How Long Do Vinyl Records Last?
Whether you are looking to buy a new record or just want to know how long vinyl records last, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss some of the key things you need to know about vinyl records and how to keep them in good condition.
Recycled vinyl records don't last as long as a pipe
Depending on the care that you give to your vinyl records, they can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. However, many records are made from recycled vinyl, and they can last a long time, even hundreds of years.
Many people have piles of old records that they have no use for. They can be used for craft projects or for making new items. However, if you are looking to dispose of them, you may not have an easy way to do so.
Vinyl records are composed of polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC. PVC is a lightweight and stable plastic that is resistant to high impacts and oil. It is used in furniture, flooring, clothing, construction pipes and other products.
PVC has a low melting temperature, making it easy to work with. However, it is also very hazardous to dispose of. It contains heavy metals and can release carcinogenic compounds.
Currently, there are few recyclers who handle PVC. However, Symcon, a plastics manufacturer, is working to develop an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC. It is hoped that they will introduce an alternative in the next year.
The music industry is also working to make vinyl more sustainable. Currently, there are eight Dutch companies that have created a group called Green Vinyl Records. Their mission is to create a new vinyl product that is more environmentally friendly.
One of the problems with recycling vinyl records is that there are many chemicals that are used in PVC resins. When PVC is melted, the gases that it emits are toxic. During the melting process, the record releases heavy metals and other toxic chemicals into the environment.
The best way to recycle vinyl records is to take them to a recycling facility. However, this process is not very cost-effective. In most cases, it costs five euros to recycle vinyl records.
Alternatively, you can donate your old records to a charity such as St. Vincent de Paul in Eugene, Oregon. They sell jewelry made from the records, and also receive thousands of unwanted records each year.
Fingernails pose a threat to vinyl records
Using the right vinyl record cleaning solution can extend the life of your prized possession. To prevent the aforementioned dreck from taking a snort, it's best to keep your prized possessions out of the sun. The humidity can also do a number on the quality of your prized possession. It's also best to keep your vinyl record collection out of the reach of children and pets, who are likely to try and wiggle a record from your hand. Luckily, most vinyl record cleaning solutions are designed to make the process a pleasant one for you and your prized possession.
While you're at it, don't forget to slap a little air on your record to keep it from drying out. This is particularly important if you are in the habit of playing your vinyl record on a smartphone or mp3 player. The best results come from a high-quality vinyl record cleaning solution, a microfiber cloth, a good vacuum cleaner and a small bucket of water. To keep the aforementioned aforementioned aforementioned from happening, make sure that you are in the right frame of mind.
Store vinyl records vertically
Using the proper storage technique for your vinyl records will help keep them in tip top shape and maintain their value. This is especially important if you have a lot of records.
Vinyl records should be stored in a climate controlled environment. The Northeast Document Conservation Center recommends a humidity level of 30 to 40 percent. This will help prevent any damage from moisture. Also, it should be kept away from bright UV lights. UV light will break down polymer chains in vinyl and can cause photo-degradation.
You can also use record dividers to keep your collection organized. These can be purchased online or at your local record store. They are made from thick wood and can help keep your collection from leaning or shifting. The dividers can also be labeled according to genre or alphabetical order.
Another important component of proper vinyl storage is the inner sleeve. Plastic inner sleeves are generally better than paper inner sleeves. Paper inner sleeves will cause scratches on the vinyl and can cause surface wear over time.
Another important factor is to stack your records vertically. When stacked horizontally, the weight of each record will add up and cause the records to warp. This can cause them to play out of tune or even become unplayable.
Keeping your records in a humid environment can also damage them. This is especially true if you are in a warmer climate. You will also need to monitor the moisture level in your cellar.
Another tip to store your vinyl records is to avoid stacking them on top of each other. This can cause the vinyl to warp or even crack. The most important thing is to keep them upright.
You may also want to use an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve to help keep your records in pristine condition. These sleeves will protect the vinyl from dust and will also lessen the chance of rubbing from other records. This is also a good idea if you plan to display your records.
Keeping your records upright is also important to prevent them from falling over. If you don't have a book shelf, you can use milk crates or other containers to store them.
Track the degradation of your record
Unlike CDs, vinyl records are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Therefore, it's vital to store them properly to avoid degradation. This can be done by keeping them away from direct sunlight. If you have a humidifier, you can keep your records at a lower temperature.
Similarly, it's important to store your records in a protective sleeve to avoid damage. If you store them on a flat surface, they're likely to warp. This will reduce their lifespan.
One of the biggest causes of LP damage is household dust. This contaminant will stick to the vinyl and cause a signal distortion. Dust can also be embedded in the grooves, which can lead to a ticking noise or even permanent damage.
Another cause of record degradation is friction. When you turn on your record player, the stylus will wear down the groove. This is why you hear a 'pop' or 'click'. It's also why your vinyl record will start to deteriorate.
Another cause of record degradation is the frequency with which it is played. The more frequently it is played, the faster it will degrade. This can be due to changes in temperature or the equipment used to play the records.
A good record cleaning routine can also help increase the lifespan of your vinyl record. If you have a vinyl record that's less than 120 grams, it's likely to degrade faster than other records.
In addition to these causes of degradation, your vinyl record can be damaged by handling it improperly. This can cause scuffs, scratches, and hairlines. If you don't return your record to the protective sleeve after play, it can rub against other materials and cause damage.
Finally, you can permanently damage your album collection by exposing it to UV light. High temperatures and humidity can also wear down your collection.
If you're planning to preserve your collection, you'll want to ensure that your records are stored in a clean, air-tight environment. You should also avoid storing your records in rooms where there are a lot of changes in temperature. It's also a good idea to avoid storing records in basements or near windows.
