How to clean and store your vinyl records

A considered approach to collecting Arabic music on vinyl.

Store records upright

Keep records upright with support, away from sunlight and heat. Avoid stacking records flat for long periods. Protect the sleeve with an outer cover and use a suitable inner sleeve.

Handle the edges

Hold a record by its edges and label area. Avoid touching the playing surface. Return it to its sleeve after listening instead of leaving it exposed on the turntable.

Clean with care

Use a record brush for loose dust. For deeper cleaning, follow the instructions for a solution designed for vinyl records. Avoid household cleaners and keep liquids away from labels and equipment.

Look after the stylus

Follow the cartridge manufacturer’s guidance for stylus cleaning and replacement. Check tracking force and turntable setup against your equipment’s instructions. A good record deserves a correctly set up player.