CDs that are removed from their place are usually susceptible to dust, fingerprints, and various smudges that can interfere with their performance to play properly. Luckily, you can clean it easily with a variety of common household items. The quickest cleaning option is to carefully scrub the underside of the disc with a mild soap solution before rinsing it with clean water. If you have alcohol at home, you can also use it to dissolve stubborn stains or residue.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Removing Small Dust and Dirt with Soap and Water
Step 1. Blow or wipe light dust off the surface of the disc
Use a can of compressed air to remove the stain without touching the surface of the disc. If you don't have such an air can, you can gently wipe the surface of the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth. After that, try playing the disc. If the problem persists, you may need to switch to a more intensive cleaning method.
- When cleaning CDs by hand, always wipe the disc from the center outward to prevent damage and spread of dust to other parts of the disc.
- Make sure you handle the disc with care. Otherwise, you could scratch the CD while removing dust.
Step 2. Find a container large enough to soak the CD in
A bowl with a high enough wall will work best, but you can also use a plastic container. Make sure the inside of the container is clean and free of dust or other debris.
If the container you're going to use has been out of the cupboard for a long time, pour warm water into it to rinse off any dust that might have accumulated inside before you fill it with the soap solution
Step 3. Pour 5 ml of mild dish soap into the container
You can also use a natural cleaning solution of distilled water that is formulated to clean CDs. It is important that you use a mild soap product because the harsher soaps contain abrasives that can leave scratches on the surface of the disc.
You can also use hand soap as long as it doesn't contain moisturizers or other additives. These substances can leave a thin film on the surface of the disc
Step 4. Fill the container with warm water until it reaches a height of 5-8 centimeters
While filling the container, stir the soap and water with your fingertips. Both should form a foamy solution.
- Warm water works better than cold water for cleaning discs because it has the ability to soften any dirt or smudges that have stuck to it.
- Your soap solution may foam up quite a bit, but don't worry as you can still rinse it off later.
Step 5. Soak the dirty CD in soapy water for about a minute
By soaking it, the solution has enough time to remove any dust or dirt remaining on the surface of the disc. Make sure you place the CD with the bottom facing up so you don't scratch the bottom of the case.
If you want, you can gently shake the CD in the water a few times to increase the cleaning power
Step 6. Rinse the CD under warm running water
Tilt the disc at different angles under clean, running water. Make sure that no marks or foam remain after you rinse it.
Hold the CD with two fingers-one by the center and one by the outside so that you don't rub the surface of the disc while rinsing it
Step 7. Repeat the process if necessary
If the disc still looks dirty, put it back in the soap solution and let it sit for a minute. This time, rub the stubborn areas of the stain in a circular motion using the skin of your finger. With a little pressure, the stain can usually be removed.
If the condition of the CD does not appear to improve after a second cleaning, the disc may be scratched and not just dirty. In this situation, you will need to repair the small grooves on the surface of the disc
Step 8. Dry the disc with a lint-free cloth
After removing excess water by shaking the disc, wipe both sides of the disc to remove any remaining moisture. As before, wipe the surface from the center outward to reduce the risk of damage. When you're done, the CD will look clean and play just as well as a new disc!
- Microfiber towels are suitable for drying perishable items such as CDs, DVDs, and other electronic components.
- Instead of drying the discs by aerating them, it is better to dry them by hand. It is possible that the remaining water droplets can leave stains on the surface of the disc if left too long.
Method 2 of 2: Using Alcohol to Remove Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Mix 90% concentrated isopropyl alcohol with distilled water in a 1:1 ratio
Pour the alcohol and distilled water into a short-walled container in equal proportions, then stir them together until combined. You don't need to use a lot of ingredients. The volume of 60-100 ml for each ingredient is more than enough.
- It is important to use distilled water as you will need to scrub the disc later. Tap water contains tiny particles that can scratch the surface of the disc.
- Alcohol is useful for destroying thick stains or dirt such as soda or food residue.
- Dissolve the acid alcohol so as not to damage the plastic surface of the CD.
Step 2. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the mixture
Wrap the index finger with a cloth and dip it in the alcohol solution. With this step, a small amount of the solution will be absorbed into the cloth and you will be able to scrub the surface of the disc more accurately.
- To prevent dripping, remove or wring out any remaining solution from the rag before you clean a dirty CD.
- Use only microfiber cloths, chamois, or similar equipment. Ordinary hand towels can scratch the surface of the disc.
Step 3. Wipe the surface of the CD from the center outwards
Clean the surface in a straight motion and with sufficient pressure. Dirt that dries and sticks to the surface of the disc will disappear with the rag. Keep wiping the disc until you've completely cleaned the bottom surface.
If you find a stain that is difficult to remove, rub the stain in a straight line several times, and do not wipe in a circular motion
Step 4. Dry the CD by aerating it
When you're done, hold the CD in one hand, with one finger holding the center and the other finger holding the edges. The alcohol solution will evaporate in a few seconds so you don't need another rag or towel. Play a freshly cleaned CD and hear the sound!
Tips
- To prevent the CD from getting dirty in the future, make sure you store it in the original box or in a separate CD storage case.
- Always check the disc for scratches or signs of damage before attempting to clean it. Playback glitches such as skipping or audio distortion are often caused by disc damage, not dirt. In addition, cleaning the CD too often can also cause problems or damage.
Warning
- Avoid household cleaning products such as window cleaning sprays, polishes, and stain removers, as these are usually highly abrasive.
- Never use paper towels, toilet paper, or other paper products to clean CDs. Apart from leaving scraps of paper, these products can also cause hundreds of microscopic scratches on the surface of the disc.
