How to Clean a Dirty CD

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CDs that have been out of their cases are prone to getting smudged, fingerprinted, or dusty. Follow this simple method with the tools you have around the house to make your CDs as good as new.

Steps

1. Find a medium-sized clean container (big enough to submerge a CD).
   
2. Squeeze out about a tablespoon of hand dish soap, or window cleaner into the container. You can also buy an all-natural cleaning liquid that is made of distilled water.
   
3. Fill whatever cleaning solution you used with water to make it soapy.
   
4. Put your dirty CD in the soapy water and leave for several minutes.
   
5. Remove CD and rinse it off in warm, running water.
   
6. Repeat process if necessary.
   
7. Shake off excess water and allow to air dry.
   

Tips

• If the smudges are especially stubborn, you can also use a very fine cloth, or your fingers, to rub some soap on the bottom of the CD. Soap will not harm the CD in any way.
  
• Wipe from the center of the disc out to the edges in a straight line. Do not wipe in circles.
  

Warnings

• Do not use abrasive cloths to wipe the CD.
  
• Do not use dishwasher detergent.
  
• This method will not get rid of scratches.
  
• Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated environment.
  

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