How to store CD discs to preserve the data longer?

Question

How (and where) to store CD discs to assure that the data stored there would be readable as long as possible?

Are the room temperature and humidity optimal, or it would be better to store them in colder place? Cellars are usually much colder, but they have often high humidity.

Additionally, how they should be stored? Is wrapping them in paper a good idea? Or better are textile materials such as cotton?

Answer 1

(Assuming you're referring to CD-R discs, instead of pressed CD-ROMs)

CD-R and DVD-R discs work by allowing you to write data to a thin coating of dye that is "burned" when exposed to a focused laser beam. Over time, the burned portions of the dye can "bleed" over to the unburned portions, making the disc no longer readable.

Based on these facts, we can derive some logical common-sense tips for storing burned CDs:

• Most importantly: Store them in a dark environment (such as a sealed booklet of CDs), so that any incident light can't burn the disc further over time. Take the CD out only when you need to read it.
• Store them in a cool environment to maximize the viscosity of the dye. But more importantly, store them in an environment with constant temperature, instead of variable temperature (to minimize expansion and contraction of the media).
• As for humidity, normal household humidity is fine. If you're worried about it, then put a desiccant packet into the case with the CDs.
• Store each CD in a sleeve that minimizes scratching and prevents dust from getting in. The commercial CD booklets do a good job with this (you know, those 100-pack CaseLogic cases). The key is to insert the CD into the booklet once, and only take it out when you need to read it. (Mess with it as little as possible)
• Store collections of CDs in a protective case that minimizes bending or any other mechanical stress. (i.e. store CD collections on top of other items, not vice versa)
• Store CDs so that they lie flat, instead of vertically, to minimize distortion of the dye due to gravity.

In the case of pressed CDs, their lifespan is an order of magnitude longer than CD-Rs, since they're literally metal with physical grooves in it. However, most of the above tips would still apply.

Edit: As Donald.McLean comments, err on the low end of the CDs' projected lifespan, and replace them at reasonable time intervals.

Another thing to keep in mind is that there's a high variability in the quality of CD/DVD-R media made by different manufacturers. Make sure to buy from a respected manufacturer.

Just a little personal experience: I recently tried reading some CD-Rs that I burned in 2003, and read them all without any problems. The only times I've had trouble reading CD-Rs were when the discs had visible scratches.