How to Fix a Scratched Disc
Repair minor surface scratches on CDs, DVDs, or game discs using mild polishing paste to restore optical clarity and fix skipping or read errors.
- Read the tools, materials, safety notes, and steps below for free.
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🧰 Required Tools & Equipment
- ✓ 2x Microfiber cloths
- ✓ Desk lamp or bright directional light
- ✓ Soft flat work mat or towel
📦 Materials & Supplies
- ✓ Plain white non-gel toothpaste or plastic polish
- ✓ Mild dish soap
- ✓ Lukewarm water
- ✓ Isopropyl alcohol (optional)
⚠️ Safety Checkpoints & Warnings
- • Ensure the disc is placed on a clean, soft surface to prevent scratching the top label side.
- • Do not apply excessive downward pressure that could snap or micro-fracture the polycarbonate layer.
📋 Step-by-Step Guide (6 Steps)
Inspect the Scratch Type and Location
Hold the disc under a bright light tilted at a 45-degree angle to inspect the shiny bottom side. Confirm the scratch is on the clear plastic side and not through the top printed foil layer. Note whether scratches run along the tracks (circular) or across them (radial).
- • Disc angled under light showing visible surface imperfections clearly isolated on the clear read side.
- • Attempting to buff deep scratches that have penetrated the top printed label layer, which ruins the data layer permanently.
Wash and Degrease the Disc
Run lukewarm tap water over the clear side of the disc and apply two drops of mild dish soap. Gently spread the soapy water with your fingertips in straight lines from the center hub outwards to remove finger oils and grit.
- • Even layer of soapy foam covering the read surface with no gritty particles remaining.
- • Rubbing in circular motions around the tracks, which grinds dust across data sectors.
Rinse and Pat Dry Radially
Rinse the disc under clean running water until all soap residue is gone. Place the disc flat on a soft towel and gently pat it dry with a clean microfiber cloth using straight strokes from center to edge.
- • Clear polycarbonate surface completely dry with zero water spots or lint.
- • Scrubbing vigorously with paper towels, which leaves abrasive wood-fiber micro-scratches.
Apply Polishing Compound
Place the disc data-side up on the flat microfiber-covered work surface. Apply a pea-sized dab of plain white paste toothpaste or fine plastic polish directly onto the scratched zone.
- • Small, controlled dollop of white paste positioned directly over the scratched region.
- • Using gel toothpaste, whitening beads, or baking soda paste that contain overly coarse grit.
Buff the Scratch in Straight Radial Strokes
Using a clean section of microfiber cloth wrapped around your index finger, buff the paste with moderate, even pressure. Move exclusively in straight lines from the center hole out to the edge for 2 to 3 minutes.
- • Paste spread evenly along radial lines with the scratch edges visibly smoothing out.
- • Buffing in a swirling or circular motion around the disc's rotational axis.
Rinse, Clean, and Inspect
Rinse away all residual polishing paste thoroughly under warm running water. Pat dry with a fresh microfiber cloth and inspect under your light source to verify the scratch has leveled out before testing in the drive.
- • Clean, crystal-clear optical surface with no chalky white residue trapped in the hub or edges.
- • Leaving dried paste residue in the center spindle groove or along the outer bevel.
Credit: inspired by an original tutorial by HowToBasic — watch the original on YouTube.
Don’t have everything?
- No Plastic polish? Basic white non-gel paste toothpaste
- No Microfiber cloth? Clean 100% cotton t-shirt (tagless)