How can I preserve my CDs and DVDs for years to come? What can I do to prevent mould and mildews from forming?

Question

I live in Singapore where the weather is warm and fairly humid summer temperatures throughout the year (approximately 30ºC/86ºF during the day and 23ºC/74ºF in the evening).

My CDs and DVDs are kept in CD boxes where there's a sleeve/pocket for each CD with a plastic flap over it. I place dehumidifiers in the drawers where I store these boxes.

1) What other precautionary measures should I take?

2) Is there a recommended temperature that I should keep them at to prevent mold and mildew from forming? Air conditioned room?

3) Besides mould, what else should I take note of that would damage these items when I just store them and not use it for a long time?

4) Other preventive measures for VHS tapes would be appreciated too.

Thanks in advance for answering.

Answer 1

The problem with laser media is the lacquer which deteriorates over time. One computer magazine article I read suggested 4 years is the absolute pristine life with the quality going down after that. Indeed, on some of my 10 year old CDs I can see the felt tip marker writing when I hold the CD up to the light. If the CD is important, start a schedule of remastering the CD on the 4 year cycle. If you're really serious, throw in some silicon humidity gel packets with your CD storage box and stand the CDs upright.

All magnetic media, such as tapes are susceptible to cosmic rays. Nothing you can do. Cosmic rays plunge right through the earth. I would back up VHS with a DVD burner made for such a purpose. But, all in all, I look back at my LPs, my cassettes, my 8-track tapes, my CDs, my mp3 players, my beta tapes and the biggest problem was keeping hardware that will read the different media format, that prevents all of those medias from becoming paperweights and coasters was the problem.

Answer 2

Hi. That is an excellent question. I think you have covered all the possibilities for preserving your CD and DVD collection The only thing i would not do is put them in drawers . I would store them in a DVD/CD rack where each disc is sitting on its own shelf and they are exposed to natural light.I would check each one occasionally for any signs of mould.These disks are not suspectable to the same problems of vinyl records which are prone to contamination of the raw vinyl .DVDs are coated with a special plastic which protects it better than vinyl.
Time will tell if these discs are really indestructible or do they self destruct after many years !

Answer 3

1 dont keep them direct sunlight
2 dont touch the bottom part with fingers (the side which has to be read by the laser)
3 keep under a normal temp(24-30 C)
4 never bring magnets near them (all data will be lost!)
5dont throw them around (keep them in holder)

Answer 4

you put them on shelves in room tempurature. ok?