Keep all of your records standing up to help avoid warping. Orient all of your records in the same direction no excetions. For example you keep the "top" of the jacket upward with the slit openening facing outward. Do which ever direction is most comfortable for you but do not vary. Then decide which way you want the record sleeve opening to be I prefer up as well. If you do this it will save you some aggravation or the potential droping of the reecord and damaging it. I know this is simplistic but it doesn't hurt to reitterate these simple rules.
Another major step is keeping your precious vinyl clean. You must really must give any record that is new or simply new to you a thorough cleaning. Many methods work, for instance TVAD's protocol. The best standard is to invest a fairly large sum on a record cleaning machine such as a basic VPI or less for the nitty gritty both are vacuum drying. Use the suggested cleaning solutions until comfortable and familiar with their function and use. I am not a natural obsessive compulsive type but certain situation demand that of you this is one if you possibly can and rightly expect your valuable records to sound good after playing them a few times. Repeat often or just resign youself to cleaning with each use.
Another major step is keeping your precious vinyl clean. You must really must give any record that is new or simply new to you a thorough cleaning. Many methods work, for instance TVAD's protocol. The best standard is to invest a fairly large sum on a record cleaning machine such as a basic VPI or less for the nitty gritty both are vacuum drying. Use the suggested cleaning solutions until comfortable and familiar with their function and use. I am not a natural obsessive compulsive type but certain situation demand that of you this is one if you possibly can and rightly expect your valuable records to sound good after playing them a few times. Repeat often or just resign youself to cleaning with each use.