Photodiode for PT2222
Two effects determine wavelength sensitivity of the infra-red remote receiver.

Bandgap of silicon photodiode
Optical filter of the encapsulating resin

Short-wavelength light is very effectively filtered out by the plastic, while infra-red light is passed through to the photodetector with little attenuation. The 3-pin receiver chip will appear glossy black.
Wavelength sensitivity of a common receiver chip from a Vishay TSOP12xx data sheet:

 Any IR LED having about 900nm peak wavelength should work. A wavelength less than 850 nm is too close to red. You should choose one whose Absolute maximum current is about one amp (1A) if you use a 1-ohm series resistor from a 3V battery. Since this will be a pulsed current, the average current will be lower.

For example, an infrared LED might allow a surge current of 1.5A lasting only 100 microseconds,. but maximum average current of 0.1A is allowed. This kind of spec suggests that heating causes damage, and is the likely cause of your diode failing.
In-between 0.1A and 1.5A, time and current combine, so that the chip doesn't overheat:

 Since most remotes operate at about 40 kHz, pulse duration is about 0.0125 milliseconds. Furthermore, packets of between 10-20 pulses are transmitted, with a break in between, which further limits heating. And packets are sent only while you press a key.
 At the very least, ensure that the switching transistor that drives the LED is not shorted. And if you want to be conservative, increase the value of the 1-ohm series resistor that limits current, and point your remote more carefully at its intended target.