This wikiHow teaches you how to remove dust, dirt, and residue from DVD discs. The easiest way to do this is to use rubbing alcohol and a microfiber cloth, although you can use other cleaning methods as well. Remember, cleaning a DVD won't fix scratches. This action is only useful for removing dust and smudges that block the DVD player's laser from reading DVDs.
Step
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Step 1. Place the DVD label portion on a soft cloth
You can use any cloth, such as a tablecloth, washcloth, or pillow as long as the label is facing down and the dirty side of the DVD is facing up.
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Step 2. Prepare the equipment
Some of the items needed to clean a DVD include:
- Isopropyl alcohol - Works as a cleanser. You can also use toothpaste, but be careful with most other cleaners as some contain solvents that can damage DVD discs.
- Water - This is used to rinse the DVD after you clean it.
- Microfiber cloth - This is used to wipe and dry DVD discs. Do not use washcloths or paper products because they can scratch the surface of the DVD.
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Step 3. Check the surface of the DVD
If there is a layer of dust and residue on the surface, you will need to do a thorough cleaning. However, if there is only a small amount of dust in a certain area, all you need to do is rinse and dry it.
Skip to the "Rinse DVD disc" step if you only want to rinse and dry the DVD
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Step 4. Drop some rubbing alcohol on the surface of the DVD
If the alcohol container provides a means for spraying it in a "mist" form, spray the entire surface of the DVD disc. If it's not there, drip some rubbing alcohol on it.
If using toothpaste, place a few dots of paste around the surface of the DVD, then spread it evenly so that it covers the entire surface of the disc
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Step 5. Gently wipe the alcohol stuck to the DVD in a straight motion
With a microfiber cloth, wipe the alcohol from the center of the disc outwards. Make sure you do it in a straight line. This is so that the entire surface of the disc is coated with alcohol. So, add more if necessary.
If using toothpaste, rinse the paste with water
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Step 6. Rinse the DVD disc
Run cool water over the DVD surface to remove dust, residue, and fabric debris.
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Step 7. Dry the DVD
Ideally, you should place the DVD in an upright position or rest the label on a soft object (such as a roll of tissue) to allow the disc to dry without wiping it with a cloth. However, if you are in a hurry, dry the DVD by wiping it with a microfiber cloth in a straight motion.
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Step 8. Test your DVD
Insert a dry DVD into the DVD player to see if it will work or not.
If the DVD still won't work properly, you may need to take it to a professional repair service. This kind of service can be found at a computer shop or service in your area
Tips
Cool water does not damage the DVD. Be careful not to use hot or very cold water to clean the DVD
Warning
- Any cleaning method will not be able to repair holes or scratches on DVD discs.
- Do not use solvent based cleaners as they can permanently damage the surface of the DVD/CD.