The Xbox console uses a laser to collect data from scratched Xbox discs. If your disc is scratched, the laser will be refracted so that the game will stutter or become completely unplayable. You can use toothpaste to scrape off the plastic around the scratch so the laser can read the disc again. You can also use lip balm to fill in the scratches with wax.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using Lip Moisturizer (Chapstick)
Step 1. Rinse the disc with tap water
Lip balm can usually fill in scratches in game discs. First, remove excess dirt and grease by rinsing the disc with tap water.
Step 2. Prepare your regular lip balm
Use lip balm without coloring, flavoring, and glitter.
Tip:
You can also use Vaseline to fill in the scratches.
Step 3. Apply lip balm on the strokes in a straight line
Rub lip balm up and down along the stroke. Do this several times so that a certain amount of lip balm fills in the scratches.
Repeat for other strokes on the game disc
Step 4. Use a soft cloth to rub the lip balm
After applying several coats of lip balm to the scratch, rub it in with a soft cloth in a circular motion. Continue scrubbing until no more wax remains. You will notice that the stroke is much thinner than before.
Step 5. Try the disc again
After you've scrubbed off all the excess lip balm, try playing the game disc again. Make sure all wax residue is removed from the disc before inserting it into the console.
Method 2 of 5: Using Toothpaste
Step 1. Rinse the game disc
Before applying toothpaste, rinse the disc first to remove any dirt and grime. Use warm water to rinse the discs in the sink.
If the label comes off the disc or there are cracks in the chip, you won't be able to fix it
Step 2. Dry the disc with a soft cloth
Use a microfiber cloth or other soft cloth to dry the disc after rinsing. When drying the disc, wipe from the center outwards towards the edges. Do not rub in a circle.
Step 3. Prepare the toothpaste
You need a good toothpaste that can repair scratches on discs effectively. The toothpaste will scrape the rough edges of the scratch so the laser reads the disc properly. To get this effect, you should use plain white toothpaste, preferably one containing baking soda.
Notes:
Avoid toothpaste in the form of gel, or toothpaste with whitening agents.
Step 4. Dab a small amount of toothpaste on the scratched disc area
Immediately rub a little toothpaste on the scratches on the disc that are quite severe.
Step 5. Use a cotton swab to rub along the stroke in small circular motions, like when waxing a car
Rub along the scratches on the disc.
You don't need to press hard, just keep rubbing in a circular motion
Step 6. Keep rubbing the scratch until it fades or is completely gone
You may notice some new fine scratches caused by the toothpaste, but the large scratches will completely disappear.
Step 7. Repeat on the other strokes
If there are other scratches on the disc, do a similar process with a small amount of toothpaste for each.
Step 8. Rinse the disc and dry it
Once you've finished wiping all the scratches, rinse the disc with water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
Method 3 of 5: Using the Lamp
Step 1. Prepare a 60 watt incandescent lamp
Heating the back of the disc can slightly melt the plastic lining the disc and repair minor scratches. For best results, use a 60 watt incandescent bulb.
Try not to use objects that emit a lot of heat, such as stoves. Your disc will melt until it can no longer be repaired. We recommend using a 60 watt incandescent lamp only
Notes:
The heat from an energy-saving lamp is usually not enough to melt the disc cover.
Step 2. Let the lamp warm up for 5-10 minutes
Thus, the lamp has enough heat to melt the disc cover.
Step 3. Hold the unlabeled side of the disc 7.5 cm from the lamp
Hold it close enough that you can feel the heat from the lamp.
When holding the disc, hold it only by the edges and insert your finger into the support hole in the center of the disc
Step 4. Hold the disc in the light and rotate it back and forth for 20 seconds
If left too long near a lamp, the disc can be permanently damaged. It's better to pull the disc out too fast and try again instead of heating it up too long.
Step 5. Test the game disc
Pull the disc out of the light and immediately insert it into the Xbox. turn on the console and see if the disc can work. If it still doesn't work, it looks like the disc should be handled professionally.
Method 4 of 5: Using the Magic Eraser
Step 1. Buy Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This cleaning kit can be purchased at most supermarkets. You can also use other brands that may be cheaper.
Tip:
Make sure you use a melamine foam remover.
Step 2. Use an eraser to scrub the scratches
Make sure to wipe in a straight line from the center to the outside. Press hard enough so that the eraser can polish off the scratch, but not so hard that it wears off the entire layer.
Step 3. Rinse and dry the disc
When you're done polishing the scratches with the magic eraser, rinse the disc under running tap water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth. Use the same motions when drying the disc: starting from the center towards the edges of the disc.
Step 4. Try the game disc
After polishing and rinsing the disc, you can try playing it again. If it still doesn't work, try wiping it again with the magic eraser, or use the other methods in this article.
Method 5 of 5: Using the Disc Repair Tool
Step 1. Purchase a disc repair kit
There are various tools that can be purchased via the internet or electronic retail. One of the most popular brands is SkipDr, although there are several others.
Step 2. Rinse and dry the disc before using the repair kit
Rinse off the dust on the disc with cold water, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Most repair kits come with a soft cloth to use.
Step 3. Spray cleaning fluid onto the “read” side of the disc
Do not spray the product onto the label side of the disc. Spray evenly all over the "read" side of the disc.
Step 4. Insert the disc into the repair tool
This process varies depending on the tool used. Make sure the “read” side of the disc is facing the repair tool scouring pad. Read the user manual to make sure you are inserting the disc correctly.
Step 5. Press the mechanism to rotate the disc in the repair tool
You need to turn a crank or press a button to turn the disc. The repair tool will rotate the disc, and wipe the cleaning pad on the “read” side of the disc.
Notes:
You may need to rotate a few times to smooth out the scratches.
Step 6. Wipe the disc with the supplied polishing cloth
Many disc repair kits also include a cloth that you can use to wipe the disc after repair. Scrubbing vigorously will help ensure the disc is readable. Wipe the cloth in small, concentric circles on the surface of the disc.
Step 7. Try the game disc
Insert the repaired disc into the Xbox console and try playing it. If it still doesn't work, try repeating the process again. Some users claim to repeat the process 10 times before the disc can be played. Some scratches can be too deep for this device to repair.
Tips
- Try not to stand the Xbox 360 vertically as it is said to increase the chances of the disc being scratched.
- Borrow a friend's Xbox game and install it on your Xbox before using your game. This helps the console retain more information from a good game disc, instead of trying to retrieve it from your scratched game disc.
- Use butter and a soft cloth.
- If your game disc continues to have perfect circular scratches near the center hole, it's likely that your Xbox 360 console is defective and needs repair or replacement.
- Game stores like Gamestop may offer disc repair services for a fee. Chances are this shop has a more powerful scrubber, and can repair game discs better.
- Dab a small amount of car wax on the repaired surface after applying one of the methods above. This will help fill in any remaining scratches, and prevent future streaks from appearing. Use a soft cloth and rub the wax in a circular motion until it is completely evenly distributed over the disc.
