Scratching a DVD can stop the player from reading it.
A DVD has a transparent plastic layer that protects the metal data layer from damage but allows a laser to shine through to read the disk. When the transparent layer is scratched, it can disturb the laser's path, preventing it from bouncing off the metal data layer and returning to the detector. By cleaning any built-up dust and dirt off the DVD and polishing the plastic layer, you can repair the damage and make your DVD work again.
Instructions
1. Place the disk under warm, running water so that it flows over the shiny side.
2. Place gentle soap such as dish soap on your fingers. Run them along the disk from the inside to the outside. Turn the disk slightly and run your fingers from the inside to the outside again until you have cleaned the whole disk.
3. Rinse off the DVD and allow it to air-dry.
4. Locate the scratch by looking carefully at the shiny side. If there are several scratches, the scratches running from the center to the outside are more likely to be the cause of the DVD malfunction than radial scratches.
5. Spread a thin layer of a gentle abrasive on the scratch. Baking-soda toothpaste works well, as does metal polish and professional DVD or CD polish.
6. Rub a soft cloth very gently in a circle over the scratch. This will slowly remove some of the clear plastic layer, working out the scratch.
7. Gently rinse the DVD in warm water, rubbing the polish off with your fingers.
Tags: plastic layer, your fingers, data layer, from inside, from inside outside, inside outside, metal data
