CD and DVD care Tips

CD and DVD care Tips

01. discs kept in a cooler, less-humid environment and not subjected to extreme environmental changes should last longer. Optical discs stored in an optimal environment will outlast discs that are not.
02. Always keep your discs in their storage containers, until ready for use.
03. discs used frequently should be stored at a temperature similar to that of the environment in which they are to be used. This minimizes stress from frequent temperature changes.
04. Always keep your discs out of direct sunlight, as it is believed the sun's ultraviolet rays have enough energy to produce a photochemical reaction, altering the recording layer of the disc.
05. Any extended exposure to moisture resulting from a spill, humid air, or immersion allows fluid to become absorbed into the disc, where it may react with any of the layers. Returning the disc to a dry environment will allow the absorbed fluid to dissipate out of the disc over time. However, water or a water-based liquid may leave behind, within the disc, contaminants such as dyes or other dissolved minerals.
06. Fingerprints, smudges, dirt, or dust on the laser reading side of Cds and DVDs can disrupt disc play even more than a scratch can. Dirt or dust on the disc will block or reduce the ability of the laser to read data. If severe enough, it will cause the disc drive to miss data altogether. Fingerprints, smudges, or dirt cover wide areas of data and will cause the laser beam to go out of focus or lose intensity. They will also cause widespread misreading of data along the data lines or tracks, to an extent that exceeds the error correction capability of the disc drive. Dust can also spin off into the disc drive and collect on the laser head or other internal components. Fingerprints, smudges, and dirt are easier to remove than scratches; it is simply a matter of cleaning them off.
07. Bending the disc by any means, such as removing it from a jewel case or sitting on it, may harm the disc by causing stresses. The disc should be stored in its case and placed vertically, like a book, on a shelf. Long-term horizontal storage, particularly in a heated environment, can cause the disc to become permanently bowed. While the data may still be intact, the disc may not operate properly in the drive or permit the laser to follow the track.
08. Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc. Never mark the play side of your disc.

Do:
01. Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.
02. Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
03. Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.
04. Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.
05. Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.
06. Leave discs in their packaging to minimize the effects of environmental changes.
07. Open a recordable disc package only when you are ready to record data on that disc.
08. Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.
09. Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge.
10. Use CD/DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.
11. Check the disc surface before recording.

Do Not:
01. Touch the surface of the disc.
02. Bend the disc.
03. Use adhesive labels.
04. Store discs horizontally for a long time (years).
05. Open a recordable optical disc package if you are not ready to record.
06. Expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.
07. Expose discs to extremely rapid temperature or humidity changes.
08. Expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.
09. Clean by wiping in a direction going around the disc.

Shoe Accessories What are they and Why We Need Them

Shoe Accessories What are they and Why We Need Them

Shoe accessories can do wonders for increasing the life span of a pair of shoes. Some shoe accessories needed for the maintenance of shoes are as include shoe polish, shoetree, shoe stretchers, and custom shoe bags.

Shoe polish is the most common item used for maintaining a wide variety of shoes. Shoe polish helps shine shoes, especially those made of authentic leather, such as dress shoes. With a little care and a few dabs of polish, you can make your most scuffed pair of shoes look like new. Another item that can be used for removing scuffs of shoes is household non-gel toothpaste. The abrasive texture of the paste helps remove the black marks that appear when a shoe ends up rubbing against a hard surface. Shoe polish is generally used to on shoes is to cover up any small scratches or groves that appear from wear and tear of the shoes. Regular polish and cleaning of shoes can prevent or postpone further damage to shoes. Learning to properly polish your shoes can prolong the life of the shoe. There are several articles available on the Internet that can help you learn the proper techniques of shoe polishing, if you need to know more about the process of shining shoes.

Another popular shoe accessory item is the shoetree. The shoetree is inserted inside the shoe when the shoe is not being worn, and helps keep the shape of the shoe. This can reduce the chance of the shoe shrinking or developing an odd shape, which would cause discomfort to your foot. The shoetree will help aid in storage of your shoes, as well. In fact, you can find shoe racks that hold several pairs of shoes at the same time. This serves as a shoetree and can aid in the proper storage of your shoes. Treating your shoes with care can dramatically increase the life of your shoes.

The shoe stretch is another accessory that can be used to help alter the shape of your shoe when necessary. Shoe stretchers can sometimes help provide a more comfort fit to your foot if you suffer from corn or bunion problems. They are not always a perfect solution to foot problems, but there is a purpose for the shoe stretchers. Just be careful not to over stretch the material of your shoe, or the shoe can tear or become too big.

A custom shoe bag is another hot item for the shoe enthusiast. These bags are perfect for storing your shoes when you travel or need a change of shoes after work or a day of activities. This is especially true if you are traveling more than an hour away from home or do not have time to change at home. You can bring along with your extra set of shoes in your stylish shoe bag. The shoe bag is waterproof, and it will prevent your shoes and your clothes from being damaged if they have been packed together. Shoe bags come in a variety of materials and are made to suit both the man and the woman.

Other items you may need for proper shoe care include soft polishing and buffing rags, storage shelves for proper long-term storage, and the names and phone numbers of repairmen that clean and repair shoes. When you take the time to care and store your shoes, you will be rewarded with shoes that last a long time.

If you are cleaning shoes that are made from any other material other than leather, such as canvas or denim, you may want to find the best method of shoe maintenance. Some shoes, such as those made from canvas, may be hand washed in cool water, or even on a gentle washing cycle. If you plan on putting your shoes in the washer, read the directions on the shoes carefully to avoid damage. Shoes usually cannot be placed in the dyer. Also, if you use any soap or cleaners at all to spot clean your shoes, find out whether the chemicals in the soap are safe for the shoe.

It may be possible to whiten a pair of shoes using a small amount of bleach. It is best to test a small area of the shoe first to check for damage. This is not recommended for higher end shoes, though. First, try using one of the many shoes cleaners and polishes. One more idea for shoe maintenance is to find the right tool to clean the mud out of the sole grooves in certain types of shoes. Walking shoes and hiking boots both have deep grooves that collect dirt and mud. Make sure that the tool you use does not damage the sole of your shoe.