Q&A for How to Fix a Scratched DVD

You can follow the methods that are listed in the article.

It worked for me on a non-readable DVD. I used Meguiar's G19216 Ultimate Polish car polish. The disk was usable after the application.

While I am not sure what Miracle cloth is, Magic Eraser products will work because they are made of the same material that the data layer is made up of-with the exception of slight heat. Using it in circular way from center to outer slowly and gently should wipe out any scratches up to moderate.

Yes because it is oil based, but stainless steel cleaner is a much better choice if possible.

Clean the disc with a microfiber cloth. DVDs often don't show up if the DVD drive or disc is not clean.

Yes, you can use toothpaste to clean a DVD or CD. However, if the scratch is severe, this method may not be effective.

Try wiping it with a dry microfiber cloth and insert the disc again. If this doesn't work, the disc might be permanently damaged as crucial information may have been scratched off.

Try a different DVD to rule out issues with the disc itself. Check the DVD player's settings to ensure the correct input and channel. Reset the DVD player if possible, and update its firmware. Also, check the new DVD for damage and try playing it on another player.

It's risky and could damage the disc. Stick to proper disc repair methods.

The issue could be due to scratches, dirt, or disc drive problems. Try cleaning the disc or using a different player.

Yes, but if the scratch is severe, it might not be repairable.

It's possible, but CDs have limited storage space. DVDs or Blu-rays are better for video storage.

Yes, it can help clean and repair minor scratches on DVDs.

Turtle Wax is designed for automotive surfaces and isn't suitable for DVDs. You would be better off using Vaseline to fix the scratches.

If a portion of the DVD label comes off, handle the disc carefully to avoid damage. Reapply a new label using proper adhesive or a printable disc. Test the DVD to ensure it’s still readable, or back up important data.

Disc scratches generally result from mishandling or using a malfunctioning disc reader.

Stainless polish is not designed for DVDs and may not help with scratches on your DVD.

Stainless polish won't fix DVDs; try a scratch repair kit instead.

It be best just to leave it alone. I would advise you to purchase another DVD title whatever it is. You can't fix damaged discs, because these discs spin between 200 to 500 RPM's in the player and anything on that disc besides the label can ruin your player too.

It sounds like your DVD player may be damaged or broken. If the discs don't work on that particular player but work on other players, it could be a sign of a fault.

If the DVD is chipped, then there is likely no way to repair that, as DVDs are very sensitive. On the other hand, scratches on the surface layer can be buffed out. Chipping a DVD damages the data layer on the disc which destroys that data. It would be best to take the DVD to a professional to see if they can do something for you.

Yes, but it is costly. You need the right equipment and solutions to use them the right way without being a hazard to yourself and others. So, it's much easier to buy a new copy.

It could be a dirty disc that you need to clean with your t-shirt (works bests!) Or, you need a CD disc player cleaner. There's a small brush inserted into the CD that cycles in the drive and cleans the laser head from dust particles. Clean your CD ring-core with your t-shirt to buff it up. It is that ring around the disc with digital symbols on it, aka the Table of Contents. Make sure that is not damaged.

Eraser cannot remove scratches from a surface. Pencil erasers are soft and can only remove graphite on paper.

You can remove the petroleum jelly as soon as you cover the CD/DVD with it.

Isopropyl alcohol is a cleaning agent; use just a dab of it on your cloth. Using too much will damage the plastic of the DVD/CD.

It can be found in any automotive store. You can also order it online. Just make sure to use a very fine polishing compound; a coarse compound will definitely damage your CD/DVD.