The 4 Reasons Why Our DVDs and CDs Scratch

Why do CDs and DVDs stop working? How do protect your CD-ROMs?

As with anything, you must take care of it in order for it to last as long as intended. In the case with DVDs, CDs and the like, in order for them to last long you must put forth measures on taking care of them. When we do not take care of them, we end up scratching our DVDs, CDs, and CD-ROMs almost to the point of no return. The main reasons why they get damaged are explained as follows:

Not Keeping Them Cased

Discs are designed with a case for a reason. It is to protect them from getting scraped, scratched, or whatever. When we take them out of their case to play them, after we're finished listening, we should leave them in the player or put them back in their case. Do not sit them face down on any surfaces: it is for this reason that there is space between the discs' surfaces in their cases and players so that they won't get scratched by rubbing against it. One of the main reasons why our discs become unworkable is for the very reason that we do not keep them in their case. Keep them in their case!

Not Grabbing them Properly

When you grab your CDs or discs, hold them by their outside edges. Don't grab them like you're holding a sheet of paper where whatever's on your fingers can get on the surface. This will prevent your CD or DVD from getting unclean or scratched by your hands. Many times we grab them the wrong way contaminating them with chemicals, scratches, and other things. In order to protect your DVDs and CDs from getting damage this is one of the simple rules you must follow.

Placing Them in Low Places

Keep your discs high. Don't place them under the table where they have the potential to fall on the floor and get stepped on by little children. One of the main reasons why our discs loose their productivity is because someone steps on them. After they are stepped on, cracked, and broken in half, that's it: we must either throw them away or by a new one; we can't keep them as a collectables. Therefore, whenever you have CDs, place them on high places where they cannot be easily stepped on or kicked. This will assure you protect your CDs and DVDs in order to last longer.

Placing them Around Foods, and Liquids

Don't place your CDs on kitchen counter tops! Neither place them on kitchen tables or places where the surface could be or get wet. Many times once they are wet by a liquid, after the liquid has dried it will stick to the surface. Then when you place the DVD or CD into the player, you wonder why it isn't working properly. Many times we place them in when they're still slightly wet without even knowing it, even messing up the disc player! Whatever you do, don't place them in potentially wet places or where their will be lots of food, this will prevent them from getting scratched and dirty so you don't have to clean DVD's or CD's later. Remember, the more you clean them the more you have potential in scratching them.

Therefore, if you're looking to protect your CDs, DVDs, or CD-ROMs, make sure you follow those four rules and you should be safe. Don't buy it one day and have to throw it away minutes later!