how to clean a game disc

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Game system consoles are often unable to recognize and read soiled game discs. Dust, lint, grime, and even fingerprints that find their way onto game discs can cause a system error. When cleaning discs, always use the most gentle methods first, as the same treatments that remove dirt and scratches can cause more damage if used too aggressively. If the game still won't run, patiently try more heavy-duty treatments in turn. Cleaning the disc drive itself is also a good idea, especially if you get error messages for more than one game.

1

Clean only when necessary. Clean the disc if you notice dirt or dust on the non-labeled side, or if your console or computer can't run the disc. Frequent cleaning is unnecessary and increases the risk of scratching the disc.
2

Find a soft, clean cloth. Always use a smooth-textured, lint-free material, such as cotton or microfiber cloth. Avoid rough materials such as facial tissues or paper towels.
3
Dampen a small area of the cloth. Use regular tap water to wet a small area of the cloth, then squeeze it out to remove excess water.
- Never use household cleaning products, which can ruin the disc.
- Disc repair products may be sold as "scratch repair" or "CD/DVD repair" products.
4
Hold the game disc by its rim. Do not place your fingers on the surface of the disc. Turn the game disc so the non-labeled, reflective side faces you.
- If the labeled side is clearly dirty, you can use this same method — but be extremely careful, as wiping the labeled side too vigorously can destroy the data on some game discs.^[1]
5
Wipe the disc surface from the center outward with the wet cloth. Gently wipe the disc with the wet cloth, starting from the center hole and moving in a straight, short line to the rim. Repeat until the entire disc has been wiped.
- Never move the cloth in circles around the disc, as this can damage it.
6

Repeat with the dry area. Wipe the same side of the disc a second time. This time, use the dry portion of the cloth to remove moisture. Take care to use the same straight strokes, from the center of the disc outward. Dry wiping is more likely to scratch the disc than wet, so be extra gentle during this step.^[2]
7
Wait two minutes before testing. Put the disc down with the reflective side face-up. Wait at least two minutes to allow the remaining moisture to evaporate. Once the disc is completely dry, put the disc into the disc drive of your game console or computer and check whether the problem is fixed.
- If there are still problems, try the other methods below. If your other games also won't run, clean your disc drive.

1

Understand the risk. Most game disc manufacturers do not recommend using anything but water, but that's not always going to get the job done. These alternatives below are listed with the safest methods at the top, increasing in risk as you move down the list. Always use gently motions when cleaning to reduce the chance of scratches.
2

Mail your disc to a repair service. If you aren't prepared to risk damage, search online for a mail-in disc repair service in your country. These services may have buffing machines or cleaning products that are not commercially available.
3
Remove fingerprints and grease with rubbing alcohol. This method will not repair scratches, but should remove grease stains. Apply a dab of isopropyl alcohol to a clean cloth, and rub the disc from the center to the rim. Carefully wipe off moisture with a dry cloth with the same motions, then let sit for two minutes so it is completely dry.
- Since dry cloths can cause scratches, some disc owners prefer to let the disc air-dry for half an hour or more instead.
4
Purchase a disc cleaner spray. If the game still won't boot up, purchase a "disc repair" product in spray bottle form and follow the instructions on the packaging to clean the disc. This may be sold as a "CD/DVD repair" or "scratch repair" product.
- Using a disc repair buffing wheel or other machine that comes with the disc repair product is highly discouraged, as these can cause damage.^[3]
- Always check the warnings to make sure the product is safe for your type of disc.
5
Use a non-whitening, non-tartar-control toothpaste. Toothpaste is slightly abrasive, and can polish off scratches with low risk of causing more damage.^[4] For maximum safety, avoid whitening and tartar control toothpastes, which tend to be more abrasive. Apply the toothpaste as you would water or rubbing alcohol, as described above.
- The toothpaste must be in paste form. Don't use a gel, liquid or powder.
6
Select a safe polish. If toothpaste doesn't work, you can move on to plastic polish, furniture polish, or metal polish. These are also slightly abrasive, but because they are not intended for game discs, there is a higher risk of damage. Always check the ingredients list for "solvents," "petroleum," or petroleum based products before using, as these can dissolve through the CD and destroy it. If it smells like kerosene or gasoline, don't use it.^[5]
- Some people report that Brasso metal polish is effective, but this does contain a mild solvent. Use at your own risk.
7

Use a clear wax. Deep scratches can be filled in by gently applying a clear wax, then buffing it in with a clean, dry cloth moving in straight lines from the center outward. 100% carnauba wax or another non-petroleum-based, clear product is recommended.^[6]

1
Blow out dust. Use a handheld air bulb to gently blow out dust from the drive. A can of compressed air will also work, but could cause damage to delicate drives.^[7]
- Always hold the can upright during use, or the propellant material may leak out.
2
Purchase a laser lens cleaner. If your game console or computer won't play a brand new, scratch-free disc, you may need to clean or repair its disc drive. A laser lens cleaner will only remove dust, not grease or caked-on dirt, but it's easy to use and worth a try. Typically, this comes in two parts: a disc to be inserted into the drive, and a bottle of liquid to drip onto the disc beforehand.
- Make sure the cleaner is designed for your type of player, such as a DVD drive or PS3. Even using a CD drive cleaner on a DVD drive could damage it.
3
Clean the lens. If the steps above don't work, and you don't want to take the drive to a professional repair shop, you'll need to disassemble the drive and clean the lens. If your device is still under warranty, be aware that this will likely void any chance of getting a replacement or free repair from the manufacture. If you're prepared to take the risk, follow these steps:
- Shut off the device and unplug it.
- Disassemble the drive using a screwdriver. Some game console faceplates can be removed using pressure from your fingers, but do not apply force unless a guide to your specific model recommends this.^[8] Continue disassembly until the entire, round drive and surrounding areas are visible.
- Look at the lens. This is a small, glass object. Minor scratches shouldn't cause problems, but deep scratches could require professional treatment.^[9] More commonly, dust or grime is causing issues, in which case you can clean it:
- Dampen a cotton or foam swab in 91%+ isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the lens. Allow to air dry before reassembling the drive.

Add New Question

Question

How do I keep my game disc working after cleaning it?

Don't leave the disc in the console. Put it away in its original case after its use.
Question

Can a disk be cleaned if it is very scratched up?

You can try to use toothpaste, but you will need a lot of it. It is not guaranteed to work for cleaning a disk that is severely scratched up.
Question

How can I get my game to work if it doesn't have any scratches?

If there is clearly nothing wrong with the disc, then it may have something to do with the console or system. Try other discs out on the same system, or the same disc on another system to help rule that out.
Question

I tried that and it didn't work, now what?

I suggest you synchronize the disk to a USB flash drive that's 64 gigabytes.
Question

How do I clean Batman 2 for Wii and its scratches?

I would prefer you get CD Wipes from your nearest video shop and wipe it down. Otherwise, try the toothpaste method, it will work.
Question

Does this method work for GameCube discs?

It should. I tried the toothpaste method with my Smash Bros. disc and it worked. Just don't use too much.
Question

If some of my DVD label got peeled off the disc, can I resolve it by printing a copyrighted DVD label to replace it?

No. This is not how discs work. Unfortunately, you may have to buy another one.
Question

How do I get food stains off of a game disc?

Use dish detergent mixed with water if your games disc is sticky. Dab some on a cloth and wipe the disc gently.
Question

What type of liquids could I use to peel a label off of a DVD?

Don't remove the label. Some discs store data just below the label. Removing it may cause the disc to not work at all.
Question

Can I use super glue to fix a DVD disc that has a crack in the middle?

By that point, the disc would probably be unusable. It would also risk ruining your disc drive.

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Blot any liquid spills immediately with a soft cloth. Do not rub or wipe the liquid away as this may damage the surface of the disc.
Store your game discs in their original plastic covers to keep them clean and safe.
Remove the disc before moving your game console or computer, to avoid damage.^[10]

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Do not wipe off the disc with your hands; it will just make it worse.
Soap, solvents or abrasive cleansers may cause permanent damage to your game discs.
Do not use mechanical disc cleaners, as these devices may cause permanent damage to the surface of the game disc.
Some discs store the data just below the label. Do not clean the labeled side unless there is obvious dirt over it, and be extremely careful when doing so.^[11]
Don't add tape or stickers to your disc.^[12]

About This Article

Article SummaryX

If you're trying to clean a game disc that's been scratched, start by putting a little regular toothpaste on a soft cotton or microfiber cloth. Then, hold your disc by the rim and wipe it from the center outward with the cloth. You should wipe it a second time with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture before you play your disc again. Alternatively, put rubbing alcohol on the cloth to clean fingerprints or grease from your disc. Want to give your disc a general cleaning? Just dampen the cloth with tap water and wipe your disc in the same way. To learn how to get a clean disc drive to put your now-clean disc into, read on!

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