Normally, DVDs and CDs show signs of wear after years of use. Some of these age-related scratches can adversely affect the quality of the image reproduced on the screen and, if neglected, can even render the optical media unusable over time. If you notice any small scratches on the surface of your DVDs, try cleaning and polishing it to restore full functionality.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Polish a DVD
Step 1. Assess the damage
Check if the DVD can be repaired or if the damage is severe enough to make any effort useless.
- As mentioned earlier, discs with very deep scratches cannot be repaired. To assess the damage, look at the surface of the disc against the light. If sunlight gets through the scratch, it is very likely that the disc can no longer be repaired.
- Circular scratches, along the entire track recorded on the disc and most likely due to the laser of the optical reader, often generate permanent damage. On the contrary, small scratches along the radius of the disc are very easy to remove.
Step 2. Clean the DVD
To do this, use a soft cloth and clean water. You can also use alcohol, while most other solvents on the market could irreparably damage the disc.
Step 3. To clean the disc surface, use a jewelry-specific cloth
Cleaning cloths for eyeglass lenses can also work.
Step 4. Grasp the disc from the outside using your non-dominant hand
Then, with your dominant hand, clean the surface starting from the center and working your way out, along the radius of the disc, using the jeweler's cloth. Continue the cleaning operation by making movements in a straight line, from the center outwards, until the entire surface of the disc is treated.
Step 5. Insert the disc into the DVD optical drive
Try reproducing its contents to see if the cleaning procedure has given the desired result. If the problem persists, you will need to take more extreme measures.
Step 6. Try to recreate a uniform surface
You can do this by adopting several methods:
- Buy some polish at an auto parts store. Apply a small amount of product to the surface of the disc and rub it in a straight line along the radius of the DVD until the entire disc is treated. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes. After the indicated time has elapsed, rinse the disc and clean the surface with a soft cloth. Similar products must always be used in well-ventilated places, and after use it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly.
- Purchase a mechanical device designed to remove scratches from optical media. This device removes a very thin layer of material from the disc surface, after which it polishes. Insert the DVD into the device, then turn the DVD crank following the instructions on the package. When finished, polish the disc using a jewelry cloth.
- Purchase a professional product specifically designed for DVD cleaning. Apply the product with movements in a straight line along the radius of the disc. Let it act according to the instructions on the package so that the outermost layer of the disc surface is removed. When finished, rinse and / or polish the disc using a jewelry cloth.
- Try using regular toothpaste. Buy classic toothpaste from your local retailer. The very small granules present in the toothpaste will have an abrasive effect on the surface of the disc, favoring the cleaning and polishing process. Apply the toothpaste in straight line movements along the radius of the disc until the entire surface is treated. Wait until the toothpaste is dry, then rinse it off and clean the disc using a jewelry cleaning cloth, always making straight-line movements facing from the center out.
Method 2 of 2: Fill in the Scratches
Step 1. Assess the damage
Check if the DVD can be repaired or if the damage is severe enough to make all effort unnecessary (refer to the previous section of the guide for more details).
Step 2. Clean the DVD
To do this, use a soft cloth and clean water. You can also use alcohol, while most other solvents on the market could irreparably damage the disc.
Step 3. To clean the disc surface, use a jewelry cloth
Cleaning cloths for eyeglass lenses can also work.
Step 4. Grasp the disc from the outside using your non-dominant hand
Then, with your dominant hand, clean the surface starting from the center and working outward along the radius of the disc using the jeweler's cloth. Continue the cleaning operation by making movements in a straight line, from the center outwards, until the entire surface of the disc is treated.
Step 5. Insert the disc into the DVD optical drive
Try to reproduce the contents to see if the cleaning procedure has given the desired result. If the problem persists, you will need to take more extreme measures.
Step 6. Sprinkle the surface of the disc with petroleum jelly
Treat the entire DVD without excessive rubbing. The hope is that the petroleum jelly will be able to penetrate the scratches filling them and minimizing the deviant effect they have on the laser of the optical reader.
Step 7. Remove the petroleum jelly
To do this, use a method similar to those described for wiping the disk. Chances are, alcohol will be very helpful to remove petroleum jelly (even if you didn't use it in the initial DVD cleaning phase). Make sure there are no marks or visible residues of petroleum jelly on the surface at the end.
Advice
Store your DVDs in a dark, cool and dry place. Discs exposed to sunlight, moisture and heat are more likely to warp or get scratched
Warnings
- Do not use the repair methods described in this guide on a Blu Ray disc. These supports are more resistant to scratches, but are more easily damaged if they come into contact with abrasive substances.
- When cleaning the surface of the disc, do not make circular motions. Failure to do so may result in additional scratches that deflect the player's laser beam as it penetrates the surface of the disc and is reflected.
