No matter whether it is a cherished audio CD or a favorite movie, seeing a scratch or blemish on the bottom of a media disc can be terrifying. However, there are ways to repair that scratch or scuff. These repair steps can all be performed with everyday household items.
Cleaning Your Disc
Although you may be dismayed when a quick rub with a damp cloth doesn't repair your CD, don't fret! Cleaning a disc that has been severely dirtied involves much more than a damp cloth. To effectively clean the disc and make sure all dirt, dust and smudges are removed, you must use baking soda. Place the disc, data side up, on a flat surface, and dust it lightly with baking soda. Then spray it with water and rub the mixture in firmly with a damp cloth. Once the disc has been covered in paste, rinse it off under cool tap water. Then pat dry with a towel. Any dirt or smudges that were causing the disc to malfunction should now be gone.
Filling in Scratches
Besides dirt, the other main issue that can cause discs to malfunction is a scratch. Whether you have one big scratch or several small hairline scratches, these small imperfections can seriously hamper a CD's or DVD's function. The easiest way to fix small scratches is by using toothpaste. Use a toothpick to apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratches on the bottom of the disc, and then allow the paste to dry. Rinse off excess toothpaste from the top of the disc (leaving only the scratch filled in) and then pat dry. For larger scratches, use the same method as described above, but instead of toothpaste, substitute car wax. This is a much stronger adhesive and is suitable for longer and deeper scratches.
Tags: damp cloth, baking soda, with damp, with damp cloth
