Dish Detergent Method

• 1). Place your index finger into the CD-ROM's middle hole. Avoid handling the CD-ROM with your fingers as much as possible to keep the disc smudge free.
  
  
• 2). Pour a little dish detergent on the scratched side of the CD-ROM and, using your fingers, rub the dish detergent throughout the disc's surface.
  
  
• 3). Rinse the dish detergent off the CD-ROM by running warm water over it.
  
  
• 4). Test the CD-ROM by inserting it into your computer's CD/DVD drive. If problems due to scratches still persist, try the toothpaste method.
  
  

Toothpaste Method

• 1). Place a small amount of white toothpaste (non-gel) on the scratched portion of the CD-ROM.
  
  
• 2). Spread the white toothpaste with your fingers over the scratched areas of the CD-ROM.
  
  
• 3). Rub the toothpaste into the CD-ROM with a nonabrasive towel in a straight, up/down motion, beginning from the inner portion of the disc to the outer edges. This method evens out scratches in the disc. Avoid any circular motions, as this can potentially cause more disc problems.
  
  
• 4). Allow the toothpaste to sit for at least several minutes.
  
  
• 5). Wash off all of the toothpaste from the CD-ROM by running warm water over it and dry it off by blotting it using a nonabrasive towel.