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Why LP Records Should Stand Upright: Six Storage Habits

Based on preservation guidance from the Library of Congress and National Archives: store sleeved LPs vertically, support them with dividers and avoid damaging heat and moisture.

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Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Mark Solarski / Wikimedia Commons (original Unsplash post from 2017-01-02). CC0 1.0; no changes. · CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication ↗

Pre-play dust removal and long-term shelving solve different problems. This guide addresses upright storage, sleeves and room conditions, not record cleaning. Seek specialist help for valuable or deteriorating originals.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling an LP. Touch the outer edge and label area rather than the grooved playing surface.
2. Keep each disc in an inner sleeve inside its jacket. The Library of Congress cites high-density polyethylene as one archival inner-sleeve option.
3. Shelve LPs, singles and 78s vertically, like books. The National Archives specifically advises against stacking discs flat.
4. Use sturdy shelving with fixed dividers to keep records from leaning. The Library of Congress suggests support dividers about every 4–6 inches for preservation shelving.
5. Avoid direct sun, radiators, damp basements and hot attics. Choose a relatively cool, dry location with stable conditions.
6. Separate records of different diameters and keep them off flood-prone floors. If mold, warping or physical damage is evident, avoid forcing playback and consult a specialist.

Library of CongressCare, Handling, and Storage of Audio Visual Materials ↗Official conservation guidance: grooved discs held by edges/labels, stored upright with support dividers every 4–6 inches, HDPE sleeves considered, direct light and environmental extremes avoided.US National ArchivesAudio Guidance: Condition of Materials and Storage ↗Official audio preservation page explicitly says LP/45/78 discs should be vertical and sleeved, not stacked; recommends stable, relatively cool/dry storage off the floor.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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