If you’ve ever had a scratched CD, DVD, or video game disc, you may have heard that toothpaste can be used to fix the problem. But does this household hack actually work? Let’s take a closer look.
How Toothpaste Can Fix Scratched Discs
Toothpaste contains a fine abrasive that can help smooth out light scratches on the surface of discs. The abrasive particles in toothpaste act like a very fine sandpaper, gently buffing away the scratches and restoring the disc’s smooth surface.
Repairing Light Scratches
For discs with only light, superficial scratches, the toothpaste method can be an effective and inexpensive fix. Simply apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to a soft, lint-free cloth and gently rub it into the scratched area in a circular motion. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the disc under cool water and dry it thoroughly.
Limitations of Toothpaste
However, toothpaste won’t work on deep, severe scratches that have penetrated through the disc’s protective layer and into the data layer. In these cases, the disc is likely beyond repair, and professional disc resurfacing may be the only option.
Additionally, using too much pressure or the wrong type of toothpaste (like a gel formula) can actually cause further damage to the disc. It’s important to be gentle and use a non-abrasive, whitening toothpaste for the best results.