How to Restore a CD with Toothpaste

Examine both sides for damage. CDs store data just beneath the label. Often, even a small scratch through the label can permanently damage the CD. Fortunately, the reflective surface is more prone to scratches, and toothpaste can help restore these marks. This surface needs to be smooth for the laser to read the CD correctly. In fact, toothpaste's mild abrasiveness is just enough to buff out the scratches and restore the shine.

• Minor scratches and scuffs are much easier to fix than deep gouges. Some CD repair services may use specialized polishing machines, but the quality rarely matches that of the original disc.

Clean the CD with a lint-free cloth. Even if you can't see it, small dust particles on the disc can cause scratches when rubbed against the toothpaste. To prevent this, wash the disc under running water and wipe it with a lint-free cotton or microfiber cloth. Always wipe directly from the center to the edge, never in small circular motions or along the circles. Only clean the reflective side of the disc.

• If the CD is especially dirty, you should first use compressed air to blow off the dust.
• If the CD appears greasy, use rubbing alcohol or a CD cleaning solution instead of water.

Choose the right toothpaste. You should only use 'paste' toothpaste, as gel types don't work effectively. If possible, select a 'whitening' or 'tartar control' toothpaste. These products tend to be more abrasive and will help make the CD shine more easily.

• You can check the toothpaste brand online to find its "RDA" (Relative Dentin Abrasivity), a measure of the abrasiveness in toothpaste. Toothpastes with higher RDA values generally produce a shinier surface, though this isn't always the case.

Squeeze toothpaste onto a lint-free cloth. As mentioned, a clean cloth made of cotton or microfiber is ideal. You can also use cotton balls.

Gently rub the scratched area. Rub the toothpaste onto the scratched area in a straight motion from the center to the edges of the disc. Repeating this motion will gradually wear down the CD to the same level as the scratch. Do not press too hard.

Rinse off the toothpaste. Rinse the CD under running water and wipe it with a clean cloth, following the same direction.

Let the disc dry. Be careful as dry CDs are more prone to scratches than when they are wet. First, blot off the water by pressing a dry, lint-free cloth directly onto the surface and lifting it off. Let the disc air dry or gently wipe it with a dry cloth. For CDs, always wipe from the center outward in straight lines.

Try a stronger abrasive. Check the disc after it has completely dried. If the CD still doesn't work properly, you can repeat the entire process using a polishing compound for silver, plastic, or furniture. Never use polishing products with a petroleum-based odor or those containing petroleum derivatives as they can damage the CD.

• Avoid applying toothpaste near the circular center of the disc.

• Avoid using warm water. If you check the CD right after fixing it, the warmth from the disc could cause the CD reader to overheat.

• Toothpaste
• Water
• Scratched CD
• Lint-free Cloth