Record players are back, giving us nostalgia and aesthetics. Artists are releasing their new and old music on vinyl records, making collecting an artful experience.

Unlike streaming music, record players and vinyls need proper maintenance. This includes cleaning your vinyl records before and after you play them, storing them correctly, and only touching the outer ring so you don’t accidentally scratch or transfer any oil or dirt from your hands.

Keep reading to learn how to keep your record collection fresh and protected from unnecessary wear and tear.

Clean with a Carbon Vinyl Fiber Brush

Cleaning your records with a carbon vinyl fiber brush is effective because the bristles get between the grooves to remove dust and clean the surface. The brushing motion also lowers the records’ static electricity, which repels dust and dirt from getting on the record.

Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth

Wiping down your records with a microfiber cloth is preferable to a towel or a t-shirt to avoid transferring lint and fiber to the record. Microfiber cloths are soft, so they will not scratch the record. You can use the cloth on its own or with a record-cleaning solution to remove dust from the record.

Invest in a Cleaning Machine

If you have a large record collection, you might want to invest in a cleaning machine. There are two types: a vacuum cleaner and a spin cleaning machine, which uses a cleaning solution. Either option works well.

Store Records Vertically and Away From Sunlight

Whether you display them on your wall, in milk crates, or other storage solutions, always store your records vertically. Storing them horizontally on top of each other can cause them to bend due to their weight. Also, keep them away from sunlight as the heat can permanently warp the records and make them unlistenable, and sunlight can also fade the cover art.

Use Inner and Outer Sleeves

Store your records in inner sleeves to protect them from dust. This will also protect it from scratches, dust, and oil from your hands when you remove it from its cardboard sleeve. To protect the cardboard sleeves, put them in plastic sleeves to protect them from any dings.