Keeping your vinyl records in top condition is key to enjoying the best possible sound quality and for them to last a long time. At Djungel & Jazz, we love vinyl, and we know that with the right care, your favorite albums can last for decades - maybe even become part of the next generation's musical treasure! Here's a handy guide for beginners and hardcore collectors alike.

Clean the records regularly

• Use an anti-static brush: Brush carefully before each gig to remove dust and small particles that can affect the sound and wear the record
• Deeper cleaning: Use a record cleaning solution or invest in a vinyl cleaning machine for a more thorough cleaning. This is especially recommended for second-hand discs or discs that have been unused for a long time. Djungel & Jazz also offers a spa for vinyl records, for a small fee you can submit your records to an ultrasonic washer that really cleans deeply

Store the records upright and in a dry place

• Avoid horizontal storage: Records that are stacked can become warped over time, affecting both sound quality and value
• Correct environment : Keep the records away from direct sunlight and moisture. Too much heat can cause the records to warp, and moisture can lead to mold and ruin the sleeve

Protect the sleeve and vinyl record with inner and outer protections

• Inner sleeves: Replace worn inner sleeves with new anti-static inner liners to protect the surface of the vinyl and minimize the risk of scratches
• Outer plastic sleeve: A plastic sleeve around the record sleeve helps protect against dust, fingerprints and wear and tear – and keeps the covers looking good for longer. If you buy your records from Djungel & Jazz, a new and fresh plastic sleeve is always included, if you need to supplement with plastic sleeves for more records, we also sell this online and in our record store in Stockholm

Handle the record properly

• Avoid touching the tracks: Hold the record by the edges or by the label in the center to avoid fingerprints and oils from the skin that can leave permanent marks
• Place the needle carefully: Always place the needle gently on the vinyl and lift it up just as gently to avoid unnecessary wear

Invest in a good record player and the right equipment

• The needle: Make sure the needle is in good condition and replace it if you notice that the sound is getting worse or if the needle looks worn.
• Adjusting the tonearm weight: Check that the tonearm is set correctly to avoid the needle pressing too hard on the record. Incorrect weight can damage both the disc and the needle. A needle pressure scale can be a good investment that doesn't cost much

Clean your turntable regularly

• Dust and dirt: Keep your record player clean to avoid dust and particles spreading to your records. A clean record player also contributes to better sound quality
• Replace the record needle when necessary: A worn needle wears the record, so be sure to keep track and replace it when necessary

Avoid playing dirty records

• Dirt and dust can cause clicking noises and damage the needle. It can feel tempting to put on a vinyl straight from the flea market, but please take the time to clean it properly first!

Store the records in a dust-free and stable place

• Vinyl records do best in a place where they are stable and protected from accidental bumps. A bookshelf or dedicated vinyl storage works great for keeping records in top condition

Use a record puck for extra stability

• A record puck can help stabilize the record and improve contact with the platter, which can provide slightly better sound quality – especially for older or warped records. You can find stylish and stylish record pucks in our record store in Stockholm or online at djungelochjazz.se

Extra tips for hardcore collectors: Climate control and record cleaners

• If you have a larger collection, climate-controlled storage and your own record cleaning machine can be a worthwhile investment to protect your collection in the long term. Climate control helps avoid temperature and humidity variations that can affect the quality of the records. Djungel & Jazz has three different cleaning machines, a classic from Pro Ject, two ultrasonic cleaners, a HumminGuru HG01 and a Degritter Mark II

Summary

Caring for your vinyl records is all about small, simple steps that make a big difference over time. By cleaning, storing and handling your records correctly, you get better sound quality and extend the life of the discs. And don't forget: each record is unique and tells its own story, so take good care of them!

Do you need more tips, new records for the collection or advice about record players? Feel free to stop by Djungel & Jazz in Stockholm, or visit our webshop to find everything from classic jazz albums to unique second-hand vinyl!