Whether you were trying to access work files on a CD or planning on listening to your favorite audio compact disc and your player simply refuses to read it, chances are there are scratches on your disc.
Now before you throw it away, there are means on how to fix a scratched CD and you can do these right at home.
How to Fix a Scratched CD
Before you begin, it is important that you be as gentle as possible when handling your CD as rough handling or applying to much pressure as you do the procedures given below may result in scratching the CD further.
1. Check the CD for visible signs of scratches. It’s best to work on areas where the scratches are specifically found instead of cleaning the whole of the CD. Apply a small amount of toothpaste – do not use toothpaste gel – on a soft lint-free cloth. An ideal cloth would be cleaning wipes for eyeglasses.
With a gentle outward motion starting from the center of the disc and going towards the edge, rub the toothpaste on the scratch. It is important to note here not to rub in a circular pattern as this may result in more scratches on the CD.
2. Rinse the CD. After you have applied the toothpaste gel and rubbed on the scratch as directed above, rinse off the toothpaste by washing the CD in warm water.
Once the paste has been thoroughly rinsed off, let the CD dry naturally. Do not wipe with a cloth or any other material.
3. Cleaning the entire disc. If there are several small scratches on the CD’s surface, it is best to clean the entire CD instead. You can do so by washing the disc with warm water and using your finger, gently rub on the surface.
You may use a mild liquid soap as the CD is still under the warm running water. With a gentle outward motion, rub from the center going to the edge until you have rubbed on all areas of the disc.
Shake off excess water and let the disc dry naturally. Do not attempt to wipe it dry with a cloth or any other material as this may result in more scratches.
4. Test your CD. After each process, i.e. working on scratches with the toothpaste or cleaning the entire disc; check the CD on your player if these remedies solved the problem.
If they did work, what you need to do is to back-up your files. Make a second copy either on your hard drive, if possible; or burn the contents on a new CD.
