Disc errors can result due to anything from outdated drivers to incompatible software. It’s a good idea to test this first because some scratch removal methods can damage the disc. If it’s not necessary to fix the scratches, it’s better to know immediately.
Always clean a disc with straight motions rather than circular ones to avoid further damaging its data. Dish soap and rubbing alcohol are effective cleaners that can remove smudges and oil stains from a game disc. Wash your hands before handling the disc to prevent any oils or dirt on your fingers from getting on your video game.
Never use paper towels to dry off or polish a game disc, as they can damage the disc’s playable side. Test out the disc after washing and drying it. Sometimes that’s all you need! Only continue to the next steps and do a DIY disc repair if the scratches are still causing problems.
Don’t use toothpaste with any large beads or other particles in it, as those will damage the disc. When drying the video game disc, be sure to use straight motions rather than rubbing in circles. Ensure you get all the toothpaste off the disc before using it again. Dip a cloth in rubbing alcohol and clean excess toothpaste before rinsing it under water if necessary.
Once again, use straight motions from the inside of the disc out to wipe away the petroleum jelly. Ensure the disc is dry and clean before trying to use it.
Because carnauba car wax is made from plants, there aren’t any chemicals in it that can further damage your disc. Feel free to repeat any of these methods if the disc doesn’t work right after one fix, going through and trying each of them or trying a resurfacing machine if the scratches are too deep to fix with an oil-based product.
Bananas (along with toothpaste and petroleum jelly) are oil-based and, therefore, capable of polishing and filling in troublesome scratches. There are other oil-based products you can rub into the scratches of a disc to fill and polish them, too, including lip balm, white stick deodorant, shoe polish, and even peanut butter!
While you can sand down a disc by hand, a machine is more precise and protects your game from being damaged. Scratch-repair machines are also a good investment because they can be used repeatedly to fix and polish any discs that get scratched in the future.
If a game store advertises buying and selling used games, it’s highly likely they have a resurfacing machine due to all the used discs they deal with. Check your local library and see if they have a resurfacing machine, too! Libraries that carry DVDs often have to deal with scratches since so many people rent them. If there are no locations in your area that can repair a disc, you can also mail your disc to an online resurfacing service like eStarland, which charges $3 per disc.
Moving a console with a disc in it can cause the parts inside the console to move and scratch your game. Don’t leave a game in the console when you turn it off, even if you plan to play the same game again later. Remove it and put it back in its case. If a disc gets wet, always ensure it’s completely dry before you store it in a case once again.
