The most important preventative measure in my experience: don't lay CDs upside-down in the name of “““protecting””” them! I know it's counter-intuitive, because

The most important preventative measure in my experience: don't lay CDs upside-down in the name of “““protecting””” them! I know it's counter-intuitive, because I used to do it myself, but take a look at a cross-section of a CD and you'll see why it's the worst possible thing you can inadvertently do. The data layer is directly under the label, and the bottom of the disc is relatively well-protected in comparison: https://www.clir.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/fig2-3.jpg https://www.clir.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/fig2-3.jpg This is also the reason why all-over-print CDs are better survivors than discs whose obverse design integrates the raw silver. Note that this is specific to CDs — DVDs and BDs have protection on both sides!