Imation - Handle with Care, Making Your CD-R and CD-RW Media Last

Treat your data right!
We've all received those "free Internet software" CDs in the mail. Maybe you've used them as coasters, or for skeet target practice. But we all know that's not how you treat a CD that you want to last.

Whether it's a CD-R filled with digital images of your last big blowout with friends and family, or a CD-RW with computer systems backups to protect you against the next e-mail virus, your recordable CD data is important to you. Whatever you store on your recordable CD media, make the data last. While the media is durable, proper care helps extend the life of your CD-R and CD-RW media — in fact, up to 100 years.

Make your CDs last with these tips:

Handling & Cleaning

Handle the disc only by the outer edge to prevent fingerprints and smears on the surface.
Never touch the recording surface (unlabeled side) or set it down on a hard surface.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth for cleaning the disc to remove spots, dust, or fingerprints.
Always wipe from the center to the outer edges and never wipe in a circular motion.
Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners, audio CD disc cleaners, or conventional vinyl record cleaning solution on the disc. Chemical-based cleaners and cleaners that are safe for audio CDs might not be safe for CD-R or CD-RW discs.

Storage

Store the disc in a protective case, to avoid scratches on the disc surface.
Store discs in a cool, dry environment away from direct light. Discs stored between 23 degrees F (-5 degrees C) and 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) can last up to 100 years.
Do not leave the disc in direct sunlight or in a hot, humid environment — like your car on a summer day. These conditions could warp and damage the disc.
Do not allow moisture to condense on the disc.

Labeling

Use only soft-tipped, permanent ink pens and write only on the clear inner diameter or designated label area of your CD. Water-soluble pens work best — their ink dries quickly and minimizes smearing. Ballpoint pens or other hard-point writing utensils may damage the disc.
Be careful when using adhesive labels. Use only labels with high-quality adhesive designed not to corrode the reflector layer of the disc. Be sure to apply it properly. Labels applied off-center or with ripples can harm your CD drive.