Buzz
Gaming consoles often struggle to recognize and read dirty game discs. Dust, lint, and fingerprints on the disc can even lead to system errors. When cleaning a disc, always begin with the gentlest method first, as harsher cleaning techniques can cause more damage if overused. If the game still doesn’t work, gradually try stronger cleaning methods. Additionally, cleaning the disc reader is a good idea, especially if you frequently encounter errors with multiple games.
Steps
Cleaning Game Discs with Water
Only clean the disc when necessary. Clean the disc if you notice dust or dirt on the reflective surface (the non-labeled side), or if your gaming console or computer fails to read it. Regular cleaning isn’t required, as it can easily scratch the disc.
Find a clean and soft cloth. Always use a non-abrasive and smooth material, such as a microfiber or cotton cloth. Avoid rough materials like paper towels or tissue paper.
Dampen a small section of the cloth. Moisten the cloth with tap water and wring it out thoroughly.
- Never use household cleaning products, as these can damage the disc.
- Disc repair products are often marketed with features like "scratch repair" or "CD/DVD restoration."
Hold the game disc by its edges. Avoid touching the disc's surface with your fingers. Position the reflective side (the non-labeled side) facing you.
- If the label side appears visibly dirty, you can use this method as well—but be extremely gentle, as wiping the label side too hard can damage the disc's data.
Wipe the disc from the center outward with the damp cloth. Gently wipe the disc in straight, short motions from the center to the outer edge. Repeat until the entire surface is clean.
- Never wipe in circular motions, as this can harm the disc.
Repeat with the dry part of the cloth. Wipe the reflective side again. This time, use the dry section of the cloth to remove any moisture. Remember to use the same straight, outward motion from the center to the edge. Wiping with a dry cloth is more likely to cause scratches, so be extra cautious during this step.
Wait 2 minutes before testing. Place the disc with the reflective side facing up. Allow at least 2 minutes for the moisture to evaporate. Once the disc is completely dry, insert it into your gaming console or computer and check if the issue has been resolved.
- If the disc still doesn’t work, you can try another method below. If other games also fail to run, you may need to clean the disc reader.
Alternative Disc Cleaning Methods
Understand the risks. Most game disc manufacturers do not recommend using any cleaning agents other than water, but water alone may not thoroughly clean the disc. The alternative methods listed below are ordered by decreasing safety. Always handle the disc gently to minimize the risk of scratches.
Send the disc to a repair service. If you prefer not to take risks, look for a mail-in disc repair service in your country. These services often use polishing machines or specialized cleaning products that are rarely available to the general public.
Remove fingerprints and grease with rubbing alcohol. This method won’t fix scratches but can eliminate grease. Dampen a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the disc from the center to the edge. Carefully dry the disc with a dry cloth using the same motion, then let it sit for 2 minutes to dry completely.
- Since dry cloths can cause scratches, some people prefer to let the disc air dry for half an hour or longer.
Purchase a disc cleaning spray. If the game still doesn’t start, you can buy a disc repair spray and follow the instructions on the packaging to clean the disc. These products are often labeled as "CD/DVD repair" or "scratch repair."
- We do not recommend using machines or polishing discs that come with disc repair kits due to the high risk of damage.
- Always read the warnings to ensure the product is safe for your type of disc.
Use non-whitening, non-tartar-control toothpaste. Toothpaste has mild abrasive properties that can remove scratches with minimal damage. To reduce risks, avoid whitening or tartar-control toothpaste, as they tend to be more abrasive. Apply the toothpaste to the disc as you would with water or rubbing alcohol (see previous instructions).
- The toothpaste must be in paste form. Do not use powdered, liquid, or gel toothpaste.
Choose a safe polishing compound. If toothpaste doesn’t work, you can switch to plastic, furniture, or metal polish. While these compounds are mildly abrasive, they are not designed for game discs and carry a higher risk of damage. Before use, always check the ingredient list for "solvents," "petroleum," or petroleum-based products, as these can seep into the disc and destroy data. Avoid products that smell like petroleum or gasoline.
- Some users report that Brasso metal polish works well, but it contains mild solvents. Consider this carefully before use.
Use clear wax. Deep scratches can sometimes be fixed by applying clear wax and polishing it with a clean, dry cloth in straight motions from the center outward. Use 100% carnauba wax or another non-petroleum-based product.
Cleaning the Disc Reader
Blow away dust. Use a handheld air blower to gently remove dust from the disc reader. You can also use compressed air, but be cautious as excessive force can damage delicate components.
- Always hold the can upright when using it, as tilting it may cause the propellant to leak.
Purchase specialized lens cleaning solution. If your gaming console or computer fails to read even new, unscratched discs, the disc reader may need cleaning or repair. Lens cleaning solutions only remove dust and cannot clean grease or stubborn stains. However, these products are easy to use and worth trying. Typically, they include a cleaning disc and a bottle of solution to apply before inserting it into the device.
- Ensure the cleaning solution is designed for your specific disc reader, such as a DVD or PS3 drive. Using a CD cleaning solution on a DVD drive can damage the device.
Clean the lens. If the above steps don’t work and you prefer not to take the device to a professional, you can disassemble the disc reader and clean the lens. Note that if the device is still under warranty, self-disassembly may void the warranty. If you accept this risk, proceed as follows:
- Turn off and unplug the device.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the disc reader. Some panels on gaming consoles can be removed by hand, but avoid using force unless the specific model’s instructions recommend it. Continue disassembling until you see the lens, the circular disc drive, and the surrounding area.
- Inspect the lens. This small glass component may have tiny scratches, which usually don’t affect performance, but deep scratches require professional attention. If dust or stains are the issue, clean the lens by:
- Dampening a cotton swab or ball with 91%+ isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the lens and let it dry completely before reassembling the disc reader.
Tips
- Immediately soak up any spilled liquids with a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing or wiping, as this can damage the disc surface.
- Store game discs in their original plastic cases to keep them clean and safe.
- Remove discs before moving your gaming console or computer to prevent damage.
Warnings
- Avoid wiping the disc with your hands, as this can worsen its condition.
- Soap, solvents, or other corrosive cleaners can permanently damage game discs.
- Do not use mechanical devices to clean discs, as they can cause irreversible harm to the disc surface.
- Some discs store data just beneath the label. Avoid cleaning the label side unless it is visibly dirty, and exercise extreme caution if you do.
- Do not apply tape or stickers to the disc.
