Can scratches be removed from a DVD?
William Burgess
Updated on March 08, 2026
Can scratches be removed from a DVD?
Apply a small dab of white toothpaste or metal polish to a clean, lint-free (ie fluff-free) cloth and rub very gently along the scratch from the disc’s centre outwards. Run the disc under warm water to remove the toothpaste (or wipe with a cloth if you used metal polish), then wipe dry with a soft cloth.
How do you repair a scratched DVD?
5 Ways to Repair a CD or DVD
- Clean the disc using a soft lint-free cloth and a dab of warm water and mild detergent.
- Fill scratches with toothpaste.
- Soften scratches with heat from a 60W lightbulb.
- Fill the scratch with a wax-based product.
- Cover holes in the data layer with pen and tape.
How does toothpaste fix DVD scratches?
Toothpaste is just abrasive enough to wear down scratched areas to a smoother surface. Small scratches and scuff marks are much easier to repair than deep gouges. Some CD repair services can repair the disc with a special buffing machine, but these are hard to use without causing damage.
How do you fix a scratched DVD with baking soda?
Using a mild abrasive, such as a baking soda-based toothpaste, can diminish minor scratches. Use a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth and rub the scratch gently ten or 12 times. Rinse with warm water and leave to dry.
How do you fix a DVD that skips and freezes?
The picture from the DVD player skips or freezes during playback.
- Remove the disc from the DVD player.
- Clean the disc.
- Reinsert the disc into the DVD player.
- Play the disc.
- If the issue is still unresolved, remove the disc from the DVD player.
- Insert another disc into the DVD player.
- Play the disc.
How do you fix a scratched Blu ray disc?
- Spray window cleaner on the disc and gently wipe from the center to the edge of the disc with a soft polishing cloth. Small scratches affect playback more if dirt is present.
- Turn the cloth over and wipe the disc until dry.
- Place the disc in the Blu-ray player and start the playback.
How do I recover an unreadable DVD?
And here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Prepare a tube of toothpaste, Vaseline or liquid car wax or Scratch Out.
- Step 2: Cover a thin layer of toothpaste, Vaseline or Scratch Out on the scratched CD/DVD.
- Step 3: Wipe disc in a radial motion: inside – outside with a clean and soft lint-free cloth.
Can you restore a scratched CD?
Start with a basic toothpaste, something natural without any fancy gels, swirls or flavors. Squeeze a small amount onto the CD starting at the middle radius and rub it in using a sweeping motion until the entire CD is covered in a light layer of toothpaste. Let it dry, then rinse it off using tepid water.
Does toothpaste actually fix scratches?
Yes, toothpaste can remove minor paint scratches. A standard toothpaste (not a gel toothpaste) has a minor grit to it which helps buff out the scratches. Typically, minor scratches are only on the clear coat over your actual paint.
How does Vaseline remove scratches from CDs?
Remove Scratches From a CD/DVD With Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
- Step 1: Materials. Before you start removing scratches from your CDs and DVDs, you should grab your materials.
- Step 2: Cleaning Time! Now it’s time to apply the petroleum jelly.
- Step 3: Remove the Scratches.
- Step 4: Finished!
How do you fix a scratched DVD with Vaseline?
How do DVDs get scratched?
DVDs get scratched a variety of ways but most of the time the scratches are either done through carelessness, manufacturing defects, or the discs coming loose or getting scratched while inside their own plastic cases.
How do you repair a scratch on a DVD?
Rinse the DVD under cold water and dry the disc using the polishing cloth. Wait overnight for the wax to set and fill the scratches on the DVD. After the wax has finished setting, test the disc in your DVD player. If the DVD still does not work, you may need to have it repaired with a professional buffing machine.
How do you remove scratches from a DVD?
Steps Add toothpaste to the reflective side. Cover peanut butter over the toothpaste. Wipe off all peanut butter and toothpaste. Reapply. Put your DVD in a good tight container. Add soda. Add baking soda. Shake it a little bit and wait a couple of minutes. Clean.
How do you remove scratches from disk?
Use a small dab of the gritty type of toothpaste. The gritty toothpaste can act as a mild abrasive and will remove scratches from the disc. To use the toothpaste method, get your finger wet first. Slowly wipe and move the toothpaste into the scratch on the disc.
How to clean a DVD?
Place the DVD label-down on a soft cloth. This can be anything from a tablecloth to a washcloth or a pillow so long as the label is facing down