Proper care of CDs

[compnut]

We all have probably come across, at one time or another, the a CD that has been scratched and no longer functions well.

Remember to always handle the CD by grabbing sides and not the bottom where all the information is stored.

Also never use your shirt of pants to wipe off a CD. Use a soft cloth and NEVER use a Kleenex. These can also scratch you software CDs.

Store CDs in a case or sleeve. Never just leave them lying in a drawer or on top of something unprotected.

Any other suggestions?

[jess]

I have used tissues before, they dont scratch if you use a soft one (the harder ones will scratch though)

You can buy lens/CD cleaning liquid which surprisingly does work.

Above all though, keep at least 2-3 copies of important discs in case the worst case scenario does happen and you cant access the data on one.

[bear]

Well if you dont want to use covers, do what I do and buy those individual slips for CD's.
I buy them for 100 for $5 and they each fit 2 CD's in them.
Or, you can buy a CD folder which can fit up to 200 discs in it.

[n3rdych1ck]

I've heard plenty of people tell me to clean my disks with toothpaste when they start skipping. Does this really help or does it make it worse?

[deuce]

Uh ... never heard of it. I use a CD cleaning kit that uses some type of alcohol and a very soft cloth to get rid of dirt and slightly buff out scratches.

[XxEtrnlDeathXx]

Originally Posted by n3rdych1ck

I've heard plenty of people tell me to clean my disks with toothpaste when they start skipping. Does this really help or does it make it worse?

That sound's kinda "unique" I would imagine that breaking your CD even more? lol.

I would use Colgate white :P

-Anyway, I thought wiping a CD with a cotton shirt wasn't bad for it?-

[Will.Spencer]

The problem with cotton shirts is that they often have tiny little particles of gunk on them that are not made of cotton. Then, you wipe that "non cotton" across or into your CD.

That's why its best to use a cloth that you know is clean to wipe down your CD's and DVD's.

[Feety]

Microfiber cloths are great to use. And they are very soft, making sure your CD doesnt get scratched.

[zandyne]

Originally Posted by n3rdych1ck

I've heard plenty of people tell me to clean my disks with toothpaste when they start skipping. Does this really help or does it make it worse?

I've never used toothpaste before in order to clean my CD's. I do prefer that one place the CD's back into their jewel case (if any) when done with it, so that dust doesn't accumulate on them.

[zeroth]

Yes, I put CD's back into their original cases if I am not using them for a while so they do not accumulate dust.

[dave7]

I also place the CDs back in the case when I do not use them for a long time.

[zemus]

I always handle CD's by their edges and never touch the bottom of them.

[imported_chris]

I do not store CD's where a lot of dust accumulates, and I always handle them carefully.

[tilldoomsday]

You can use the cloth with the case of a floppy drive. They are magnetic so it collects dust better making it the perfect thing to clean cds with.

[Cormac]

Originally Posted by n3rdych1ck

I've heard plenty of people tell me to clean my disks with toothpaste when they start skipping. Does this really help or does it make it worse?

Actually believe it or not its hair gel (with some water) that does the trick Some guy did an experiment with house hold items to see what would work - see how to fix scratched cds.

I dont think I would rush to start plastering my discs with hair gel bu if I was desperate to extra data for the scratched disc then I would give it a shot.

If dust is on a disc and gets into a drive it can cause major problems for any ROM drive so its always advisable to place the discs into their covers when not in use.