Skip to main content

How to Repair a Scratched CD or DVD

CD DVD Repair
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is there anything more frustrating than rocking out to music and having the CD begin to skip? Or how about when you’re at the climax of a movie and all the sudden the DVD player stalls and you miss the most important scene after investing sometimes hours into the story. Well here are a few steps you can take to restore your CDs or DVDs to playable condition and avoid those profanity ridden outbursts directed at your media players.


step-1Check if there is excess dirt of grime on the surface. If there is remove it with a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure and wipe the disk from the inside to the outside in a straight line and not in a circular pattern.

 

step-2Clean the disk with a damp, lint-free cloth (such as the small cloths used to clean eyeglasses) making sure you continue to wipe from the center to the edge of the disk in a straight line. Cleaning the disk will wipe away any smudges and allow you to easily spot the scratches that need repairing.

 

step-3Now it’s time to fix the scratches. If you’re having trouble locating the scratches then hold the disk up to a light source and check its surface from different angles. Take a small amount of toothpaste, wax or ideally the liquid that comes with a CD/DVD repair kit and carefully work it into the scratches. Use several thin layers to fill in the scratches and allow it to dry for a bit.

 

step-4Next buff the disk lightly using the same method as before going from the center to the edge in a straight line. The repair liquid will dry and disappear as you continue to buff.

 

step-5If some scratches still appear when the liquid is gone then redo steps four and five until you’re satisfied with the results.

Greg Mombert
Greg oversees homepage promotional imagery, long form content layouts and graphics, product photography, and the product…
How to change Alexa’s name or the name Alexa calls you
Echo Dot 4th Gen Clock Model

All-knowing and always listening, Alexa sometimes responds even when you don't want her to. This may happen if you or someone in your home is named Alexa (or something close to it, like Alex), or if your Alexa device is near a TV or music source that sounds the word out (or, again, something close to it). Fortunately, there’s a way to fix it.

In this tutorial, we'll explain how to change Alexa's name (a.k.a. "Alexa's wake word"), as well as the name Alexa calls you. Once you've wrapped up this quick tutorial, be sure to check out some other great tips and tricks for your Alexa device.

Read more
How to descale a Keurig with vinegar or a descaling agent
The Keurig K-Duo coffee maker sets on a kitchen counter.

When your Keurig boils water, the water steams up into a gas, but hard minerals remain as scale. This is the same whether you're using a Keurig Slim, Keurig 2.0, or any of the best Keurig machines. Scale is simply a part of machines that boil water.

While scale is usually quite harmless, the excess buildup of it will eventually make your Keurig not function. Like cholesterol in the veins, it can eventually clog your machine up. While you could theoretically keep checking out Keurig deals each time you get a scale issue, that isn't practical. Read along for our step-by-step instructions on how to descale a Keurig.

Read more
How to clean a humidifier
A dirty humidifier can breed mold. Here's how to clean yours

For people who live in dry climates or have sinus problems, humidifiers are a godsend. They're also helpful during the winter, ensuring you have enough moisture in your home when you don't want to open a window and let in the cold outside air. But to get the best out of your appliance, you're going to have to clean it often, even if it's one of the best humidifiers.

Keeping your humidifier clean is not only important for its performance, but it's also important for your health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a dirty humidifier can actually be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, and your machine can even make you sick if it's not properly maintained.

Read more