Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cotton cloth and begin cleaning the scratched surface of the DVD-R. While cleaning, start at the center of the DVD-R and move outward to the edge of the DVD-R. Be sure to remove all smudges, dirt and grime during this process. When finished, let the DVD-R air dry and then test it in a DVD player. If the DVD-R still does not play, move on to Step 2.
Spray some furniture polish onto a cotton cloth and begin polishing the scratched surface of the DVD-R. While cleaning, start at the center of the DVD-R and move outward to the edge. Be sure that you give attention to each scratch on the DVD-R. Doing so will cause the scratches to be filled in with furniture polish, which makes it easier for a DVD player to read the damaged DVD-R. When finished, clean the DVD-R following the directions in Step 1 and then test the DVD-R in a DVD player. If the DVD-R does not play, move on to Step 3.
Squirt some toothpaste onto a cotton cloth and begin polishing the scratched surface of the DVD-R. Start at the center of the DVD-R and move outward to the edgesR. Be sure to use paste and not gel, as the fine grit in the toothpaste is essential in buffing out the scratches on the DVD-R. Once most of the scratches are removed, clean the DVD-R following the directions in Step 1 and then test the DVD-R in a DVD player. If the DVD-R still does not play, you might consider consulting a professional DVD repair company about fixing your DVD-R.