Scratched CDs and DVDs

bonsoirbonsoir

Hi,

I found an excellent cheap fix for scratched DVDs and CDs. Rub the scratch with a soft cloth and a couple of drops of Brasso and the scratch, if it isn't too deep, should disappear.

To explain - a DVD or CD is a foil strip with a plastic protector on top - the plastic protector is quite thick which is why it was originally said that a scratched disk will still play (as opposed to a scratched record). However the laser that is focused on the foil layer can get deflected by the scratch in some cases. Brasso is a very mild abrassive which can help to soften the scratch.

Personally I find it annoying when DVDs arrive from the Tesco DVD rental club which are scratched, so if the disk doesn't play at some point rather than sending it back I clean the disk myself. It really does work! Try it on an old disk if you aren't sure.

Oh I should also add - before you try this try washing the disk with shampoo (mild shampoo) and drying it with toilet roll to see if that fixes the problem. If the disk is scratched but isn't causing any problems then I would also suggest leaving it alone!

I have also heard that spraying the disk with a fine mist of Pledge and then wiping it clean might work - the wax will fill in some scratches - but I have never tried this myself.

Hope you find this useful,

David

demented_2

Hi, Thank you for posting this tip, I thought that i had read somewhere that you could do this with brasso but then thought that i had had a senior moment by imagining it. So thank you. Don't know if i have any Brasso left but will now be ferreting around in the shed to find it, and have a go on a Cd which i bought from ebay last year for my daughter. The sellar said that it was in perfect condition but when i played it, it kept skipping on track 8 anyway i will try your brasso tip and see what happens. Or i might try the pledge one first, I will let you know the result. Off to find the Abba Cd.
Thanks demented.

mummyyummy_2

i know cd are not very os, but was just wondering if anyone had any hm concoctions they have sucessfully used to treat scratched cd's? thanks

mags50_2

I read somewhere once to gently rub them over with silver polish... not sure if it works or not... but might be worth a try with an old cd that you're not too bothered about?
hth

beachbeth

I sometimes spray with window cleaner (the sort that usually has vinegar in it) and wipe gently with a duster and this usually works.

squeaky

How to repair scratched CD's

beachbeth

If you have a 'hole' in your cd, ie you can see through it then apply some tippex to the label side to cover the hole up and this works too.

MonstersMummy

My mum swears by toothpaste. Rub it across the disc starting the middle and moving out to the edge. I've never tried it but she does it with all the kids ones we take up with us when we visit!!!

lil_me

I'm going to try this, recently binned 30 ish DVDs and CDs that were scratched, will have a go when I get chance.

mummyyummy_2

:j thanks to you all who posted, i will try some of these and post back to let you know how it went xx my xx

amethystdove

Try freezing your cd's!! Put in a freezer or plastic bag , freeze for 20-30 minutes. Remove then wipe dry with a lint free cloth, from the centre out, not in a circle. This works when cd's jump not sure on a very scratched one, hope this helps.