How to Care for Vinyl Records in Hot Climates: A Practical Guide

Vinyl records are durable – well-kept records can last for generations – but they have one serious weakness: heat. In the Gulf and other hot climates, a few simple habits make the difference between a record that plays perfectly for decades and one that warps in an afternoon.

1. Never leave records in a car

This is the most common way records are ruined. On a hot day the inside of a parked car gets far hotter than the air outside, easily enough to bend a record or its sleeve. When you collect or receive a new record, bring it straight indoors.

2. Unpack deliveries promptly

A parcel left outside a door in the sun heats up quickly. Open it soon after it arrives and let the record settle at room temperature before you play it.

3. Store upright, in a cool and shaded spot

• Keep records vertical, like books on a shelf. Stacking them flat puts weight on the bottom records and can cause warping.
• Don't pack them too tightly or too loosely – they should stand straight without leaning.
• Choose a wall away from windows, air-conditioning vents and direct sunlight. Sunlight fades sleeves and heats records.
• A steady indoor temperature is ideal. Avoid rooms that get very hot when the air conditioning is off.

4. Use inner and outer sleeves

An anti-static inner sleeve protects the grooves from dust and scuffs, and a clear outer sleeve protects the artwork. This matters for collectors: original sleeves are part of a record's value.

5. Handle by the edges

Hold records by their edges and the centre label, never the playing surface. Oils from fingertips attract dust, and dust causes crackle.

6. Clean before you play

Fine sand and dust are a fact of life in the region. A quick pass with a carbon-fibre brush before each play removes surface dust and static. For deeper cleaning, use a proper record-cleaning solution, and never ordinary household cleaners.

7. Look after your stylus

A worn or dirty stylus can damage grooves over time. Clean it gently with a stylus brush and replace it as your turntable's maker recommends.

If a record is slightly warped

A mild warp often still plays fine. Avoid home remedies that involve heat, which can make things worse. Store the record flat between two heavy, flat surfaces at room temperature for a while, and keep it upright and cool from then on.

Follow these steps and your records will keep sounding as warm and rich as the day you bought them. Looking for something new to play? Browse our bestselling Arabic vinyl records – we ship worldwide from the UAE.