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By Matthew Torres, About.com Guide to TV / Video since 2004

How To Clean DVDs

Sunday May 29, 2005
Maintaining DVDs isn’t that difficult because they're often protected inside jewel cases. However, they are susceptible to the normal wear and tear of everyday use, especially if they aren't handled carefully. Therefore, it’s up to us to keep them free of dust and scratches in order to receive the best performance possible.

The best way to clean a DVD is with a lint-free microfiber cloth. They’re specifically designed for sensitive surfaces like camera lenses, LCD monitors, and glass. There is a right way to do this. Hold the disc by the edges. You can also put your finger in the center hole for support. Take your lint-free cloth and wipe from the center hole out to the edges, rotate the disc and continue wiping center hole out until you complete a 360 degree turn of the disc. You don’t want to wipe in a circular or back and forth motion because you could cause damage to the disc.

You can purchase these cloths at most grocery and drug stores, or click to compare prices for microfiber cloths.

Comments

April 25, 2006 at 5:59 pm
(1) School of Thumb says:

How do you clean a truly filthy DVD? For example, a DVD of a movie that contains a soundtrack performed by a no-talent clown like Phil Collins? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

April 26, 2006 at 7:21 pm
(2) tv says:

You could always use the DVD as it was intended - for home protection. Tape the disc to your front door and write under it “This house is protected by Phil Collins. Those who enter may be subject to hearing his music.”

June 8, 2006 at 10:10 pm
(3) Kids at Home says:

What if the dirt is more than dust? I don’t know where the fingers were before they touched the DVD, but now it won’t play. How about dishwashing liquid since that will remove grease? I’m not sure how to dry it. I’m assuming water is okay as long as you dry it. What do you suggest?

June 11, 2006 at 8:13 pm
(4) tv says:

Soapy water shouldn’t damage the disc. Just don’t put it in the freezer as cold is really what can hurt a DVD or CD. Dry it with a microfiber cloth.

May 24, 2007 at 8:20 pm
(5) Marina Mares says:

I don’t have a microfiber cloth, what if
I use a cotton cloth?

May 24, 2007 at 8:22 pm
(6) Marina Mares says:

I got flax seed oil on my movie Disc, I really am desperate to clean it with dish soap and water & dry it with a cotton t-shirt, but I’ll wait for your
reply, cause I don’t hava a microfiber
cloth.

May 24, 2007 at 8:31 pm
(7) tv says:

Cotton clothes are fine.

November 7, 2007 at 1:36 pm
(8) becca says:

A tissue or cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol seems 2 work 4 me–just have 2 make sure it’s VERY dry b4 playing-CAUTION:NOT SUITABLE FOR CHRONIC COLLINS CONDITIONS

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