How to Clean CDs

You have got a CD or a DVD which you need to play, you put it in your DVD player or computer and the disc hangs up in the playing process or does not play smoothly. What would you do in such a situation?

Improper handling of a disc and using it over time are the two main reasons of why CDs and DVDs are prone to scratches. And if the discs have scratches on its surface containing data, there is a higher possibility that they will not play as smoothly as expected. If a CD or a DVD does not play smoothly, you simply need to clean it to remove all the scratches which are causing the problem. There are many methods of cleaning CDs and DVDs. Many of these methods might even surprise you, as they consist of using household cleaning materials.

How to Clean a CD or DVD?

Use Water and a Soft Cloth
The first and foremost method is to use water to clean a CD. This has to be done in order to remove any dust particles from the surface of the disc. Immerse the CD or the DVD in warm water, keep it for sometime, take a soft lint-free cloth and rub the surface of the CD. You are not supposed to rub the surface of the disc however you want. There is a proper pattern for cleaning the CD without affecting the data stored therein. When cleaning, start from the center of the disc to the edge. Never use a towel, toilet paper, paper towel, or any such things; as they can make more minor scratches on the CD surface. Dry out the CD completely, and then try playing it to check, whether it works without any interruptions.

Rub a Banana on the CD Surface
Many people are not aware of the fact that a banana can also be used to clean scratched CDs. Take a fresh banana and peel it; but do not throw away the skin, as you will need it for rubbing on the disc surface afterward. Cut the banana into two pieces, and use one piece to rub on the surface in a circular motion. Now you have to take the banana peel and rub it in the same circular motion on the surface. The next step is to clean the disc surface with a soft cotton cloth. Before playing the disc it is better if you spray a cleaning liquid and wipe it dry.

Apply Toothpaste or Petroleum Jelly
If you want to clean CDs with household items, toothpaste or petroleum jelly are probably the best alternatives. However, this method can only be used, if the scratches are not very deep. Put an appropriate amount of either of these products on the disc surface, rub it gently using a soft cloth, and clear the toothpaste or petroleum jelly using a separate cloth. Spray a cleaning solution on the surface, clean it off with a fresh cloth, and then play the disc.

Use a Metal Polish or a Disc Cleaner Kit
If the above mentioned scratched CD remedies do not seem to work in making the playing of the disc smooth, you can consider using a metal polish cleaner or a disc cleaning kit. Use the metal polish cleaner on the surface, wipe it off with a soft cloth, allow it to dry, and check, if the CD works. If it does not, then you would probably have to use a disc scratch removal kit which includes specialized cleaning liquids and materials which are tried and tested to be effective on removing scratches on CDs and DVDs.

These are just few remedies concerning how to clean CDs or DVDs. If you want to clean CDs at home; you can use other methods such as applying car polish, alcohol, baking soda, etc. on the disc surface.