How to Repair Scratched CDs

For the cost of one CD, you can repair many with a CD-repair kit. These work on audio CDs, CD-ROM discs and DVDs.
	Steps:
1.	Determine the nature of the problem. Turn over the CD and look first for a smudge (see "Clean CDs" under Related eHows). If you notice a scratch, however, continue on to step 2.
2.	Buy a fluid-based CD scratch-repair kit. (Image 1)
3.	Get a soft, lint-free cloth, such as one made for cleaning eyeglasses, if your scratch-repair kit doesn't come with cloths or swabs. (Image 2)
4.	Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wipe across the CD, working from the inside out in straight lines. Never wipe in a circular pattern. (Image 3)
5.	Repeat the process, if necessary.
	1. 2. 3.
	Tips:
	Use a cleaner rather than a repair kit if the scratches are minor but cause skipping or stopping.
	Avoid using alcohol, abrasive cleaners, petroleum-based products, ammonia, commercial plastic cleaners or toothpaste, and avoid scrubbing, polishing or buffing.
	If you experience problems when using a disc on other play-back units, try rerecording at a different speed.
	Warnings:
	Household cleaning products - including alcohol, abrasive cleaners, petroleum-based products, ammonia and commercial plastic cleaners - may harm CDs.
	Scrubbing, polishing or buffing CDs may damage them.
	Avoid home remedies that suggest using toothpaste. Toothpaste is a mild abrasive and acts as a light sandpaper. While it may sometimes buff out scratches, more often it will cause additional scratches.
	Even a successful repair may still make it difficult for the laser to read the CD properly, resulting in lower sound quality.
	Tips from eHow Users:
	Boiling water by Eric Get a small pot and fill it with water. Put your stove on high and let the water come to a boil. Get a piece of sewing thread and insert it into the middle of the CD. Place the CD in the boiling water for a few minutes (holding onto the thread), this will temporarily soften the plastic, filling in minor scratches and steam cleaning all smudges and liquids off the surface of the CD. Do not place the CD in cold water (it will crack) or wipe it dry afterward (you'll ruin the plastic), let it air dry. Also, don't keep the CD in the water for too long, a few minutes should do it. Make sure it's fully dried when you want to use it again, excess moisture could damage the disc reading mechanism.