Record Storage Problem


Outer sleeves are a problem. I know that is going to be a contested statement, but it has been my experience over decades of collecting that often as not records stored in outer sleeves develop mold. This was first suggested to me in the early 1970s in Seattle, a Mediterranean Climate, and I thought OK maybe it is a concern in certain regions. Then I encountered it in San Diego, a Semi-Arid Climate. Currently I am sorting through a large estate collection in South Florida, that reportedly has always, ALWAYS, I am assured, been under air conditioning. Most of the records are protected by outer sleeves and most have mold. This is about 8,000 records. So you may wish to rethink your strategy. What is the priority: The vinyl or the jacket?

billstevenson

Showing 2 responses by inagroove

My collection, ask one point was 4,200 or so, has always been in SEALED outer sleeves (the resealing type).  Not a hint of mold.  They have been in every floor of the house, without issue.

Even the LPs that I gave away and sat in an unconditioned room for a few weeks were unaffected.

I hope that helps.

P.S. I am currently in the S.E. US, where it is hot and steamy for 6 months of the year.