Protecting CDs without cases can be tricky. CDs are delicate and easily scratched or damaged, so going caseless isn’t ideal. However, we’ve all been there – grabbing a quick stashed CD for the car or to share with a friend. So what’s the best way to keep those CDs safe when you don’t have a case? Here are some quick answers and tips.
Use another case – Borrow a case from another CD or DVD. It doesn’t have to be the original, it just needs to be rigid and snap shut. This will protect the disc surface from scratches.
Slip it in an envelope – A regular paper envelope can work in a pinch. Make sure to seal it carefully and keep it somewhere safe. Envelopes cushion discs and prevent scratches.
Try a paper CD sleeve – Buy paper sleeves designed specifically for CD storage. While not as ideal as a hard case, they offer more protection than a loose disc. Look for ones with plastic lining for added scratch resistance.
Wrap it in paper – For very short term, you can wrap a CD tightly in paper. This creates a protective barrier, but paper can still bend and scratch discs if not wrapped perfectly. Only use for very temporary protection.
Sandwich between cardboard – Two pieces of sturdy cardboard with the CD in an envelope or sleeve in between offers makeshift hard case protection. Secure with tape or rubber bands.
Use cleaners – Before and after storing in a temporary method, clean the CD with a soft cloth and cleaning spray. Remove fingerprints, dust and debris that could lead to scratching.
Avoid heat and bending – Keep CDs stored flat, away from heat and moisture. Never bend them as they can crack. Extreme hot or cold conditions can also damage discs.
Improvised CD Cases
When you need to protect a CD but don’t have the original case, you can improvise with common household items. Here are some quick DIY solutions:
Cookie tin – A clean empty cookie or candy tin makes a great substitute CD case. Discs won’t slide around and the lid snapped shut secures them safely. Line it with paper or fabric to prevent scratching.
Eye glasses case – Look for a hard eyeglasses case. These are perfectly sized for CD storage, with soft protective lining. Just make sure it’s not too full and won’t bend the disc.
DVD case with insert – Slip a CD into a DVD case using a makeshift insert like cardboard cut to size. Secure with tape and label which CD it is.
Playing card case – A plastic playing card case can work. Choose a rigid style that clicks closed. Line it with felt or soft fabric to avoid scratches.
Water bottle protectors – The soft sleeves used to insulate water bottles have a wide diameter perfect for CDs. Seal end with strong tape after inserting disc.
Book – For very temporary use, slip a CD between the pages of a hardcover book near the center binding. Close gently and store upright.
Photo box – Look for slim reinforced boxes designed for photo storage. These snugly hold CDs and have durable rigid design. Bonus if it has dividers.
Food storage containers – Try small rigid plastic food containers with tight fitting lids. Avoid anything too deep that would require bending or overlapping discs. Look for short flat designs.
Zippered bags – Reinforced zipper pouches made for storing art supplies or trinkets allow you to securely enclose discs separately. Pick rigid styles that won’t bend and fasten carefully.
Cleaning and Handling CDs Without Cases
When storing CDs without cases, special care is required for cleaning and handling to avoid damaging sensitive surfaces. Here are some tips:
Use microfiber – Always handle CDs by the outer edge or center hole. Clean with a soft lint-free microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
Avoid chemicals – Don’t use cleaners containing ammonia, acetone, thinner or other harsh chemicals. They can corrode the metal layer under the disc lacquer.
Use distilled water – For tough dirt, gently wipe CDs using distilled water applied to the microfiber cloth. Tap water contains mineral deposits that can scratch.
Try rubbing alcohol – Use 99% isopropyl alcohol sparingly for stubborn dirt. Put a small amount on the cloth, not directly on the disc. Rub gently from center out.
Blow away dust – Use a filtered air blower bulb to safely dislodge dust before wiping discs. This prevents dust from scratching during cleaning.
Don’t bend – Always hold discs flat. Even small bends can crack the inner layers causing skips or making discs unplayable. Flexing and bending causes the most damage.
Avoid moisture – Never expose unprotected discs to moisture, steam or extreme humidity. Water can seep under layers and cause corrosion of the reflective surface.
Store upright – Don’t stack discs or place anything on top of them when storing. Always keep them upright and flat to prevent warping.
Check for cracks – Examine discs prior to cleaning. Discs with cracks or separations shouldn’t be played and can tear cleaning cloths. Damaged discs should be discarded.
Work in a clean space – Clean CDs in an area away from dust and dirt that could blow onto freshly cleaned surfaces. Use clean cloths kept just for discs.
How to Determine if a CD is Scratched
How can you tell at a glance if an unprotected CD is scratched? Here are tips for spotting disc damage:
Hold Up To Light – Carefully tilt the CD under a bright light at various angles to reveal scratches. Light refracting irregularly indicates surface damage.
Use A Flashlight – Shine a flashlight across the surface of the disc to highlight any abnormalities. Mirrored reflections show smooth areas while scratches will scatter light.
Examine Edge On – Keeping the CD flat, slowly rotate the edge through light while observing closely. Even hairline cracks alter how light reflects.
Look For Rainbows – With the disc titled, small scratches can appear as tiny rainbows or areas with color. Larger rainbow shapes indicate deeper scratching.
Try Playback – Load the disc in a drive and check for skipping, repeating or difficulties reading. Distorted or interrupted playback can signal physical damage.
Compare To New – Look at areas you suspect next to a brand new disc to better judge clarity and refraction. Scratches will stand out next to smooth mirror surfaces.
Feel With Fingertips – Run your fingertip very gently across the play surface feeling for bumps, ridges or uneven texture. Only do this when absolutely necessary to avoid adding oils and scratching.
Seek Help – If in doubt, have the disc professionally inspected at a video/music store. They can often spot damage invisible to the naked eye under specialized lighting.
Avoiding scratches is ideal, but learning to spot them early allows you to take corrective action before discs become unusable. Handle all CDs with care, even ones you think are free of damage.
Short Term CD Storage Without Cases
You’ll occasionally need to keep a CD accessible for a short time without its original case. Here are some good options for temporary disc storage:
In Your Player – Keeping the CD loaded in your car or home stereo prevents losing it during the timeframe you’ll be listening. Just be sure to unload after use.
On Your Desk – Resting a CD face up on a clean desk or tabletop is fine for a day or two. Ensure the area is free of dust, dirt and liquids that could contact the surface.
In A Drawer – Place CDs inside an envelope or sleeve, then slip into a desk or dresser drawer. Avoid overstuffing the drawer or having loose items that could shift and scratch.
Inside A Book – Tucked between pages near the center binding of a book keeps discs upright and protected. Don’t fold pages over or tightly press.
In Clear Sleeves – Buy affordable clear plastic sleeves designed for CD storage. While not as durable as cases, they offer scratch protection for temporary use.
Inside A Bindle – Folding a CD in paper like a bindle adds scratch protection for very short transport. Carry gently upright and unwrap immediately.
Under Other Discs – If resting CDs on top of each other temporarily, place discs label-side up and topped by a sacrificial coaster CD. Limit stacks to a few discs.
In Paper Sleeves – Plain paper CD sleeves prevent direct contact and minor scratches. Not good for prolonged storage as paper fibers can still mar discs.
Between Cardboard – Two rigid pieces of cardboard with a sleeve/envelope provide cushioning when packed carefully in a bag. Keep flat and stable.
Long Term CD Storage Without Cases
While hard protective cases are best for archival CD storage, these alternatives provide safer long-term options if original cases are lost:
Archival rigid sleeves – Opt for rigid plastic sleeves labeled as archival quality. Avoid flexible styles that can still allow scratches.
Vinyl sleeves – Sleeves designed for vinyl records nicely fit CDs. Look for ones meeting archival standards with plastic lining to prevent direct paper contact.
Nylon zip bags – Seal CDs individually in small nylon zip bags to prevent rubbing during storage. Choose thicker styles to prevent bending.
Acid free envelopes – Envelopes rated acid free are inert and won’t damage discs over many years like normal paper. But lack rigidity of plastic.
Waterproof containers – Airtight waterproof plastic cases protect discs from humidity and prevent corrosion of the delicate underside.
Heavy duty envelopes – Buy reinforced envelopes with bubble cushioning for durable long term use. Plastic lined and water resistant is ideal.
Archival marker – Use permanentMarker rated for archival use to carefully label each sleeve or envelope so discs don’t get mixed. Avoid using regular markers.
Protective sleeves – Place each disc in a plastic sleeve before enclosing in envelope or bag. Adding this inner sleeve prevents direct contact with packaging.
Climate control – Store discs at consistent mild room temperature away from humidity. Temperature and humidity fluctuations can degrade discs.
Avoid sunlight – Don’t store discs in direct sun or bright light, even in cases. UV exposure degrades discs over time.
Regular inspection – Periodically inspect your archived discs for early signs of deterioration like delamination or oxidation. Copy data before discs become unreadable.
How to Fix a Scratched CD at Home
If you discover a CD is lightly scratched, try these home repair techniques:
Toothpaste – Use a small dab of regular toothpaste on a soft cloth. Gently rub in straight lines from center out. Rinse residue.
Petroleum jelly – Apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly to a cotton swab. Delicately rub over scratches in a circular motion. Remove residue.
Pencil eraser – Carefully rub surface in direction of tracks using new pink eraser. Erase debris after.
Baking soda – Make a paste of baking soda and water. Use a damp cloth to gently apply paste in direction of tracks. Rinse clean after.
Banana – Take the inside flesh of banana and rub lightly over scratches in a polishing motion. Bananas can fill and buff out fine scratches.
Metal polish – Use very small amounts of a gentle metal polish containing zinc oxide. Rub thinly and evenly onto disc. Wipe away any leftover residue.
Skip Doctor liquids – Products like Skip Doctor are designed to repair scratched discs using polishing liquids. Follow directions carefully.
If homemade methods don’t fix deep scratches, look into professional resurfacing services that can polish and fill scratches using specialized equipment. Avoid adhesive label CD repair kits – they unbalance discs and damager drives.
Where to Buy CD Cases
Need replacement cases for your discs? Here are some options both in stores and online:
Music stores – Big music shops sell all sizes of replacement cases – sometimes individually so you can match your needs. Know exact dimensions before going.
Video stores – Stores renting DVDs will have empty cases they may give away or sell for a few cents each. Check discount bins.
Office supply – Clear plastic sleeves for documents can work for CDs. Measure thickness first. Also check binders and photo pages.
Thift stores – Look for used CD/DVD cases typically priced very cheap. Make sure they are the right size and undamaged.
eBay – Search for “empty cd cases” or “replacement cd cases” in various quantities from individual sellers. Specify case size needed.
Amazon – Look for “CD jewel cases” or “DVD cases”. You can buy them individually or in bulk. Choose thickness carefully.
Container store – Stores with home organization supplies sell rigid plastic cases, potentially multi-packs of CD sized ones.
Online specialty – Websites like superjewelcases.com or medialinesinc.com focus specifically on media case replacements.
Check measurements – Cases come in standard and slim sizes. Make sure replacement cases match your specific discs.
Buy in bulk – For large collections, buying complete case replacements 100 at a time can be cost effective.
Match brands – Try to get cases matching your originals – Memorex, TDK etc. for visual consistency on the shelf.
It’s inexpensive and easy to find quality replacement CD cases both online and locally. Protect your discs properly by replacing any damaged or missing cases right away. Proper permanent storage helps discs and their contents last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about protecting CDs without cases:
Are paper envelopes ok for CD storage?
Paper envelopes are only acceptable for temporary short term storage. For long-term care, use plastic sleeves or cases to prevent scratches and damage over time.
How can I find replacement cases for old CDs?
Original cases can often be found online through marketplace sites. Alternatively, generic replacements are inexpensive at music stores, office supply stores, or bulk online suppliers.
What kind of glue can repair cracked CD cases?
Avoid gluing broken cases. The cases won’t hold up over time. instead, buy affordable replacements readily available both online and at retailers carrying music and media.
How do I get sticky residue off CDs without damaging them?
Adhesive residue can often be gently peeled off. For stubborn sticky spots, lightly rub with isopropyl alcohol using very delicate pressure. Avoid soaking labels and clean residues off plastic hub only.
Is it ok to just put CDs in a Ziploc or sandwich bag?
Avoid bags as they offer little protection, can bend discs, and poses moisture risks. Use sealable rigid plastic containers or slip each disc into a paper sleeve before bagging for short term use only.
What did people do before CD cases were invented?
Early CDs often came in simple cardboard sleeves or unstable snap-together cases prone to breakage. Jewel cases revolutionized protective storage in the mid 1980s.
Can CDs get damaged in storage if they don’t get played?
Yes, unused discs can degrade and oxidize over time. Periodically inspect stored CDs and migrate data to new media if corrosion or cloudiness is observed.
How do I get a broken case apart without damaging the CD inside?
Remove any loose case fragments carefully, then use masking tape pressed gently onto the edges to lift the hub and free the CD safely. Replace the damaged case.
Why do some cases have black plastic and others clear plastic?
Tinted black cases help block light exposure that can fade discs over time. Clear cases let you easily view contents. Both protect equally well from scratches, so choose based on aesthetics.
