CDs that are not stored properly inside their protective case are bound to accumulate dust, fingerprints, smudges and grime on the surface, so sooner or later they will lose the ability to be played correctly by any optical player. Fortunately, cleaning the surface of a CD is a very simple operation that can be accomplished using normal household cleaning products. The most effective way to clean a CD is to gently wipe the surface of the disc with a soap and water-based cleaning solution before rinsing it with clean water. If you have alcohol on hand, you can use it to remove stubborn residues and stains.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Remove Dust and Lightest Scratches with Soap and Water
Step 1. Remove any accumulated dust from the surface of the CD by blowing it off or using a clean cloth
You can use a common can of compressed air to eliminate the dust deposited on the disc without having to touch it with your fingers. If you do not have this cleaning tool available, you can use a clean cloth that does not leave any residue of fabrics; you just have to wipe it gently on the surface of the CD. After cleaning is complete, try playing the CD. If the problem persists, you will need to adopt more effective methods.
- If you have chosen to clean the CD by hand, make movements starting from the center of the disc and moving outwards to avoid damaging the surface or leaving dust build-up on the CD.
- Make sure you handle the disc with care. Otherwise, if you try to remove the dust, you may scratch the surface of the CD.
Step 2. Get a container large enough to hold the CD and cleaning solution
A large, deep bowl will do just fine, but you can also use a regular plastic container. Make sure your chosen tool is perfectly clean and free of any residual dust or other materials.
If the container you've chosen has been stored for a long time inside a wall unit or cupboard, rinse it with warm water to get rid of any residue that may be inside before filling it with the soap and water mixture
Step 3. Pour 5 ml of liquid dish soap into the container
Alternatively, you can use a natural distilled water product created approximant for cleaning CDs. It is important to use a mild liquid soap, as a harsh one may be too abrasive and damage the disc surface.
Liquid hand soap is perfect for this type of work, as long as it does not contain any type of ingredient designed to moisturize the skin or other such additives that would leave a residue on the surface of the CD
Step 4. Fill the container with 5-7 cm of hot water
Make sure you stir the mixture as you pour the water into the container so that the soap dissolves completely. You can use your fingers directly to perform this step. You will get a perfect cleaning solution.
- When creating a cleaning mixture it is always better to use warm rather than cold water as heat has the ability to dissolve dirt better.
- The soap may create some lather as you mix it with the water. This is a completely normal process. At the end of the cleaning, you will eliminate the residual foam with simple water.
Step 5. Immerse the CD to be cleaned in water and let it soak for about a minute
In this way, the cleaning solution will have time to soften the residual dust and dirt on the surface of the disc. Make sure you dip the disc into the soap and water mixture with the reflective side facing up, so it can't contact the bottom of the container and get damaged.
If you want, you can move the CD gently in the water to increase the cleaning power of the soap and water mixture
Step 6. Rinse the disc under warm running water
Tilt the CD in all directions as you pass it under the tap to effectively remove any soap residue. Rinse it until the water looks perfectly clean. At the end of the rinse, there should be no more residues or streaks of soap or foam.
Only hold the CD with two fingers: place your thumb on the edge of the disc and insert your index finger in the center hole. In this way, the rinsing phase should be quick and easy, without running the risk of dirtying the disc
Step 7. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process again
If the disc still looks dirty, soak it again in the soap and water mixture, leaving it to soak for a few more minutes. In this case, however, gently rub the surface of the disc in circular motions using your fingers directly. So even the most stubborn residues should come off easily.
If the CD is not perfectly clean even after the second wash, it may be scratched rather than just dirty. In this case, you can eliminate the small superficial scratches by following the advice in this article
Step 8. Dry the disc using a clean, lint-free cloth
After gently shaking the CD to get rid of excess water, wipe both sides to remove any remaining liquid residue. Again, dry with linear movements, starting from the center of the disc to move towards the edge. This will minimize the risk of damaging the CD surface. Eventually, you should be able to play the CD without any problem.
- Microfiber cloths are ideal for drying delicate items such as CDs, DVDs and electronic devices.
- It is always better to dry these items manually rather than letting them air dry on their own, as water droplets may leave a stain on the disc surface.
Method 2 of 2: Use Alcohol Disinfectant to Dissolve Hardest Residues
Step 1. Mix one part of 90% isopropyl alcohol with one part of distilled water
Pour the same amount of alcohol and distilled water into a shallow container, then mix to mix the ingredients properly. Since you are going to use a very shallow container, you shouldn't need to use a lot of liquid, about 60-80ml of alcohol and distilled water should be more than enough.
- It is important to use distilled water as you will have to scrub the surface of the disc to make it perfectly clean. House tap water contains small residual particles that could scratch the surface of the CD during the cleaning phase.
- Alcohol is very useful in dissolving stains caused by fats, such as those in food or on the skin.
- Diluting the alcohol in water reduces its dissolving power so that it cannot affect the plastic surface of the CD.
Step 2. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the cleaning mixture
Wrap a flap of the cloth around the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand and dip it into the alcohol and water solution. In this way, you will have to use a very small amount of liquid and you will also be more precise in cleaning the area of the CD to be treated.
- To prevent the cleaning solution from dripping, wait for the excess to fall back into the container before wiping the surface of the CD to be cleaned
- Use only a cloth made of microfiber, chamois leather or similar materials. Regular household cleaning cloths can scratch the surface of the disc very easily.
Step 3. Clean the surface of the CD with linear movements, starting from the center and moving towards the edge
Do not exert excessive pressure and make smooth, even movements. Any foreign matter on the surface of the CD should be caught by the cloth and removed without difficulty. Continue the cleaning phase until you have treated the entire surface of the disc.
If you encounter a particularly difficult stain, always try to remove it with linear movements from the center to the outer edge of the disc and never with circular movements
Step 4. Let the CD air dry
After you have finished polishing the surface of the disc, grip it with two fingers (place your thumb on the edge of the disc and insert your index finger in the center hole). The mixture of alcohol and hydrogen peroxide should evaporate within seconds, so you don't need to use a second clean cloth to dry it. At this point you just have to listen to the CD to see if it plays correctly.
Advice
- To prevent CDs from getting dirty again, be sure to store them in their original case or in an appropriate CD holder.
- He often examines the surface of the CD for scratches or other signs of wear before trying to clean them. Problems you may encounter when playing a CD, such as sound distortion or a skipping track, are often caused by damage to the surface of the disc rather than accumulation of dust or dirt. It should be noted that cleaning the disc too often could damage the surface of the CD and consequently cause problems during playback.
Warnings
- Household cleaning products such as window cleaning sprays, floor cleaners, degreasers and stain removers should never be used for cleaning CDs, as they are normally very abrasive and therefore damage the disc surface.
- To dry CDs after cleaning them, never use paper towels, toilet paper or any other product made of paper. This type of material, in addition to leaving small residues, creates hundreds of microscopic scratches on the surface of the disc.
