OK – we all have them – tonnes of broken CDs with scratches all over them that won’t play and skip and crackle and pop! So how do you remove scratches from a CD?.. is it even possible or are all these how-to videos on removing a scratches from CD’s a waste of time? Answer – nope!
It’s actually possible to remove really deep scratches on a DVD or CD!
Whilst you cannot easily remove the deepest scratches on a CD or DVD you can remove most of the seemingly ‘too deep’ ones believe it or not. I was amazed to find out how to remove really deep scratches on a CD using only toothpaste (for light scratches – see below) and sandpaper – yes sandpaper for much deeper scratches. The magic is in using really fine sandpaper – in this case two types – 2000 grit and 2500 grit and a small bowl of water.
How to fix the scratches on your CD or DVD disc
NOTE: do this at your own risk!
So the method is to…
- place a soft towel on a FLAT SURFACE to do your work.
- place the CD flat on this surface with the surface you want to fix facing UP! (the side without any printing).
- gently rub the disc with the 2000 sandpaper (rougher of the two) in first in one direction then cross the other way (sideways and up) until its evenly sanded – not too deep! (you may clean the disc under water mid-way).
- gently rub the disc with the 2500 sandpaper (softer of two sandpapers) in the same way.
- Wash and wipe disc.
- Now you have a matt CD with no scratches
- Take your electric car buffing tool that spins in circular motion with a cotton or microfibre pad on it – ie not scratchy at all like sandpaper!
- take some ‘Diamond T-Cut’ type car cleaner liquid (or very fine toothpaste).
- spay light water on buffing pad
- apply some diamond/T-Cut lotion cleaner fluid (a couple drops) and spread with finger over CD (to stop cleaner flying off!)
- Now polish the CD (note – this takes a few attempts and will not happen instantly to get your perfect shine back on your scratched CD).
This video is really really cool and explains the process in details visually…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kW0-Z0KIBc
Alternative – fiix your CD scratch with toothpaste!
- Squirt toothpaste onto a fine soft cloth or clean rag made from cotton or microfiber
- Gently wipe the scratched area. Rub the toothpaste over the scratched area
- Wash off the toothpaste. Hold CD under running water
- Dry the CD
- buff with buffing machine or by hand
