles from the surface.
- Apply vinyl record cleaning solution. You can’t use most cleaning liquids because they’re too abrasive. Most chemicals will burn or strip the record, rendering it useless. A vinyl record cleaning solution is designed to remove fingerprints and leftover particles from the previous step.
- Use the brush to spread the solution in the same direction. Grab your vinyl brush and follow the same process as you did in step 1. Circular motions are crucial to the longevity of your vinyl records. It’ll pull away everything, leaving your disks bright, shiny, and clean for a long time.
- Wipe the record with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture. When you’re done with the brush, it’s time to apply a thin, soft microfiber cloth on both sides of the record. Don’t apply too much pressure; the cloth will remove everything on its own.
As you can see, cleaning your vinyl records is easy. Once you get all of the tools, you can clean them whenever you want. It’s recommended that you clean them after each use to prevent fingerprints and oil from settling.
Slide the Vinyl Record Into a Plastic Inner Sleeve
According to Discogs, inner sleeves are overlooked by many vinyl record owners. They’re often seen as a luxury, not a necessity. Unfortunately, that misconception ruins quite a few precious vinyl records annually. Plastic inner sleeves are an integral part of the storage process, so keep them on your list.
There are two types of inner sleeves:
Rounded Inner Sleeves
Rounded inner sleeves mesh with your record’s shape. They hold it securely to prevent the record from sliding around. You can purchase rounded inner sleeves online (link to Amazon).
Square Inner Sleeves
Square inner sleeves are universal for the most part. You can find them in various sizes, but you can slide most records into them easily. You won’t have to worry about getting a perfect match, but square sleeves don’t hold records snug like rounded sleeves. It’s up to you to decide which one is best for your vinyl records. You can buy square inner sleeves online (link to Amazon).
Once you’ve chosen your inner sleeve preference, you’re ready to pick the outer sleeve. There are many types, but all of them work well with almost any vinyl record on the market. Whether you’re using an old school record or a brand-new one, you should always use inner and outer sleeves.
If you want to learn how you can choose the perfect outer sleeve, proceed to the next section.
Put the Covered Vinyl Record in an Outer Sleeve
When people consider vinyl record sleeves, they’re typically referring to outer sleeves. You can use them with or without inner sleeves, but we recommended using both. If you want all the protection you can get, then there’s no question that an inner and outer sleeve makes a world of difference. This way you not only protect the vinyl but the decorative cover as well.
Here’s how you can use outer sleeves to your advantage:
- Make sure you’ve chosen the correct size. The average record sizes are 7 inches (18 cm), 10 inches (25 cm), and 12 inches (30.5 cm). Never estimate your record’s dimensions. Measure them with a ruler twice, then purchase a protective outer sleeve. Plastic, polypropylene, and paper are the most common materials.
- Slide the record into the outer sleeve. Even if you have a plastic inner sleeve, it should smoothly slide into the polypropylene outer sleeve. Ensure that there’s enough room to close the outer edge without exposing the vinyl record. If it’s too big, it’ll invite dust and debris to wreak havoc.
- Seal the sleeve to keep dust and debris out. Once you’re sure you have the correct size, seal the record in the outer sleeve. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it makes. Two sleeves and proper storage can change everything about a vinyl record. We’ll dive more into storage tactics in the next subheading.
- Check the sleeve for tears, folds, and so on. Every time you move the sleeve or remove the vinyl record, inspect it. Any signs of damage could invite debris into the sleeve and on the record. Moisture can ruin low-quality record sleeves by soaking them until the material degrades.
Buy plastic outer sleeves for vinyl records online (link to Amazon).
Store the Vinyl Records Vertically
Now that you have inner and outer sleeves, you’re almost done with the storage process. Your vinyl records will stay in excellent condition, free of dirt and fingerprints. However, there are a few more steps you need to take to prevent long-term damage. Improper placement is equally as bad as leaving them sleeveless.
So, why is horizontal storage frowned upon?
- When you layer a bunch of vinyl records on top of each other, they’ll start to warp. Mini Storage explains that warped vinyl immediately alters the sound. You’ll notice the song sounds different, often remaining entirely unrecognizable from the original piece. You can leave a few new records horizontal, but it’s best not to get in the habit.
- It can cause cracks. Vinyl isn’t the strongest material. Layering a bunch of vinyl records will cause cracks because they can’t handle the weight. The records on top probably won’t crack, but anything near the bottom will become subject to scratches. It’s not worth it, even if you think it looks more stylish than traditional vertical storage methods.
- You can’t identify the records. Piling a bunch of albums up makes it really difficult to find the one you want when you are in the mood for a certain song. If you want to select and play records whenever you’d like, categorizing them is the best course of action.
Vertical record storage makes a significant difference by preventing cracks and other problems. If you care about your records’ longevity, it’s time to focus on every aspect. From the sleeves to the shelves, treat it like the treasure it is.
Mark Every Sleeve for Identification
As you saw in the previous section, identification is very important. Some sleeves come pre-labeled, but if you’re purchasing extra sleeves that didn’t come with the vinyl records, you’ll have to label all of them. Many people prefer using permanent markers, pens, or pencils to mark their sleeves.
When you’re labeling each sleeve, you should include four things:
- The artist’s name
- The album name
- Features of the record (non-scratch, dust-resistant, etc.)
- (Optional) Serial numbers for the vinyl record
Before storing the marked vinyl records, make sure they’re dry. Ink can seep through the sleeve, covering the record or bleeding into another sleeve. Let them air dry, then place the inner sleeve over the record, and put them into the marked outer sleeve.
Temperature Control the Vinyl Records
Controlling the temperature around vinyl records plays a big role in their longevity, playability, cleanliness, and more. Records that get too hot can be permanently damaged. Cold records become susceptible to cracks and scratches since it brittles the material.
The best range is between 46 to 50 °F (8 to 10 °C). Vinyl records are sensitive to temperature because the base material (vinyl) is a flexible plastic. It’s used worldwide for numerous purposes, but when used to create records, it’s too thin to withstand wide ranges of temperatures.
If you’re using your records daily or weekly, you can leave them in 70 °F (21 °C) temperatures. However, long-term storage requires much colder environments. Keep your vinyl records at or below 50 °F (10 °C), unless you use them frequently.
Make sure you have a thermometer to measure the temperature. You can seal the room or direct air conditioner units through the area to maintain the aforementioned range. Never use space heaters or household heaters around vinyl records. If you’re adamant about using them, seal the room and close all vents, so the hot air doesn’t ruin the records.
If you’re experiencing a heatwave or can’t maintain the ambient temperature, consider using floor fans and mini air conditioner units. They’ll regulate the temperature to prevent the vinyl from warping, bending, or becoming misshapen.
Once you’ve tackled the temperature problem, it would be best if you use top-notch storage shelves. There’s no reason to protect your records with two sleeves if you don’t keep them on durable shelves. In the next section, we’ll explore everything you need to know.
Use Proper Shelving
As stated by The Vinyl Factory, you should always get shelves that can hold well over your records’ weight. If you have 50 pounds (23 kgs) of vinyl disks, get a shelf that can handle 100+ pounds (45+ kgs). If you get a weak shelf, it’ll break and crack all of your records. Plus, what if you want to expand and buy more vinyl records?
Below, you’ll find the key features of ideal vinyl record storage shelves.
- Consider boxed shelving. Boxed shelving offers individual storage for maximum protection. You can slide about 20 or more records per shelf, allowing for hundreds or thousands of records (depending on the storage shelf’s size). Boxed shelving is also much more organized than traditional bookshelves.
- Find shelves that match your vinyl records’ measurements. If you have 12-inch (30.5-cm) records, get 12.5 to 13-inch (32 to 33-cm) boxed shelves. Too much room leaves space for them to slide around or fall out. On the other hand, tight spaces will force you to store the records diagonally, limiting the number of records.
- Consider floor-mounted shelves rather than wall-mounted storage solutions. Floor-mounted shelves provide much more stability and security. If your wall-mounted shelves fall, not only do you have to deal with wall repairs, you also have to replace hundreds of valuable vinyl records.
- Install record dividers if you want to sort them alphabetically. If you have more than 20 records, it’d be best if you got a divider. You can keep them clean and organized, but you can also sort them, so you know where they are. Instead of digging through countless records, you’ll know exactly where they are.
Shelves have a significant impact on your records. They’re there for convenience, cleanliness, and more. If you slack on good shelving, you’ll notice it immediately. If you’re willing to own vinyl records, why not store them properly?
Only Remove the Sleeve if It’s Playing
Although it might be tempting, don’t remove your records to look at them and display them all over the place. They’ll collect dust and fingerprints, both of which lead to various problems. Every time you pull out a record, clean it with the previously mentioned process, then put it back in both sleeves.
Whenever you remove a record, it should go straight to the player. Use both palms to handle the record. As you probably know by now, never hold a vinyl record in the center. Always grab the outer edges. Using your palms will prevent fingerprints from dusting the surface, keeping your vinyl records clean and clear when you play them.
Getting an inner and outer sleeve will make it more difficult to pull it out every time. You’ll be much more inclined to leave it stored in its place since you don’t want to go through the hassle. There are countless more benefits of record sleeves.
Control the Ambient Humidity
You’ve read how crucial temperature is when it comes to storing vinyl records, but did you know humidity is important, too? Dry environments lead to cracks, whereas high humidity levels can dry debris and cake it onto the surface. Either way, you’re left with damaged, unusable vinyl records. Luckily, you can control the humidity relatively easily.
- Get a hygrometer to measure the humidity in the room. Hygrometers are designed to check for humidity, so they’re a perfect tool for vinyl record owners. If you have a room or container for your records, you can get a small hygrometer. Some of them allow you to adjust the settings, which is a massive bonus.
- Consider humidifiers or dehumidifiers. You’ve already read the recommended humidity guidelines. If your room is out of line, you could get a tool to reverse the effects. Once you install a humidifier or dehumidifier, check the hygrometer hourly until you get the perfect settings. Keep an eye on the records, too.
- Regularly inspect the records for excess moisture or dryness. Mildew and mold can grow around your records. They’ll shred through the sleeves, exposing your vinyl records to dirt, debris, and more. Sort through your records weekly to move them around and check for wear and tear.
- Keep them between 45% to 50% humidity as much as possible. Adjust the humidifier accordingly, and don’t forget to view the hygrometer to monitor the progress. If it dips above or below by a little bit, it’s not a cause for alarm. Small deviations won’t change anything, but massive decreases or increases can.
- Sparefoot recommends getting enclosed containers or a regulated room. If you can afford a high-quality temperature-regulated room for your vinyl records, you’re in a good situation. However, most of us can get by closing the door and getting the necessary tools and supplies. Small buckets are good if you can store the records vertically.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to store vinyl records in sleeves, it’s time to perfect the art. High-end shelving, optimal temperatures, and many other features will add longevity to your favorite records.
Here’s a rundown of the key takeaways from this article:
- Two sleeves provide much more protection than one.
- Never store your records horizontally (it causes cracking and warping).
- Temperature and humidity play a major role. Get a hygrometer and thermometer.
- Clean your records with a cloth after each use.
- Proper shelving adds many years to your records because it prevents them from falling.