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The Best Way to Get Rid of Scratches on CDs

Although scratches don't always affect the performance of a CD, they can often cause a CD to skip or prevent it from playing. Getting rid of scratches will depend on the condition of your CD and what cleaning solutions you have available. Typically, you should be able to get rid of scratches on CDs with items already in the cabinets of your home. More severe cases may require specialized cleaning products to remedy them. However, not every CD can be recovered. Choose the method below that best applies to the condition of your CD.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth
  • Furniture polish
  • Toothpaste
  • Brasso
  • Rubbing alcohol
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Instructions

  1. Lightly Scratched CDs

    • 1

      Spray a soft cloth with furniture polish. Rub this cloth over the scratched surface and then finish by wiping from the center of the CD toward to its outer edge. This method will polish the scratched surface.

    • 2

      Clean the CD using a fresh cloth and rubbing alcohol after you've finished polishing it. Start at its center and move toward its outer edge.

    • 3

      Allow the CD to dry before playing it.

    Moderately Scratched CDs

    • 4

      Squeeze some toothpaste onto a soft cloth. Rub this cloth over the scratched surface of your CD. Continue to do so while applying mild pressure to the CD until the scratches begin to disappear. The grainy texture of the toothpaste will smooth out the scratches on the top plastic surface of the CD.

    • 5

      Wipe away the remaining toothpaste with a new cloth.

    • 6

      Wipe the CD using a fresh cloth and rubbing alcohol after you've finished cleaning it. Start at its center and move to its outer edge.

    Heavily Scratched CDs

    • 7

      Squeeze a few drops of Brasso onto a soft cloth. Rub this cloth over the scratched surface of your CD while applying mild pressure. The fine, grained texture of the Brasso will effectively smooth out the scratches on the top plastic surface of the CD.

    • 8

      Wipe away the remaining Brasso with a new cloth.

    • 9

      Wipe the CD using a fresh cloth and rubbing alcohol after you've finished cleaning it. Start at its center and move to its outer edge.

    • 10

      Allow the CD to dry before playing it.

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