Why Vinyl Records Go Mouldy – And How to Store, Clean & Convert Them to Digital

Vinyl records are making a huge comeback, loved for their warm sound and nostalgic appeal. But one of the biggest threats to your collection is mould. If left unchecked, mould can ruin both the records and their sleeves.

At Mr Scan, we know vinyl inside and out. Our story began back in 1991 as a mobile disco playing vinyl records every weekend. Over the years, we’ve learnt how to clean, store, and preserve records — knowledge that now helps us provide expert vinyl digitisation services in the UK.

In this guide, we’ll explain why vinyl records go mouldy, how to store and clean your records safely, and why converting them to digital is essential for long-term preservation.

Below is an example of a 78 vinyl record that we recently cleaned prior to digitising

 

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Why Do Vinyl Records Go Mouldy?

Vinyl itself doesn’t feed mould, but the conditions around it — especially the paper sleeves, dust, and moisture — provide the perfect environment for growth.

The most common causes of mould on vinyl records are:

• Humidity – Damp air encourages mould spores to grow.

• Poor storage – Attics, basements, and garages often have fluctuating temperatures and excess moisture.

• Dust build-up – Dust holds moisture, making mould more likely.

• Neglect – Records left untouched for years are more prone to mould.

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How to Store Vinyl Records to Prevent Mould

Good storage is the key to vinyl preservation. Here are the best practices we recommend:

• Store upright – Keep records vertical to avoid warping and trapping moisture.

• Stable environment – Aim for 35–50% humidity and room temperature storage.

• Protective sleeves – Replace old sleeves with anti-static inner sleeves and durable outer covers.

• Air circulation – Avoid musty, sealed rooms.

• Play them occasionally – Regular handling and cleaning keeps them in better condition.

By following these steps, you can avoid many of the problems that lead to mouldy vinyl records.

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How to Clean Vinyl Records Safely

If mould has already started to appear, don’t worry — most records can be saved with careful cleaning.

Here’s how to clean vinyl records the right way:

1. Brush off dust – Use a carbon fibre brush to remove loose particles.

2. Apply cleaning solution – Specialised vinyl record cleaning fluids are safe and effective.

3. Wipe with a microfibre cloth – Always follow the grooves in a circular motion.

4. Rinse with distilled water – Tap water can leave mineral deposits.

5. Dry thoroughly – Air dry before returning the record to its sleeve.

⚠️ Avoid household cleaners like alcohol or window spray — they can permanently damage vinyl.

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Why You Should Convert Vinyl to Digital

Even with the best care, vinyl won’t last forever. Sleeves degrade, mould can return, and accidents happen. The best way to preserve your collection is to convert vinyl records to digital.

With digital copies, you can:

• Protect rare records from wear and tear.

• Enjoy your music anywhere without risking the original.

• Pass down your collection without worrying about damage.

At Mr Scan, we’ve helped thousands of collectors with professional vinyl digitisation in the UK. Every record is carefully cleaned before transfer, and we use high-quality equipment to capture the full sound of the original pressing.

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Why Choose Mr Scan for Vinyl Digitisation?

• Over 30 years’ experience – We started with vinyl in 1991 as a mobile disco and know how to handle it properly.

• Expert cleaning & care – Every record is treated with respect.

• High-quality transfers – We capture every detail of your music.

• Trusted service – Thousands of satisfied customers across the UK.

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Final Thoughts

Mould is one of the biggest threats to vinyl collections, but with the right storage, regular cleaning, and digitisation, you can protect your music for years to come.

Don’t wait until your records are damaged beyond repair — convert your vinyl records to digital with Mr Scan today.

👉 Visit mrscan.co.uk