How to Repair Scratched CDs: Don’t Throw Them Out Yet!

We’ve all been thereÃ¢Â?Â¦ like old vinyl records, our favorite CDs can “skip” if there is a blemish on the playing surface. If you begin to question if your CD will ever work properly again, don’t panic! It may just need a good cleaning and a gentle buffing of the surface abrasions. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to salvaging your scratched CDs.


1. Use a lint-free cloth
Soft, clean cloths like those used to clean eyeglasses work well.

2. Use Brasso!
Usually used for cleaning brass, Brasso works great on scratched or scuffed CDs. Just a drop or two on a lint-free cloth will do the trick. Apply, let dry and buff gently away.

3. Rub along the direction of the scratch
Scuff marks can be removed by polishing in a circle, but if it’s scratched, follow its line. It’s usually not necessary to buff it entirely away ~ just sufficient enough to get the laser to be able to see through it again.


1. Use rubbing alcohol, abrasive cleaners (like Comet ~ oh, the horror,) toothpaste, ammonia, or petroleum-based products.
The idea is to take scratches out, not add more!

2. Use toilet paper
Most people reach for the TP first. But remember, it is made from wood fibers and can actually cause scratches instead of removing them.

3. Scrub the CD
Always use a gentle hand when polishing your CD surface. Scrubbing or hard buffing can damage the playing area.

For the price of a new CD, you can actually repair and restore your scuffed or scratched CDs to just like new. Plus, a good tip to add shine to your “new” CD is to use a tiny amount of Ronsonol Lighter Fluid. (Yes, lighter fluid! Applying it to a lint-free cloth (never to the CD itself) and then onto the disc will remove any smudges occurred by handling, and make it glisten!

Now your CDs look and play like new, even if the music isn’t.


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