Care and Storage of your CD

By following a few recommendations you can ensure your precious memories will have the maximum data life.
Recommendations

  • Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.
  • Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
  • Keep dirt or other foreign matter away from the disc.
  • Store discs upright (book style) in original jewel cases that are specified for CDs and DVDs.
  • Return discs to their jewel cases immediately after use.
  • Leave discs in their spindle or jewel case to minimize the effects of environmental changes.
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean - relative humidity should be in the range 20% - 50% (RH) and temperature should be in the range of 4°C - 20°C / 40° – 68° F.
  • Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.
  • Use deionized (best), distilled, or soft tap water to clean your discs. For tough problems use diluted dish detergent or rubbing alcohol. Rinse and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or photo lens tissue.

Not recommended

  • Touch the surface of the disc.
  • Bend the disc.
  • Store discs horizontally for a long time (years).
  • Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.
  • Expose discs to extreme rapid temperature or humidity changes.
  • Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of UV light.
  • Write or mark in the data area of the disc (area where the laser "reads").
  • Clean in a circular direction around the disc.