For CDs especially do not:
1. Scratch the label side of the disc.
2. Use a pen, pencil, or fine-tip marker to write on the disc.
3. Write on the disc with markers that contain solvents.
4. Try to peel off or reposition a label.
General recommendations for long-term storage conditions:
For archiving recordable (R) discs, it is recommended to use discs that have a gold metal reflective layer.
Archival Storage Facility - Recommendation for storing CDs and DVDs together
Media Temperature Relative Humidity (RH)
CD, DVD Less than 20°C (68°F) 20% to 50% RH
Greater than 4°C (39°F)
A temperature of 18°C and 40% RH would be considered suitable for long-term storage. A lower temperature and RH is recommended for extended-term storage.
Those librarians.
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Article comments
1 - TDavid
LOL, I wonder why there are so many upright, stacking CD shelves (cheap ones, mostly) available at Walmart and other department stores.
And that CD/DVD doctor thing can put some nasty grooves in a CD. I'd be cautious about using that thing, despite what they tell you on the packaging (or in the ads on TV).
2 - Eric Olsen
The storage angle issue I think stems from the very real likelihood of vinyl records warping if stored flat. I am not sure how likely CDs and DVDs are to warp simply from being stored horizontally. Heat is a factor also.
3 - Tom Johnson
If you want to keep your discs in good condition, I will offer a little piece of advice: treat them as if they were vinyl. If you wouldn't do it to vinyl, don't do it to CDs, either.
Another little bit I found out the hard way, so some may learn from my mistakes. Many years ago I bought a bunch of those notebook-style holders for discs (which go in sleeves inside.) After a while I noticed that my discs were skipping or having other problems. Upon inspection, I found out that the reflective layer had been scratched through by - surprise surprise - other discs rubbing on them. I had this happen to dozens of CDs, and even one day found a disc that had been cracked when something heavy inadvertently hit the notebook. These things are CRAP, unless they close in such a way that absolutely no pressure can be applied to the contents (like a briefcase - never seen one of those, however.)
4 - Mark Saleski
anybody have any cd's that have deteriorated over time?
i've got one that looks like the aluminum layer is being eaten by moths. maybe it wasn't sealed properly or something.
you'll appreciate this tom: it's a Marc Ribot album (Rootless Cosmopolitans. so now it sounds even more screwy!
5 - BRICKLAYER
Do Not:
11. Use as a beer coaster, washer for large bolts, or as a throwing star
6 - BRICKLAYER
11. Continued-or like the what the oriental dude in the James Bond flick used his hat for.
7 - Hal Pawluk
"anybody have any cd's that have deteriorated over time?"
I've got a copy I made of "Jazz At the Pawnshop" that became unreadable (even though stored vertically :-)
That worked out for the best, though, as the reissue is better than the original release was.
8 - JR
"anybody have any cd's that have deteriorated over time?
"i've got one that looks like the aluminum layer is being eaten by moths. maybe it wasn't sealed properly or something."
I had a similar thing happen to two of the three discs from my copy of Deep Purple's "Live In Japan". The aluminum seemed to rot a year or two after I bought it, and now the discs don't play at all. I'm guessing it was a seal problem, although I've had CD's crack and nothing happened to the aluminum.
I've also had a number of discs develop skips that don't seem to be associated with scratches, although it may also be my main CD player getting old. I notice that many skipping problems are not consistent between players.
Somehow, the record companies were never particularly forthcoming with regard to what can go wrong with CD's.
9 - Tom Johnson
Mark, comment #4: now it sounds even more screwy!
Dude, you could totally use that as a sound source for electronic music like Oval did for years. Skips, pops, repeats, that's practically all their music was - and it was damn cool at that!
10 - Eric Olsen
Okay, so one time I got mad and went after a recalcitrant CD with a wire brush dipped in bleach and battery acid in a dusty tanning bed, then left it flat, out of its case. Tough shit.
11 - BB
JR, I think it is all part and parcel of the RIAA conspiracy to keep you buying CDs. Eureka! I've finally figured it out!
12 - bookofjoe
Eric, I have learned this: if my now 20 year old daughter listens even ONCE to a CD of mine, I might as well order a new one from amazon right then, because it's ALWAYS damaged when returned. Thank God our musical tastes are not at all congruent!
Joe
13 - JR
Right, they're like lightbulbs. They COULD make one that will last forever, but then you wouldn't have to buy anymore.
14 - BB
bookofjoe ... thank God for MP3 players so we can dispense with CDs altogether! Nudge, nudge, wink, wink.