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Record Care and Maintenance
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Recorded materials are delicate, and susceptible to damage and wear.
Therefore a few techniques should be employed when it comes to
handling, cleaning and storage of your valued recordings.
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Handling
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Avoid touching the playing or grooved surface of any disc. You should
handle the disc by the other edge and the labled
surface only. When available, thin, clean cotton gloves are advisable
. Avoid stacking records on a turntable (the use of
a spindle to stack albums and 45's was commonplace in the 50's and 60's).
Or placing on any other surface without a protective sleeve.
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Cleaning
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The cleaning of discs, should be performed before and after playing.
This ensures the best possible playback, and prepares the disc for "dust
free" storage. There are various methods, machines and formulas, for
the cleaning of records.
Lp's and 45's (vinyl)
...the basic approach, or the use a soft, clean cloth and water is
generally acceptable. Distilled water is preferred over tap water. Also
recommended is a "water based" cleaning solution with up to 20% isopropyl
alcohol by volume. This type of solution is especially effective in removing
dirt and dissolving oily contaminants from the contact with hands and skin.
When cleaning the disc, place it on a soft clean flat cloth. Next, apply the
cleaning solution or water, and with a soft clean cloth, work the disc in a
circular motion and in the direction of the grooves.
When at all possible, avoid a static build up on your discs. This will not only
create crackles during playback, but also attract dust particles during
playing and handling.
78's(shellac)
...for the most part, the use of tap water, distilled water, or a "water based"
cleaning solution, should only be used while cleaning 78's. The use of alcohol
or a "alcohol based" cleaning solution can dissolve shellac recordings.
Again, as with the vinyl, place the disc on a soft surface, and apply a soft, clean
cloth in a circular motion.
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Storage
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For long life and playability, proper storage of your recordings
is paramount.
Some of the factors to consider for the proper storage of discs are
temperature and humidity, dirt and dust, improper stacking, excessive
pressure and weight, and mechanical or chemical damage.
In respect to the enviroment, though not always practical, a constant
temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius should
be maintained. Plus a
relitive humidity of 45-50% is highly recommended. Avoid rapid changes
in temperature and humidity, it could have a adverse effect on the life
expectancy of your recordings.
Special attention should be placed on sunlight and on sources of heat
such as heaters, vents, and artifical lighting. Also beware of high humidity
and water. This will cause mould to grow on the album jackets, and within
the inner sleeves causing unrepairable damage.
Avoid dusty enviroments. Whenever possible, enclose your recordings in a
relatively airtight container such as a cabinet with doors, or sealable
boxes. Don't be afraid to lightly vacuum the area surrounding your records.
Replace dirty and mouldy record jackets and inner sleeves to avoid further damage
to the discs. Do not store, in or around smokey or cooking areas. Smoke and cooking
greases easily adhere to records and their jackets.
NEVER...NEVER...NEVER... store recordings on their sides or flat! Always maintain
records in an absolutely vertical position.
Remove the original manufacturers wrapping from records. These wraps will shrink
over time, eventually warping the jacket and it's contents. Replace this "shrink wrap"
with high density polyethylene, or "acid free" sleeves. Additionally, you should
also replace regular paper or "acid bearing" inner sleeves, with Mylar or Polyethylene sleeves. Also available are rice paper inner sleeves from Japan, though these type of sleeves are a little expensive.
Regular paper inner sleeves will scratch the surface of your recordings with every pass. And, certain
plastic lined sleeves will create a chemical reaction with the record, while in storage (see record accessories).
As with most objects, time will eventually take it's toll. But if you follow a few of these
simple steps, you will no doubt extend the life of your recordings.
These record care tips, were compiled, and presented to you by
the Record Collectors Guild.
This page may be freely distributed or posted if without
modification.
Return to the Record Collectors Guild's home page.
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