CD rot
Alternatively known as DVD rot, CD rot describes the slow deterioration of the aluminum layer on a CD (compact disc), DVD (digital versatile disc), and other discs over time. This problem occurs when a disc has not been sealed properly or because of improper care. When CD rot occurs, moisture enters through small holes and oxidizes the aluminum making the disc impossible to read.
What causes CD rot?
Although nothing lasts forever, there are handling tips you can do to help prevent CD rot from occurring and make your discs last longer.
- Store discs vertically and not horizontally.
- Keep discs in a protective casing (jewel box), not a sleeve or envelope holder.
- Do not stick labels on them.
- If you are writing by hand on the disc label, use a marker with a soft tip.
- Keep out of the sun.
- Handle both sides of the discs with care.
- Keep in a room with a comfortable temperature (between 40 and 70) and with low humidity.
- Keep out of rooms or away from locations where the temperature changes frequently (e.g., away from heaters, stoves, fireplaces, and swamp coolers).
Unlike traditional CDs and DVDs, mass-manufactured discs, CD-R (compact disc recordable) discs, and other recordable discs use other alloys, not aluminum, which is susceptible to oxidation. However, all steps mentioned above should still be followed. If the data is important, make more than one copy.