Arts >> Music >> Other Music

How to Get CDs Unscratched

It's not uncommon for CDs, DVDs and game discs to develop scratches. This can cause your favorite music to skip or destroy valuable data. Professional CD refinishing machines can be costly and difficult to find. However, you can take steps at home with easy-to-find products that may help you eliminate the most troublesome scratches and revive your discs.

Things You'll Need

  • Mild liquid soap
  • Toothpaste, not gel
  • Eyeglass rag
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the areas on your CD or DVD that have the most scuffs and scratches. Those running from the disc's edge to the center aren't usually a big problem. It's the scratches that run across the circle of the disc that will cause your disc to play improperly.

    • 2

      Apply a small amount of the liquid soap and lukewarm water to the disc and gently wash the areas with the most damage. Don't rub in circles, as this may cause more scratches. Instead, start in the center of the CD and rub outward, like the spokes of a wheel. Allow the disc to air-dry.

    • 3

      Try to play the CD or DVD again. Sometimes a gentle washing is all it takes to get it back in working condition.

    • 4

      Apply a small amount of the toothpaste to the eyeglass rag. Using the same motion from the center of the disc to the edge, polish the entire CD for three to five minutes

    • 5

      Using soap and water, rinse all of the toothpaste off and allow the CD to air-dry before trying to play it again.

Other Music

Related Categories