First, the obvious (I hope):  Keep your records out of direct sunlight (and ultra-violet light)!  The heat will warp them and the u-v rays will help to deteriorate the vinyl and fade the album covers.   If you want a cute novelty record, I suggest you place The Beach Boys' "Warmth of the Sun" 45 on your car's dashboard (with the windows up) for a few hours on a hot day!

Do not store records in a damp or humid environment (basements or attics, for example).

Keep the vinyl clean by handling it carefully.  Do not get fingerprints or dust on your records; these can cause damage, deterioration, and scratching.  Keep the records inside their sleeves and in their jackets (album covers) when not listening to them.  You can purchase record cleaners and sleeves if you need them.

Protect your record jackets, too.  Buy protective bags that go over the album cover.  These preserve the album art and help to protect the corners as well.

Make sure your record player's needle is in good condition and replace it often (if you use it a lot).  Old, worn out needles can cause damage to your vinyl.

If you are a SERIOUS collector or a record re-seller, you may want to purchase a professional grade record cleaning machine.  These are spendy, but well worth it if you want to protect your vinyl and have the best sound quality possible.

Otherwise, you can purchase various record cleaning systems that consist of either a special brush or cloth and some special cleaning fluid.  Be careful to wipe with the grooves and protect the label when cleaning your records.  NEVER use any cleaning products with alcohol in them on old 78's -- it can destroy the record!  There are special fluids & brushes for your phonograph needle (stylus) as well.

All of the items mentioned above can be purchased at Bags Unlimited.  You can visit their web site and request a catalog (it usually comes very quickly). I DO NOT WORK FOR Bags Unlimited!

You can make your own record cleaner using Snargle's Home Brew Recipe!

Old Trick for Recording your Vinyl:

Get a paper towel very wet.  While the record is spinning, squeeze a bead of water onto the cut you want to play/record. Then, using a corner of the towel spread the water, covering the entire cut.  Then play.  What this does is put the needle under water, virtually eliminates hiss, dramatically muffles pops, but does not affect sound quality.  It is the ONLY way to record from vinyl.

Need to clean up an old album cover?  How about trying the gum/putty type of art erasers?!?  Just pick one up at an art supply store and give it a try.  Try it out gently on a 'trashed' album cover to get a feel for the motion/pressure needed.  You may be surprised to find that much of the wear is actually dirt.

If you know of another site that sells these types of items, please Email me and I will add it here.   Also, send me any further advice, suggestions, or info on how to best take care of your vinyl (anything I forgot).  Thanks!