Simple Ways to Clean a CD (and Remove Scratches)

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Get rid of dust, smudges, and fingerprints with our complete guide
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If your CDs aren’t playing properly in a player, then it might be time to clean them. Dust, smudges, and scratches can built up on the bottom of the CD, but it’s really easy to clean at home and make them work again. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for basic cleaning and scratch removal.

Best Ways to Clean a CD

Use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe your CD from the center to the outer edges. If the CD is really dirty, wet the cloth with warm water or isopropyl alcohol for more cleaning power. Avoid abrasive or commercial cleaners so you don’t leave behind any scratches.

Section 1 of 3:

Cleaning a Dirty CD

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    Wipe the CD with a dry microfiber cloth . Start in the center of the disc and wipe straight out to the CD’s edge. Work your way around the CD until you remove all the dust and dirt. [1]
    • CD cleaning wipes are made specifically for removing dust from discs and don’t leave behind any residue.
    • In a pinch, try using the inside of a soft cotton T-shirt to wipe away smudges.
    • Avoid using paper towels, toilet paper, or any other paper cleaners because they could break apart or leave behind small scratches.
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    While it’s usually best to avoid moisture or getting your CD wet, it’s okay to use a little when you clean. Dip the corner of your cleaning cloth in warm water and wipe away any fingerprints or smudges.
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    Wet a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and let the excess drip off. Gently wipe the surface of the CD from the center toward the outer edge, focusing on any areas where smudges have built up. [2]
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    Many CD collectors have tried and used other household items and cleaners successfully, but there’s a bit of disagreement over what cleans and what actually causes damage. Test these cleaners on an old CD before trying them on a CD you care about.
    • Dish soap and warm water
    • Glass cleaner
    • Glasses cleaning wipes
    • Wet wipes
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Fix a Scratched CD

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    Use a clean lint-free cloth to spread a thin layer of toothpaste over the CD, and let it dry for about 5 minutes. Then, wet a clean cloth with warm water and wipe off the toothpaste, working from the center out to the edges. When you’re finished, use a dry cloth to remove any water. [3]
    • Avoid using gel toothpastes or brands that have small beads in them because they could leave behind more scratches.
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    Put a thin layer of furniture wax or Vaseline on the CD. Dip the corner of a lint-free cloth into the product you’re using, and gently rub it into a thin layer on the back of your CD. Let the product dry for a few minutes, and then use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe off the excess. [4]
    • Be sure to wipe from the middle of the disc out to the edges to prevent any further scratches.
    • Some people have had success removing scratches with oily or waxy products, such as bananas or creamy peanut butter. If you want to try on your CDs, use a lint-free cloth to apply a thin layer onto the scratched surfaces of your CD.
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    Try buffing out scratches with car scratch remover . Car scratch remover has a slight abrasive that can grind away scratches. Just add a few dabs to your CD and spread it over the surface with a microfiber cloth. Let it sit for about a minute. Then, buff the remover into the CD with your cloth using circular motions. [5]
    • Wipe any excess remover from your CD with a clean cloth.
    • If you still see scratches after the first application, use a little more car scratch remover on the CD.
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    Use a CD resurfacing machine for the best results. Resurfacing machines spin the disc and apply slight abrasives to get rid of scratches. Each resurfacing machine works differently, so follow the instructions for the model you’re using.
    • Check with local game and electronic stores to see if they have a resurfacing machine. Many places offer scratch removal services for a small fee.
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Section 3 of 3:

How to Keep CDs Clean

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    Any time you touch the reflective surface on a CD, you can leave smudges or fingerprints behind. Grip the edges or slide the center hole of the CD onto your finger whenever you take it outside of the case or CD player. [6]
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    Use the cases the CDs came in or use a CD holder to store multiple discs in the same place. If you have any loose CDs, put them in jewel cases for the most protection. [7]
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    Over time, dust builds up inside your CD player and can get the disc dirty or prevent it from being read. To clean the player , open it and wipe it out with a dry lint-free cloth or cotton swab. If there’s stubborn dirt or debris, wet your cloth with a little rubbing alcohol and gently wipe it away. [8]
    • You may need to unscrew panels on some CD players to access the disc drive.
    • If you can’t easily access the parts of your CD player, insert a lens cleaning disc that has small brushes attached to it. The bristles gently lift up any dirt or debris collected inside the player.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Will using soap and water destroy the data of the CD?
    Community Answer
    No. As long as you are gentle with your cleaning, the data should remain intact.
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 27
  • Question
    If the CD is broken, how do we fix it?
    Community Answer
    You can't. If the disc is broken, the laser won't track it and it simply will not play. In addition, you can permanently damage your player if the crack has distorted the plastic enough that it is no longer flat. An end of the crack can easily hit the laser and cause serious damage. It is always a good idea to go through your CD collection & if there are CDs that are important to you, copy them to a music library in your computer. CDs will not last indefinitely & they certainly are not indestructible. Just because you were able to buy it once doesn't mean you will be able to replace it if it dies. You will thank yourself later for making a duplicate copy.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Which side of the CD should I clean?
    Community Answer
    The reflective side, which is the one with no print on it.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Always make sure your CDs are dry before you try playing them again so you don’t damage the discs or players.
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      Warnings

      • If your CD has deep scratches or cracks, it may not work properly no matter how much you clean it.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://products.bose.com/pdf/customer_service/owners/og_wrcd.pdf
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Dqa8KpSLtH8?t=106
      3. ↑ https://www.cdunity.com/cd-cleaning-how-to-clean-cds/
      4. ↑ https://www.cdunity.com/cd-cleaning-how-to-clean-cds/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/eWsYNTAYSYs?t=81
      6. ↑ https://www.eclipse-web.com/eu/en/download/manual/cd5425e_e/audio/pdf/5425ae04.pdf
      7. ↑ http://products.bose.com/pdf/customer_service/owners/og_wrcd.pdf
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/a4T0pfeXvc0?t=35

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you have a CD that needs to be cleaned, use a canister of compressed air to blow away any excess dust without having to touch the surface of the disc. If you don’t have compressed air, gently wipe from the center to the outside edge of the CD with a soft, lint-free cloth. If the CD still won’t play, submerge it in a large bowl filled with mild soapy water, then rinse the disc under a stream of running water. Wipe the disc free using a lint-free cloth. Read on to learn how to remove stubborn spots with rubbing alcohol!

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