How to Fix a Scratched CD

Although streaming is the most popular way to listen to music, billions of CDs are still being played. Keeping them in good shape is key to their longevity. If a CD skips or freezes, there may be smudges or dirt on the disc. If so, a good cleaning is probably the best course of action. However, if after cleaning, the CD still skips or freezes, it may be scratched. If a CD is scratched, there are several methods you can try that may fix it so that it is playable again.

Option One: The Toothpaste Method

What you need:

• Non-gel toothpaste.
• Baking soda (optional; can be already in the toothpaste or can be mixed in).
• Warm water.
• Wet and dry microfiber cloths.

1. Squeeze some toothpaste (or toothpaste-baking soda mixture) onto the shiny side of the CD where the scratches are visible, not the label side. Then, spread the toothpaste using your finger or a microfiber cloth.

2. Spread the toothpaste on the CD radially, from the center out. However, if the CD has circular scratches, use a circular motion (not suggested when only cleaning CDs) to spread the toothpaste. Even if only a small portion of the CD is scratched, coat the entire surface anyway.

3. Rinse off the CD under a sink faucet (use a wet microfiber cloth to assist).

4.  Dry the CD with a dry microfiber cloth (use a radial motion).

5. Check the CD for any remaining toothpaste residue and visible scratches.

6. Test the CD in your player or PC's CD drive.

Option Two: The Polishing Product Method

What you need:

• A rubbing product such as 3M, Pledge furniture polish, Turtle Wax metal polish, or Novus Plastic Cleaner
• Wet and dry microfiber cloths
• Warm water

1. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in any fumes from the polishing product used.

2. Apply the polishing product to a dry microfiber cloth.

3. Rub the polishing product onto the CD surface using radial strokes with attention to the scratched areas. Use about 10 strokes on each area.

4. Rinse off the CD with warm water.

5. Let the CD air dry on a flat surface.

6. Use a microfiber cloth to gently dry off the rest of the CD (use a radial motion).

7. Test the CD in your player or PC's CD drive.

Option Three: The Wax Method

What you need:

• A waxing product: Vaseline (petroleum jelly), lip balm, liquid car wax, or furniture wax
• A dry microfiber cloth

1. Wax scratches with a thin coat of the waxing product you selected (use a radial motion). If there are only a few scratches, you don't have to coat the entire CD. Instead, rub the wax into the areas where the scratches are located.

2. Set the CD aside for a few minutes so that the wax settles in the scratches.

3. Wipe the CD in a radial motion with a dry microfiber cloth to remove the excess wax. Also, note the instructions for using the wax you chose, as some need to dry before wiping while others should be wiped off while wet.

4. Test the CD. If it works, make a copy of its contents onto another disc or your PC hard drive for storage or to transfer to another disc, a flash drive, or a cloud service.

5. Once copied, store the disc or discard it. Discarding may be best as the effect of the wax method is temporary.

Option Four: The Peanut Butter Method

If you don't have the supplies to perform the previous methods, you can use peanut butter to fix a scratched CD.

What you need:

• Peanut butter
• Wet and dry microfiber cloths
• Warm water

1. Rinse the CD with warm water and dry it off with a microfiber cloth to make sure the surface is free of sticky or loose debris.

2. Place some creamy peanut butter on a different microfiber cloth and spread it on the CD surface using a radial motion (from the center out to the edge).

3. Rinse off the CD in combination with a wet microfiber cloth. When using the cloth, use a radial inward-to-outward motion.

4. Once the peanut butter is removed, let it air dry or dry it off lightly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

5. Test the CD.

Option Five: The Banana Method

This is the weirdest method that may work temporarily for minor smudges or scratches. This probably won't work for deeper or extensive scratches. Consider the previously discussed options before trying this one.

What you need:

• A peeled fresh banana (don't throw out the peel)
• A dry cotton or microfiber cloth
• Warm water or glass cleaner

1. Cut the banana so that one end can be wiped onto the CD surface in a radial motion.

2. Use the inside of the banana peel to wipe off the CD surface using a radial motion.

3. Clean the CD further with a dry cotton or microfiber cloth. If residue or particles are still present, use a wet cloth or glass cleaner (lightly) to finish up.

4. Test the CD.

CD Repair Kits

If you are cautious about repairing scratched CDs yourself, and you don't mind spending a little cash, you can opt to use a CD repair kit or specific CD cleaning solutions. Depending on the kit or solution, it may both clean your CDs and repair minor surface scratches.