How to Maintain a CD Player

Dust specks and other dirt on a laser lens are a major cause of CD tracking and noise problems. You can prevent and solve these nuisances with routine maintenance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Cleaning the Lens and Chassis

1. Buy a CD lens cleaner with a small brush attached to it.
2. Consider a lens cleaner that also demagnetizes.
3. Insert lens cleaner disc in drawer or well of CD player with brush facing the lens (usually down). Follow audio instructions on disc.
4. Check owner's manual before cleaning the chassis. If the manufacturer has provided specific instructions, follow them.
5. Clean chassis with an anti-static rag, shop towel or other soft cloth rag. Use Endust for Electronics or plastic cleaning fluid (if chassis is plastic).
6. If using Endust for Electronics or another aerosol product, follow instructions on can. Otherwise, spray a small amount of fluid onto rag.
7. Wipe chassis, making sure no fluid gets inside.
8. Immediately dry with a dry portion of rag or a second rag.
9. Clean contacts on RCA jacks and cables.

Cleaning Inside the Player(Optional and Risky)

10. Inspect belts (usually thick black rubber bands) for wear.
11. Spray canned air on transport components.
12. Lubricate gears with 3-in-1 oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not spray fluids anywhere near CD drawer or ventilation holes in back of deck.
• Do not use ammonia-based products, harsh chemicals or strong detergents.
• If cleaning the lens doesn't do anything, consider taking the player to a repair shop instead of cleaning the insides yourself.
• Indications that you have removed screws or handled any internal components will void a manufacturer's limited warranty.
• You can destroy a belt by stretching it to test it.
• Do not smoke near a CD player.

Who Can Help:

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