Scratched DVDs can be repaired at home.
If a DVD that you own has scratches and won't play, you don't necessarily have to run out and buy a new copy. There are several different ways that you can fix the scratches on your DVD right at home, depending on your equipment. Either buy a device designed specifically for removing scratches (which you can keep at home for whenever you need it), or use a few tools you may have around the house. It is always important to clean your DVD as much as possible before you begin.
Instructions
1. Purchase a CD/DVD scratch remover/repair kit from an electronics retailer. Put your scratched DVD with the data side facing downward into the device. Close the device's lid and turn the crank. This will file down the protective layer of plastic that is on the top of the data side of the disc, which will remove light scratches that didn't penetrate the actual data storage layer of the disc.
2. Use toothpaste. Put a little bit of toothpaste onto a clean, dry cloth. Gently rub the toothpaste over the scratches that are present on the data side of the disc. This will file down the protective layer of plastic, removing the scratches. Once you've covered all of the scratches, use a separate clean, dry cloth to remove the toothpaste from the disc. It is important to not put too much pressure on the DVD or you risk putting additional scratches onto the disc.
3. Use a polishing cloth and cleaning solution. If toothpaste is too messy for your needs, dip a clean, dry polishing cloth in cleaning solution and buff out the scratches on the data side of the DVD. Again, it is important to remember not to put too much pressure on the bottom of the disc or you risk damaging it. Once you've covered all the scratches, clean off the excess solution with a separate cloth. Re-examine the disc for scratches--if any remain, try to buff out the excess scratches with more solution and your polishing cloth.
Tags: data side, polishing cloth, clean cloth, cleaning solution, cloth cleaning, cloth cleaning solution, covered scratches
