Rather than throwing away scratched CDs, try cleaning them a few different ways to see if you can restore them.
It's not uncommon to carry a CD around in the car, in a backpack, maybe even in a purse. Since CDs are so portable and so exposed to damage, it is important to be aware of proper CD cleaning. Proper cleaning easily extends the life of the CD.
Remove Dust
Clean your CD by removing any dust. Dust can be very abrasive, so if not handled properly, it can worsen the CDs condition. The best way to get rid of any dust on the CD is to blow it off with canned air. As an alternative to the canned air, a microfiber cloth can be used. While holding the CD with forefinger in the middle hole and thumb on the edge, rub the CD in straight lines starting in the center and moving towards the edge.
Rubbing Alcohol
Use rubbing alcohol to clean a CD. Make sure the rubbing alcohol you use contains 90 percent isopropyl. Make a cleaning solution by mixing an equal amount of rubbing alcohol and distilled water. Then, take a soft cloth and dip it into the mixed solution. As before, gently wipe the CD in straight lines starting with the center and moving toward the edge.
Organic Dish Soap
If the CD has is very dirty or has something sticky on it, try cleaning it with organic dish soap. Simply mix a cup of water that is room temperature and a teaspoon of the organic dish soap. Then, dip a cloth in the solution and rub the CD in straight lines from the inside out. Lastly, rinse the CD with lukewarm water.
CD Cleaning Kits
A final option is to try one of the many products that are available for purchase to clean CDs. Some people choose to buy an entire CD cleaning kit, but individual products are also available. They usually include microfiber cloths with single bottles of CD spray cleaner. They also have premoistened cloths that can be carried around with the CDs with allow for easy cleaning.
Tags: rubbing alcohol, straight lines, center moving, dish soap, lines starting