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

Recommendations:
  • Handle disk by the outer edge or the center/centre hole.
  • Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disk.
  • Keep dirt or other foreign matter away from the disk.
  • Store disk upright (book style) in original protective case that are specified for CDs and DVDs.
  • Return disk to its protective case immediately after use.
  • Leave disk in the protective 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° - 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/centre of the disk toward the outer edge.
  • Use de-ionized (best), distilled, or soft tap water to clean your disk. 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:
  • Touching the surface of the disk.
  • Bending the disk.
  • Store disk horizontally for a long time (years).
  • Expose disk to extreme heat or high humidity.
  • Expose disk to extreme rapid temperature or humidity changes.
  • Expose recordable disk to prolonged sunlight or other sources of UV light.
  • Write or mark in the data area of the disk (area where the laser "reads").
  • Clean in a circular direction around the disk.