What Is the Correct Way to Clean a CD?

The best advice on cleaning CDs is not to do it unless absolutely necessary. If skipping is preventing you from enjoying the disk and you might discard it otherwise, then cleaning is worth trying. Always clean with a center-to-outside movement, not circular following the rings. The surface of CDs is more easily damaged than DVDs, so take the utmost care.

Preparation

The surface needing cleaning is the bottom, shiny side, not the top. Be careful not to touch the shiny side with your fingers. Pick up the disk only by the edges or the center hole.

Removing Dust

Start by removing any dust with a slightly dampened clean cloth that is lint-free. Gently and lightly wipe from the center to the edge. A duster in a can (air spray) also can remove dust.

Soap and Water

Make a mixture of a gentle liquid soap and water (1 tsp. to 1 cup of water). Soak a cloth in this and gently wipe from center to edge. Finish with a clean cloth soaked in clean water.

Isopropyl Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol is an alternative to soap and water. Apply a few drops around the surface of the shiny side and wipe gently as above.

Sticky Residue

For sticky items like gum, Web resources recommend applying a small amount of toothpaste (not the gel type) with a cotton swab. Let dry for several days and remove.

Cleaning Don'ts

Do not use any household cleaning materials, such as lens cleaning papers, any old rag lying around or paper towels.