Fixing Scratched Video Games

Take a look at the surface of the disc. Hold it against a light and move it so you can see the damage at different angles. Is the damage too extensive for you to be able to fix? If there is only one large scratch, you know where to focus. Also check if it is just some kind of mess on the disc. Sometimes fixing a disc is as easy as simply removing this goop.

Water is the universal solvent. Spray the disc’s surface with water and wait a moment for it to soak into foreign materials. Wipe the disc clean with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid paper towel or a regular washcloth, which would leave lint on your disc. If the disc looks cleaner, give it a try.

Get abrasive. The bottom of your disc is a thick sheet of plastic. You can buff out scratches by using something that is a little more powerful. Toothpaste is a good thing to use. Just spread a small amount on the disc and use your lint-free cloth to buff small circles into the surface. Rinse the disc and try it again.

If the problem isn't solved, use more powerful abrasives, such as Brasso or Comet. If you think you’re doing damage, stop immediately.

Employ a scratch-filling resin. If you get a scratch on your glasses, there are liquids you can use to make the surface true again. These will also work on video games. Just apply the liquid according to the directions and make sure the surface is smooth. With a little of the resin in the crack, your game console’s laser may be able to read the disc satisfactorily.