How to Repair a Scratched or Dirty Disc
- 1). Remove dust and debris from the recording side of your disc by gently wiping it with a cloth. Use a soft, lint-free cloth that is safe for cleaning eyeglass or lenses, such as the type of cloth found in an eyeglass care kit
- 2). Apply toothpaste (paste not gel) or Brasso to the bottom of the disc. Cover the surface of the disc evenly with the chemical.
- 3). Wipe the surface of the disc gently with a cotton swab or cloth to remove the chemical. Use single-stroke movements from the center of the disc outward. Avoid rubbing the disc in a circular motion. Continue until most of the chemical has been wiped off.
- 4). Hold the CD under lukewarm running water to rinse off the remaining chemical residue. Do not touch the bottom of the disc with your fingers; hold the disc with one finger at the center and your thumb along the outer edge.
- 5). Dry the disc with a clean cloth, using the same outward motions as you did to clean it. Make sure both sides of the disc and the center are completely dry.
- 6). Inspect the disc by holding it up to a light and viewing the light's reflection. Most smaller scratches should be gone and any larger scratches should appear less pronounced.
- 7). Test the disc by putting it in a CD player or your computer's optical drive.
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