For minor scratches on a CD, a clean cloth with soap and water removes them without harming the disc. Any type of CD cleaning should be done in a circular motion, since that is how the disc content is formed, and will prevent further lacerations. A method for deeper scratches is to clean the CD with toothpaste. Toothpaste is an abrasive measure used on teeth for cleaning; the same effect occurs when used on a disc. When applied directly on the CD in a circular motion, the toothpaste gently removes the scratches and smoothes them out. Let the toothpaste soak in for a few minutes, then rinse the CD under the faucet, and dry with a smooth cloth. Gel toothpastes and those with extra particles, such as those in whitening toothpastes, will actually make the scratches worse, so stick with regular paste.
Household cleaning products, such as Windex, Pledge and Turtlewax can also be used to remove scratches. Once any product is used, it must be rinsed thoroughly and dried with a clean cloth in order to prevent further damage to the CD, and also the CD player.
There are various videos online that demonstrate how to remove CD scratches with food, such as apples, bananas and eggs. Although just as convenient, the problem lies in the fact that these foods are not meant to be cleaning agents, and can potentially leave an individual with a bigger mess.
Although the above methods remove CD scratches, some prefer to purchase a professional kit out of skepticism, or convenience. CD scratch repair kits range in price from $10 to $40 as of 2009. The less expensive ones usually contain a removal solution, while the pricier ones also contain special cloths and a barrier solution to prevent scratches, as well. Such repair kits also work; it just depends on whether one wants to spend the money for them. They can be found at an electronics store, or in the electronics department of a supermarket.