Comments on How to Clean CDs

Seriously. I looked through all these comments and toothpaste was the one which showed up most often. So I tried it. I wiped toothpaste all over the surface. I waited about 30 - 60 seconds. Then I wiped it off with my previous (failed) distilled water and dish detergent solution. Then I dried it. Popped it into the CD ROM drive and one of the two files I was trying to transfer copied successfully. So, I repeated the whole process and even wiped the toothpaste with the grain (which, yes, is a big no no, just be sure to wipe against the grain when wiping the toothpaste off). This time, the second file transferred successfully. I would be turning back flips if only I could. By the way, using an old cotton T-shirt is a great substitute for linen. Virtually no lint or fibers stick to the CD.

Seriously. I looked through all these comments and toothpaste was the one which showed up most often. So I tried it. I wiped toothpaste all over the surface. I waited about 30 - 60 seconds. Then I wiped it off with my previous (failed) distilled water and dish detergent solution. Then I dried it. Popped it into the CD ROM drive and one of the two files I was trying to transfer copied successfully. So, I repeated the whole process and even wiped the toothpaste with the grain (which, yes, is a big no no, just be sure to wipe against the grain when wiping the toothpaste off). This time, the second file transferred successfully. I would be turning back flips if only I could. By the way, using an old cotton T-shirt is a great substitute for linen. Virtually no lint or fibers stick to the CD.

First, put a rag or dry cloth over the disc, then put a dish detergent on the rag. Rub until disc is covered. Wash in warm water, then dry.

When you are looking for a soft cloth to clean a CD with, do keep in mind that tissues (such as Kleenex) and toilet paper are made of wood fibers and will scratch your CD/DVDs. I learned my lesson from the damage done to my spectacle lenses polishing them on tissues. They wore out within two years. My next glasses I started washing with dish detergent and drying them on a linen (lint free) cloth and they have so far outlived the old lenses by several years as they never get scratched. For CDs I always use a proper lens cloth (like you would use on cameras, spectacles etc) - and then I know they won't get scratched.

I had a guitar cleaning kit which included some cleaning spray and a cloth. I used that and it worked great.

When you are looking for a soft cloth to clean a CD with, do keep in mind that tissues (such as Kleenex) and toilet paper are made of wood fibers and will scratch your CD/DVDs. I learned my lesson from the damage done to my spectacle lenses polishing them on tissues. They wore out within two years. My next glasses I started washing with dish detergent and drying them on a linen (lint free) cloth and they have so far outlived the old lenses by several years as they never get scratched. For CDs I always use a proper lens cloth (like you would use on cameras, spectacles etc) - and then I know they won't get scratched.

I had a guitar cleaning kit which included some cleaning spray and a cloth. I used that and it worked great.

I just used WD-40 sprayed on a clean, white face cloth to wipe CDs clean (sticky substance around the edges). It disappeared immediately.

I just used WD-40 sprayed on a clean, white face cloth to wipe CDs clean (sticky substance around the edges). It disappeared immediately.

Simply take Windex (or some other glass cleaner), spray on the CD, and wipe gently with something soft, such as cloth.

Simply take Windex (or some other glass cleaner), spray on the CD, and wipe gently with something soft, such as cloth.

Take a baby wipe and wipe the back of the CD going in an outward motion, never in a circle. This removes fingerprints and smudges from the CD.

Take a baby wipe and wipe the back of the CD going in an outward motion, never in a circle. This removes fingerprints and smudges from the CD.

I needed to clean a CD which had on it some heavy duty glue from the packaging with which it came. I tried dishwashing liquid and hand soap as suggested above but it didn't work. There were still little thin traces everywhere and just when I was about to order a replacement CD, I sprayed it with Burberry's fragrance (I had nothing to lose...) and wiped it off with a paper towel. The glue was dissolved within a few seconds with no traces whatsoever and there was no damage to the CD. Alcohol was the key I think.

My CD has plastic melted onto it from the car's heat. I used a pencil eraser to rub it out - center to edges - then I wiped the CD with a soft damp paper towel, it really works. No more skipping.

For general cleaning, I use Ronsonol Lighter Fluid. It will remove smudges and leave a CD shining like new. Be sure to put the Ronsonol on a rag, never directly on the CD (it can run under the label side and ruin the CD). For light scratches, I use Brasso (used for years by the military). I place a cloth over my index finger and put a small amount of Brasson on it. I then rub it on the CD. Let the Brasso dry to a powder, then with a soft cloth, gently rub over the scratch (or the entire CD). I know everyone says to rub from the center outward, but I have rubbed CD's in every direction and never experienced any difference in their performance. This scratch removing process may have to be repeated several times. For a really great shine, I usually follow up with an application of the Ronsonol Lighter Fluid. Incidentally, as a gummed label remover, Ronsonol can't be beat. It acts within a minute or two and far outperforms anything else I've tried and it leaves no residue.

Use peroxide, toothpaste and mouthwash.