How to clean a dirty CD

Content

Method 2 of 2: Dissolve stubborn stains with rubbing alcohol
Tips
Warnings
What do you need
Water and soap
Rubbing alcohol

1 Blow off or wipe dry dust from the disc surface. Use a can of compressed air to remove dust and avoid touching the surface. If you do not have compressed air, gently dust off the dust with a soft, lint-free cloth. Try playing the disc. If the problem is not solved, then proceed to more intensive cleaning.

When removing dust by hand, always move from the center of the CD to the outside edge to avoid damaging the surface and spreading dust.
Handle the disc carefully to avoid scratching it after cleaning.

2 Find a container of the right size. A deep bowl is best, but you can also use a plastic container. The container itself must be clean, free of dust and dirt.

If the bowl has been in the cupboard for a while, rinse it with warm water to remove any dust that might have settled on the surface.

3 Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) mild dishwashing liquid to a container. Alternatively, you can use an all-natural detergent based on distilled water. Choose a mild product that does not contain any abrasive particles that can scratch.

Hand soaps that are free of moisturizers and other additives are also good. After them, a film sediment may remain.

4 Pour warm water 5–8 centimeters high into the container. Stir the soap and water with your fingertips while adding water. The result is a fairly uniform soapy solution.

Instead of cold, it is better to use warm water, as it dissolves solidified substances better.
The soapy solution may foam slightly. It's okay, as the foam can be washed off later.

5 Submerge the dirty CD in soapy water for one minute. During this time, the solution will loosen dust and other contaminants on the surface of the disc. Be sure to place the disc upside down in the bowl so that it does not rub against the bottom of the container.

You can gently shake the disc under water several times to better clean the surface.

6 Rinse the disc under warm running water. Tilt the disc at different angles under running water to rinse off the soapy water on both sides. Rinse until the water is clear with no traces of foam or drips on the surface of the disc.

Hold the disc with two fingers by the center hole and outer edge to avoid smudging the surface.

7 Repeat the steps as necessary. If the disc is still dirty, put it back in soap and water and let it sit for one minute. This time, you need to rub the most persistent spots with the pad of your finger in a circular motion. When exposed, the stains should go away.

If the disc still looks dirty after re-cleaning, it may be scratched and not just dirty. In this case, you will need to remove the scratches.

8 Dry the disc with a lint-free cloth. Shake off any water and collect any remaining moisture from both sides of the disc. As before, move from the center to the outer edge of the disc to avoid damaging the surface. After cleaning, the disc should look and work like new!

Use a microfiber cloth to dry the disc or electronic components.
It is better to dry the disc by hand so that no streaks remain on the surface due to prolonged drying.

Method 2 of 2: Dissolve stubborn stains with rubbing alcohol

1 Prepare a 1: 1 solution of 90% rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Pour equal amounts of alcohol and distilled water into a shallow container, stir until smooth. Ingredients are not needed in large quantities (60–90 milliliters of each is sufficient).
- It is important to use distilled water as the disc will actually need to be polished. Tap water contains small particles that can cause scratches.
- Rubbing alcohol dissolves thick deposits and dried-on substances such as sugary drinks and food.
- The acidic alcohol must be diluted so that it does not destroy the plastic surface of the disc.
2 Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in the solution. Wrap a tissue around the tip of your index finger and soak in an alcohol solution. A small amount of the solution will be absorbed into the tissue for a clear cleaning surface.
- Wait until all excess solution has drained off the fabric before cleaning.
- Use a microfiber, suede, or similar cloth. A regular cotton napkin will leave scratches on the surface.
3 Work the surfaces of the disc from the center outward. Use smooth, steady movements with moderate pressure. All foreign matter on the surface will dissolve when exposed to the solution. Wipe down until the entire surface is clean.
- If you come across a stubborn stain, try to remove it with repeated straight, but not circular, strokes.
4 Air dry the disc. After cleaning, grasp the disc with one hand by the center hole and outer edge. The alcohol solution will evaporate in a few seconds, so you don't need to use a napkin or other cloth. Try to play the cleaned up disc!

Tips

Store discs in their original packaging or special album so they do not get dirty.
Always inspect discs for scratches or other signs of wear before cleaning. Playback problems such as skipping sectors and audio distortion are often caused by damage rather than dirt. Frequent disk cleaning can also lead to problems.

Warnings

Never use household cleaners such as glass cleaner, polish or stain remover to clean discs, as they contain abrasive substances.
Do not use paper towels, toilet paper, or other paper products to dry your discs. They will leave behind paper particles and hundreds of microscopic scratches.