How to Clean a Radio & CD Player

Clean your radio and CD player with compressed air, isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.

Radios and CD players can build up dirt, dust and fingerprints with regular use. If you notice your CDs skip often, it may be time to clean the lens. Use isopropyl alcohol, CD lens cleaner and compressed air to keep your audio equipment in top shape. Cotton swabs help you reach down in tiny cracks and between the buttons.

Things You'll Need

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Compressed air
• Cotton swabs
• Microfiber cloth
• CD lens cleaner

Instructions

1. Clean the CD player's lens with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. If the lens is not accessible, insert a cleaning CD and play the first track. Follow the audio instructions, which may indicate fast-forwarding or skipping tracks. When the cleaning process is finished, remove the disc and turn off the power.

2. Spray the radio and CD player all over with compressed air. Focus on cracks, crevices and any small areas where dust can collect.

3. Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and wipe around the buttons and knobs. Clean hard-to-reach areas with a cloth.

4. Dampen a microfiber cloth with alcohol and wipe away dust, dirt and fingerprints from the radio and CD player's surface. Avoid touching the surface with your bare hands to prevent fingerprints.

References

• Gizmo Highway - Clean Your CD Player Lens
• How to Clean Vintage Stereo Equipment