Tips to Fix a Scratched CD

It's easy to scratch a CD or get dirt on it and once a CD has a scratch or dirt on it then it will not work. A CD can accidentally fall or get knocked over, or a finger nail can rub the CD in a bad way. Small things can scratch a CD very easily since CD's are pretty delicate. Before you just throw out your scratched CD's you can try to clean them up yourself. It is very easy to do and it just may save that scratched CD from being thrown out into the garbage.

To see if you can save a scratched CD first take the CD by the edges and carefully clean it thoroughly with some mild soap, warm water and a very soft clothe that is lint free. A lint free polishing clothe can work very well on trying to save a CD. Remember to always hold the CD by it's edges so you do not put any finger prints on the CD. Sometimes a scratched CD just has some fingerprints on it from people touching the flat part of the CD.

When you polish the CD with the soft clothe use a circular motions and go from the middle of the CD to the edge of the CD. If your CD is still skipping then you can try some toothpaste.

Use a toothpaste that is not a gel. Just dab a small amount of the non gel toothpaste onto your finger and rub the entire CD. Start from the center of the CD and work your way to the edge of the CD. Then take a damp paper towel and remove the toothpaste as best you can. Then use a fresh clean towel and dry the CD carefully. This may or may not correct the CD's problem. It is at least worth a try to save your CD's.

The toothpaste has a very mild abrasive in it that will help to smooth out any scratches that the CD may have. If you have a scratched CD it is at least worth a try to see if you can save the CD.

If you don't like the idea of using toothpaste you can try some car wax. Just substitute the car wax for the toothpaste and see if you can rub the scratches out. Car wax also has very mild abrasives in it that can smooth out a scratch in a CD.

Next time you have a CD that will not work in your player try to fix it before you throw it away. You will only lose a couple minutes trying to save the damaged CD.