How to Clean a DVD

DVDs last for years or decades if cared for properly. Luckily, they resist damage and scratching, but sometimes dirt can accumulate. Careful cleaning ensures that no permanent damage ruins a DVD.

1. First: Examine the DVD

   Cleaning a DVD when there is no need can cause damage. Engineers designed these digital discs to tolerate as little handling as possible. Unlike a cassette or video, no moving parts means no reason to make them ultra-durable. Because of this, check that a DVD needs cleaning by holding it up to the light and tilting it. A few specks of dust does not necessitate a cleaning, but do take care of any water spots.

2. Second: Actually cleaning

   Purchasing DVD cleaning supplies in the store is the best way to go; harsh paper towels and astringent cleaners tear into the protective coating. When wiping a DVD, always do so from the inside out in a straight line, never in a circle. Like a record, DVDs contain information in grooves and scratching with the grain can ruin large sections of data.

3. Third: Serious scratches

   Sometimes scratches really tear into the DVD. When that happens, simple wiping does not work. For serious scratches, clean the DVD surface with rubbing alcohol and water, mixed together (1 tablespoon of each). This allows the solution to dry quickly. For the most seriously scratched DVDs, use toothpaste (yes, toothpaste), and gently scrub the scratch, always moving from the center out. This allows particles to fill in the scratches, buffing them out.