How to Clean a DVD

Keeping a DVD in good working order can be tricky.

Handling it the wrong way can leave scratches that could cause problems when you decide to play the DVD.

Applying a few tips to keep your library of DVD’s clean will make all the difference.

Most commercial DVD’s are sold in a jewel case. The case is your first line of defense against scratches. Pressing down with your thumb in the center of the case will elevate the disc to a point where you can handle it by the edges to remove it from the case and insert it into the DVD player. Jewel cases can be purchased to store the DVD’s that you burn at home.

If your DVD player does flash an error message on the screen when the DVD is inserted, remove it promptly and give it a quick once over. Be careful to handle the disc by the edges or with one finger through the center hole. Do your best not to handle the disc by the shiny surface.

Any dirt or lint that you see on the shiny side can be removed with a special cloth called microfiber. Microfiber cloths are used to clean delicate surfaces that scratch easily like eye glass lenses and microscope and camera lenses. When using the cloth, clean the disc, starting at the hole in the center and wipe out to the edge.

Return to the center and wipe to the edge again until you have cleaned the entire circumference of the disc. Avoid wiping the DVD in a circular motion. This could ruin the material on the disc. This cloth will not deposit more lint on the surface of the DVD while trying to clean off the existing lint and dirt.

When you see fingerprints on the shiny DVD surface you may need to use a cleaner. Fingerprints contain body oils that could interfere with the operation of the disc. Dip a microfiber cloth in some rubbing alcohol and wipe the surface of the DVD.

Wipe using the same instructions as with the dry cloth above. If alcohol doesn’t work, use a small amount of baby shampoo and warm water on the corner of a cloth. Baby shampoo is designed to be gentle to a baby’s eyes and skin so the formula is mild enough to use as a cleaner for your DVD’s. Let the disc completely dry before putting it back in the jewel case for storage.

Cleaning a DVD is not hard. Jewel cases go a long way to avoiding scratches in the first place. As long as you handle the disc properly, you may never need to do more than wipe with a dry cloth. 

How to Clean a DVD - Back Home