Vinyl: 10 care tips

How to take your vinyl collection to the next level

There's something magical about listening to your favorite vinyl records. But when you take proper care of them—from the equipment to each sleeve—the experience is elevated to another level. That warmth of sound, that physical connection with the music, is what captivates so many music lovers.

If you want your collection to last a lifetime and sound the way it was intended, here are the best tips for keeping it organized, well-maintained, and ready to enjoy. Because yes, every detail matters.

1. The right team changes everything

Having good vinyl without a good turntable is like having a bike without wheels. If you're just starting out or want to improve your setup, these options are a great place to start:

• U-Turn Orbit Plus : basic but reliable, perfect for getting started.
• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO : with deeper sound and great build.
• Rega Planar 3 : If you're looking for total fidelity and an audiophile experience.

And don't forget the rest of your gear: a good preamp and speakers can do wonders for your sound.

---

2. Where to place your turntable and records?

Where you place your equipment matters more than you think. Keep your turntable on a firm, level surface, away from speakers to avoid vibrations. You can also use a good vinyl stand or a specialized rack to keep everything organized and accessible.

And be careful: if you're organizing your collection, wall shelves are a great way to display your records and keep them safe.

3. Alignment and tracking force: small adjustments, big impact

A misaligned cartridge can damage your vinyl. Use an alignment template to ensure the needle lands exactly where it should.

It's also key to properly adjust the tracking force. If it's too light, the needle skips; if it's too heavy, it eats into the groove. Find the perfect balance based on the model you're using. This is all part of proper vinyl care .

4. Manual turntable: total control

Want precision? A manual model is your best ally. True collectors tend to avoid automatic models because, while convenient, they can shorten the vinyl's lifespan. With a manual model, you decide how and when everything starts.

5. Used records: little gems with history

Buying secondhand vinyl records is a great way to expand your collection without spending a fortune. Just be sure to check their condition and give them a good cleaning before playing.

A good vinyl cleaner or even a wet cleaning system can make the difference between a dull sound and a brilliant one.

6. Keep your discs clean (for real)

Dirt and dust are vinyl records' worst enemies. Use a vinyl cleaning brush before each listen, and give them a thorough cleaning every now and then.

Don't forget to clean the turntable needle as well: a dirty needle ruins the sound and damages the grooves. There are special brushes for this, or even small cleaners with anti-static gel.

7. Store your discs in style (and security)

How you store them also matters? A lot. Ideally, you want to keep them upright, with just enough room to breathe. Vinyl record crates are practical and easy to move. And if you want to go further, combine crates with wall shelves or furniture specifically designed for vinyl records.

All of this helps preserve sound quality and protect your collection from light, heat, and moisture.

8. Listen to the full albums

One of the best things about vinyl is sitting down and listening to an album from beginning to end. No skips, no distractions. Put the record on, drop the needle, and just let yourself go.

Organizing your collection with dividers or a good vinyl rack makes it easier to find what you want when you need it.

9. Every record has something to teach you

Listening to vinyl is also about learning. Over time, you fine-tune your ear, understanding how your equipment responds, which records sound best, which pressings to look for… It's a journey of constant rediscovery.

10. Your collection, your world

In the end, your collection isn't just about music. It's a mix of history, art, memories, and style. Caring for it doesn't just keep it alive; it makes it grow. And the best part is, you don't need to be an expert to enjoy it; all you need is time, passion, and the right accessories to keep your music playing the way it deserves.