How to fix a scratched DVD

DVDs and CDs are fairly durable, but they do get scratched over time. Fortunately most often the scratches can be fixed or significantly reduced, so that you can still enjoy that movie or find that missing file.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scratched CD or DVD
• liquid soap or rubbing alcohol
• (optional) paste toothpaste
• (optional) lint-free cloth

1. Clean the DVD with warm water and liquid soap (or even a bar soap if you are careful). Cleaning the DVD off, even if you can not see any scratches or dust will often fix a lot of issues. Dust and oils can get into the small scratches and really effect the disc.

2. Try using the DVD now. If you still have problems proceed onward.

3. Inspect the bottom of the DVD. Do you see any scratches? Look for ones that are parallel to the DVD's shape, that is scratches that follow the spinning pattern of the disc.

4. If this is a data DVD, you may want to try copying any data you can off the DVD. You may find that all your fidgeting has improved the performance enough to grab the files you need.

5. Grab a lint-free cloth and some paste toothpaste (one with baking soda is preferable) and polish the DVD. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the cloth and gently rub in a straight line from the center of the disc to the outside. Rubbing in circles may make the problem worse. You should focus your efforts on any visible scratches that you found in the previous step.

6. Rub the toothpaste into the disc about a dozen times or so.

7. Clean the toothpaste off the disc with warm water. Make sure you get all the toothpaste, otherwise you could potentially gunk up your DVD player.

8. Let the disc dry, or set the bottom side of the disc down on a lint-free cloth.

9. Once completely dry, try the DVD again. If you still encounter problems go back to Step 5 and repeat the process. If after a few minutes you still encounter problems, the scratch may be too deep to fix, or you may be polishing the wrong area.

10. If all else fails you can use furniture wax on the bottom of the disc. Apply in a very thin coat. Let this dry completely before trying the disc. Seriously.

11. Try the disc now. If this works copy any data off the disc, as the furniture wax is a temporary solution. Unless you really like applying furniture wax, in which case just plan ahead if you want to use the disc.

12. You can call music or movie stores that sell used CDs. They often have a machine that will refinish CDs and DVDs. Price may vary, but if the disc is very important it may be worth it.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience goes a long ways here. Take your time and go gently on the disc.
• Never use a power tool to polish the disc. I know it's tempting, but you will make a huge mess and possibly ruin your disc.

[Glencap]

on 4/2/2009 I have several DVDs that I need to try this method on. Thanks so much for sharing.