How do I repair a scratched game disc?

I have kids, which means I have scratched game discs that my systems can't read.

Several months ago, I watched a video demonstrating how to repair scratched game discs using car polish. I tried that, and it didn't work. After a little more research, I found and purchased this plastic polishing kit from Amazon. Following the instructions (and using some ultra fine sandpaper to sand out the really bad scratches), I was able polish and sand out the scratches on one disc, while another remains unplayable, despite repeated repair attempts.

Using the plastic polishing kit requires a lot of time and effort. I'm lazy and want it to be easier and simpler.

Is this the best way to repair a disc? Are there any repair tools that are generally accepted, known, and proven to work? Do any game publishers support replacing damaged discs?

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13 Answers

Go to your local game shop. That's usually the safest way to have a disc repaired, as they have a precision machine that can remove just enough of the plastic.

Otherwise, I've always used toothpaste and a glass cleaning cloth. If you take off too much of the plastic, you'll ruin the disk.

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When a disc is scratched, the data usually isn't touched (if it gets down to the data layer, then that's a seriously deep gouge). Rather, what's happened is that the clear lacquer over the data layer has been scratched, and the scratch screws up the laser trying to read the data underneath.

The best way of repairing a scratched disk is to find a material with similar refractive index, and use that to fill in the scratch.

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I am a father, I have unreadable discs that cost between $30 and $60. I watched all the popular videos and this is what I found.

Discs are made of poly-carbonate layers with a reflective data layer sandwiched in between. When the plastic gets scratched it causes the laser to refract (bend) and hit the wrong section of data. This means the data is out of order and missing pieces for the player even though all the data is there in perfect condition (as long as the scratches don't reach that far. This would be obvious since that's a VERY deep scratch).

Toothpaste, petroleum jelly, car polishes, and even bananas are suggested to fill these scratches and stop the refraction but that rarely actually helps. Games that play after this were probably more dirty than scratched but even if the scratch was filled none of these are more than a very temporary fix since they aren't hard enough to permanently fill the scratch.

I am starting a conspiracy theory regarding the irresponsible use of toothpaste as either a plot by toothpaste manufacturers or perhaps an evil dentist union.

The only way to repair scratches is with a professional disc repair machine. Full disclosure I own and operate one of these as a mail in service. There are many such services but when I used a very popular one and it took 5 weeks to get my kid's games back I decided there was a market for another one.

Try local shops if they are close. Many play and trades will have a machine like this and will repair it on the spot for about $5. Full disclosure: I run one such place.

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I use toothpaste. Works swell.

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I've seen folks have reasonable success with machines like Skip Doctor, which does the disc resurfacing for you. It's what I've seen them use at places like GameStop. Figure worst case scenario, the disc wasn't playable before and it ends up... still unplayable.

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Okay, so I tried the hair conditioner and the toothpaste method neither worked for me, however, what did work was putting the disc in a sink full of lukewarm water and johnsons baby bath oil, and leaving it for about 10 seconds then using a soft face flannel to dry it, put it in the PS2 and voila! It worked :D

I've heard that rubbing peanut oil on the disc is a good way to smooth out scratches. That said, I've never had occasion to try it and you'd want to be careful about gumming up your drive.

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Some games manufacturers will replace damaged discs, however they charge a fee for this.

For example, EA will replace games for between $13 and $20. In the UK they charge £7.50 to £10.

Another option is insurance which is offered by some stores. For example, in the UK HMV will insure a game for one year for £1.

1. Get the disc that is broken then put it in your bathroom sink.
2. You'll need to get some alcohol and a glass cleaning rag.
3. Pour some alcohol on the disc(make sure you have enough to cover up the disc, and block the drain in the sink)
4. Put some water in the alcohol.
5. Let it soak for about 15 mins.
6. Let dry for 10 mins. Then wipe off excess with glass cleaning rag. And you are done. Plus if you want the lasers to work better you can gently wipe the cd off with a clorox cleaning wipe.

This always did wonders for my disks: , especially the shoe polish.

Repair Using A Banana

• Open up a banana and apply it to the disk.
• Wipe the excess banana pieces down with the banana peel. The wax from the peel will help polish and further clean the disk.
• Take a clean cotton cloth and wipe the entire surface of the disk. Be sure to apply moderate pressure while moving in a circular motion. This should be done for around 5 minutes.
• Spray the disc with glass cleaner and wipe it clean.

Repair using Toothpaste

• Clean the disc with a mild soap and warm water. This will remove any oils and finger marks.
• Dry the disc with a lint-free cloth.
• Apply the toothpaste on the disk.
• Rub the toothpaste on the disc in a straight motion (not in a circular motion) from the center to the outer edges.
• Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the toothpaste and dry the disk. Make sure to dry with care so not to scratch the disk further.

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You can also try furniture polish.such as Pledge on a soft cloth and buff till dry & shiney. The wax in the polish fills in the scratches so the laser on your dvd player will glide right over them.

If all else fails, you can go to your local video store and for 5 bucks they will fix it for you.

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Rub the disc that will not read with brasso vigorously for about 1 minute then wipe with polishing cloth (yellow duster) with small amount of spit (or water if this disturbs you) then use the toothpaste method, then repeat the brasso for best results. Now install the game (if possible) this should work 9 times out of 10.

I had been using toothpaste, but it made my CD even worse so I thought vaseline (petroleum jelly) might work. Well it didn't - so I put water and dishwashing detergent in a container, put in the cd and left it for about 15 minutes.

Afterwards I rinsed the cd with warm water and dried it with paper towels. Then I put it in the Wii console and finally it was working!

Hope it helps!

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Hair conditioner. I used "Head and Shoulders", but can't speak for other brands. It only works temporarily. Apply the conditioner by starting from the center of the disc and rubbing towards the outside in a straight line.

It doesn't totally remove the scratches; some scratching will still be visible. Still, it will play well for a few days and it is an easy at-home fix.