Store your shellac records properly, as they are both heavy and delicate. Do not let them get wet or become exposed to high humidity; water, when exposed to organic material in the records, alters the surface and adds noise to playback. Record sleeves should also be kept dry. Store 78 rpm records upright, on their side, in a fairly cool environment of less than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Clean the record with a damp terrycloth towel. Dirt and dust cause premature wear to both the record and stylus. Place the record on a flat surface and gently rub in the direction of the grooves. Towel dry the record and allow it to air dry before putting it away. Use a mild dish soap, if necessary.
Play shellac records on antique wind-up phonographs, as well as electric turntables that run at the correct speed. An antique phonograph has a heavier tone arm and uses a steel needle, which causes the 78 to wear out faster than an electric turntable will.
Replace the needle on a wind-up phonograph after each time one side of a record is played. Shellac records have larger grooves than 33 or 45 rpm records, so for optimal playback on an electronic turntable use a separate stylus.