How to Fix Circular Scratches on an Xbox 360 Game

One of the problems that can come from playing games on a console that uses disc-based media is that the game discs can become scratched. So scratched, in fact, that they become unreadable by the console. If you find yourself with a scratched disc for your Xbox 360 game console, you may be able to repair it.

Things You'll Need

• Toothpaste (regular)
• Cotton pad
• Metal polish such as Brasso
• Soft cotton cloth

Instructions

Fixing Scratches With Toothpaste

1. Squeeze a two-inch length of toothpaste onto the data side (the side without artwork) of your Xbox 360 game disc.

2. Spread the toothpaste on your CD with a cotton pad. Rub in straight lines, outward from the center of the game disc.

3. Wash the game disc under running water until all of the toothpaste has been removed from the disc.

4. Dry the disc with a soft cloth. This should remove most of the minor scratches from the game disc.

Fixing Scratches With Metal Polish

1. Apply a small amount of metal polish to each of the scratches on your game disc. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.

2. Apply the metal polish with a soft cloth. Rub in the direction of the scratch.

3. Let the CD sit for 15 minutes, then rinse the CD under running water.

4. Use the soft cloth to dry the game disc, this should remove minor scratches, and improve major scratches on the disc. The scratch does not have to be completely removed, only cleaned up enough to become readable for your Xbox 360.

Tips & Warnings

• While both methods are effective, the metal polish method is much more effective with major disc scratches.

References

• Wisebread: Quickly Remove Scratches from CDs and DVDs
• TruthIsTreason: Resurface a Scratched CD
• McGee-Flutes: Fixing Scratched CDs