Q&A for How to Repair a CD With Toothpaste

You can use an old t-shirt instead of a microfiber cloth. This is what I usually do, and it has not damaged my CDs at all.

After rubbing it into the CD, you may wipe it off whenever you please.

Yes, the same things work on CDs and DVDs. Keep in mind that if the scratch is really bad, it may not be repairable.

You most likely won't get deep enough to fix it, but even if you could, most of the data on the CD is on the other side. You need to be careful that you do not destroy the data on the CD while trying to fix the CD art.

Leave the toothpaste on for five minutes, then rinse off the toothpaste and dry.

You should probably ask him about it first. But if it's already broken, you don't have a lot to lose!

Yes. Gel toothpaste can't fix the problem. Try a classic baking soda/paste type toothpaste.

Yes, that should be fine.

Sure. It's the same thing for every digital disc, just be careful when wiping with the cloth.

Its effectiveness is situational. While toothpaste can sometimes smooth over scratched areas, temporarily improving playback, it's important to know that some toothpastes are abrasive and can worsen data loss. CDs store duplicates of their data, but if all copies are significantly damaged, most home methods are unlikely to fully repair the disk.

Apply the toothpaste in straight lines from the center of the disc outward. Circular rubbing can create curved scratches that interfere with how the laser reads the data, while straight strokes from the center to the edge minimize new damage and are safer for the disc.

Using toothpaste for CD repair is highly situational. You should know that while it can sometimes smooth over scratched areas and temporarily improve playback, certain abrasive toothpastes can worsen data loss. If your disc is relatively new, you might consider seeking a replacement from where you purchased it.

No, its effectiveness depends on the situation, and certain toothpastes can even make the damage worse. While toothpaste can smooth minor scratches to temporarily improve playback, some types are abrasive and may worsen data loss. Keep in mind that CDs store duplicate data, and if all copies are too damaged, home methods are unlikely to work.

Some toothpastes, including potentially charcoal toothpaste, are abrasive and could further scratch the surface of your disc. While toothpaste can sometimes temporarily smooth minor scratches and improve playback, using the wrong type might cause more damage or make future repairs more difficult.

No, you can use toothpaste of any color, provided it is non-abrasive. Abrasive toothpastes may cause further scratches on your disk.

You can use any non-abrasive toothpaste. This method should work on PlayStation discs as the toothpaste can temporarily smooth the surface.

Toothpaste may seep into the microscopic pores of the disc, temporarily smoothing the surface to allow data to be read. However, this is not a permanent fix.

You should avoid freezing the CD. Freezing causes materials to contract, and subsequent warming would cause expansion, potentially adding stress to the disk and worsening its condition.

Yes, toothpaste can damage a CD if it touches the inner ring because this area holds important data, and the abrasive nature of toothpaste can cause scratches or remove protective layers. To avoid permanent damage, apply toothpaste only to the shiny surface of the CD and rinse gently, keeping it away from the inner ring.

You should not use toothpaste on a PS4 disc. PS4 discs have a thinner protective layer than older CDs or DVDs, making them prone to damage from toothpaste. If your disc is dirty, clean it gently with a soft microfiber cloth and water, as harsh chemicals can make the disc unreadable.

Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the shiny side of the CD. Gently rub it from the center hole outward in straight lines; avoid rubbing in circles as this can worsen damage. Rinse with cool water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth, taking care not to use strong pressure.

If the disc skips or fails to play on every device, it’s likely a bad recording or a poor-quality disc. Try it on another player or computer drive. If it works elsewhere, your original player’s lens may need cleaning. Check the disc surface for scratches or cloudy spots; deep marks suggest physical damage, while a clean but unreadable disc usually indicates it was poorly recorded.

Oral-B toothpaste is formulated for dental hygiene, not for optical discs, so it may not be ideal for repairing scratches. Its ingredients could potentially scratch your disc or leave residue. While some people use regular white toothpaste for minor disc cleaning, it is generally safer to use a microfiber cloth or a proper disc repair kit designed for CDs.

You should be aware that using a disc cleaned with toothpaste can potentially harm your DVD player. Any remaining toothpaste residue might transfer to the lens or internal components, which could cause reading errors or scratches. Additionally, the abrasive nature of toothpaste could wear down the player’s optical lens over time. For safety, it is generally recommended to use proper disc cleaners or soft cloths instead.

You should avoid using specific toothpaste brands, as most are too abrasive and could damage the disc surface. If you choose to use this method, select a plain white paste toothpaste that contains no gel, crystals, or whitening beads, and proceed with extreme caution.

Yes, you can use a clean cotton shirt as a drying cloth for a disc if you do not have a microfiber cloth. Ensure it is soft, smooth, and free of dust or lint. Rub gently from the center outward, not in circles, and avoid rough fabrics or printed areas that could scratch the disc surface. A microfiber cloth is still the safer and more effective option.

Any stuck paper must have adhesive to the side being stuck. Don't use any hot water or alcohol. Lay the disc down with the paper that stuck to it facing upwards and then you should spray it with a short burst of WD-40 and let it soak for 40 minutes and see what happens next - it should come off with ease.

You cold try a stronger abrasive, a CD repair kit, or if you can't fix it, just buy a new one. If it has data on it that really matters, take it to a place that is able to restore corrupted data.

If it is stained, than use warm water and mild soap and use a old t-shirt or a soft cloth to dry it off without scratching the disc.

Yes. Any CD disc should work after the toothpaste method. Xbox games are CD based, so the CD should be good.