How To Clean DVDs

If your CD (compact disc) or DVD (digital video disc) is not responding, it indicates that it either needs cleaning or has been seriously damaged. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance is important to increase the life span of a disc. A quick cleaning of the disc can make it play more easily and also ensure any dust is not introduced to your CD or DVD player. Cleaning discs is also important from the point of view of reading data, as any dust or small scratches on the same can corrupt the integrity of the data. Talking about DVDs, they are used in many different applications today, right from storing movies and video games to office data and computer backup. When a DVD gets dirty, it may skip or not read information correctly, preventing you from accessing the data. So, it is very important for you to know how to clean DVDs. Follow the tips given below and make yourself aware of the correct procedure for the same.

Cleaning Your DVD

In the first step, hold the disk from its hole. Start cleaning from the centre of the disk and clean straight out toward the edge. Cleaning in this manner will help prevent scratches that might affect the performance of the DVD. Never clean a disc by rubbing in a circle around it.
In the second step, remove the dirt from the disc, by using a soft cloth or micro fiber. Wipe the DVD with the cloth. It will attract the dust easily and help prevent it from any scratching on the surface of the DVD.
In the third step, clean the fingerprints or any oil residue on the DVD with a solution of alcohol and water, in one to one ratio. Dip a cloth in the solution, rub it on the disk, and let the DVD dry. It will remove all the stains, as alcohol is mild and evaporates quickly, without leaving a residue.
In the fourth step, spray some glass cleaner on a cloth and wipe the disc with the same.
In the fifth and final step, clean the minor scratches on the DVD. For the purpose, apply a dab of toothpaste on the affected area and rub the cloth on it, from the centre towards the edge.

Tips

If the DVD surface feels sticky or greasy, you can mix some baby shampoo in lukewarm water and use cotton or soft cloth to clean it. Make sure the DVD is dry before you store/ use it.
A bottle of mineral water is also a good option to clean a DVD. Dip a cotton ball in the water and wipe the disc with it. Normal tap water is not recommended for the purpose, as it has higher concentration of salts, which may leave white marks on the disc surface.
Always wipe the surface of a disc in a non-radial, back-and-forth motion, from the center hole to the outer edge. Don't follow the concentric circles while cleaning.
While cleaning a DVD, make sure not to get the bar code wet and/or torn.
Never ever, soak a DVD or use hot water to clean it. This can cause the reflective backing to come away from the translucent plastic part.
To clean stubborn dirt, use a mild dish detergent. Using any other substance can irreparably damage the DVD.
Try not to touch the surface of a DVD; always hold it from the centre hole. This will prevent the disc from being stained by the skin oil or fingerprints.

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