NEED HELP with older LP Jacket odor...


I have recently had the good fortune of having a great Uncle of mine pass on his collection of vinyl to me as he is moving into a nursing home. It appears to be approximately 500-700 albums and from what I saw dating from the mid to late 30s to the mid to late 60s perhaps early 70s. The vinyl appears to be in decent shape in most cases, however there is a definate "odor"... mostly due to the age I would think.

I have already taken the step to order new inner sleeves and 5 mil outer plastic sleeves. I have heard a couple of opinions on "cleaning" the LP jackets. One was to spray lysol on a cloth and with the damp cloth to wipe the jacket. Another was to put a few jackets in a paper bag and seal it with potpourri in it. Yet another was to spray it with "Oust" spray to neutralize the odor.

I would love to hear what others have done to help remedy this solution, if there is anything at all to be done. I would also like this to not harm the jacket as well of course.

Thank you for any advice.
audiofankj

Showing 1 response by vvrinc

Musicians have never been known to look after their toilette.

On a nice sunny day, put a box of them (loosely packed) outside in the shade. This has worked for my Baba-Yaga-smelling LPs. Usually, it only takes about 12 hrs. I can't explain to you why it works, though, other than fresh air has "mystical qualities" as does, of course, electricity.

If the above fails to suppress the odoriferous vinyl, I second the nose-plugs recommendation (or just let your nose-hairs grow to inordinate lengths.)

Or better yet; I happen to have a very insensitive sense of smell, send them to me and I'll watch over them for you.