Vinyl Care for Beginners: Keep Your Records Looking & Sounding Brand New

Building a vinyl collection is only the first step. If you want your records to last - and sound as crisp as possible - care is key. At 33 & 45, we take pride in preserving our music, because every pop, crackle, and whisper of the groove matters.

Handling: Whenever you touch a record, pick it up by the edges or the label. Avoid touching the playing surface - oils from your fingers can damage grooves or attract dust, which degrades sound quality over time.

Storage: Store records vertically, ideally in sturdy crates or shelves. Stacking records horizontally can warp them. Keep them in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Use anti-static inner sleeves and protective outer sleeves to guard against dust, scratches, and dust magnetism.

Cleaning before you play: It’s tempting to just drop the needle and go, but using a carbon fiber brush before each play can dramatically improve sound. A quick clean helps remove fine dust that sits in grooves. For deeper cleaning, a record cleaning kit (with solution and a microfiber cloth or a vinyl cleaning machine) is worth it. Clean grooves = better fidelity + less wear on your stylus.

Stylus care: Your stylus (needle) is delicate and builds up gunk over time. Use a stylus brush (gently, front to back) to clean it regularly. Replace the stylus when it's worn - a worn stylus can damage records.

Protecting your setup: Minimize exposure to vibration and dust by housing your turntable in a stable space, and closing its dust cover when not in use. This preserves both your gear and your vinyl.

Why this matters for 33 & 45: We know that collecting is not just for now -

it’s an investment in memory, sound, and personal expression. Caring for your records means they’ll still sound great decades later. It’s part of the ritual, the responsibility, and the love. We want every listener to cherish each spin.