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Can you get CDs wet?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 10, 2026

If the disc has experienced no permanent damage from absorption of the liquid, it should play normally. In NIST tests, a CD totally submerged in clean water for 24 hours was found to be unreadable initially after removal and surface drying.

Are CDs waterproof?

If it's *just* water damage, the CDs proper shouldn't be damaged (the plastic is waterproof), but you never know pollution the water may have carried.

How do you dry out a wet CD?

Place discs flat on tissue with label side down to air dry or dry vertically on racks.

  1. Blot off excess water with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or cheesecloth.
  2. Never attempt mechanical removal of a label as this may result in delaminating the disc.

Can you soak CDs?

If the CD still won't play, submerge it in a large bowl filled with mild soapy water, then rinse the disc under a stream of running water. Wipe the disc free using a lint-free cloth. Read on to learn how to remove stubborn spots with rubbing alcohol!

Can CDs be washed with soap and water?

Wipe across the disc rather than in a circular motion, which can cause microscratches and damage the data stored on the disc. If that doesn't do the job, dampen the cloth with a gentle soap-and-water solution and rewipe. Never use household cleaners, abrasives or solvents on CDs or DVDs.

36 related questions found

Can you put CDs in the dishwasher?

Dishwasher is a BAD idea. No matter what cycle you put on it the water will kick the crap out of the CD. With pressed CD's just use soap and water if its really bad. For CD-R's get a few Eyeglass Microfiber cloths and maybe soap and water as long as you don't rub the top layer.

What does disc rot look like?

Signs of disc rot

On CDs, the rot becomes visually noticeable in two ways: When the CD is held up to a strong light, light shines through several pin-prick-sized holes. Discoloration of the disc, which looks like a coffee stain on the disc. See also CD bronzing.

What is the best thing to clean CDs with?

Cleaning Directions

Use a clean, soft cloth and wipe the CD from center to rim. Apply a small amount of toothpaste, baking soda mixture or Brasso, using only one cleanser at a time. Gently rub from center to rim only on the scratch itself with the cleanser. Rinse off the toothpaste or baking soda mixture.

How do you clean a disc without scratching it?

Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe it off. If it is just dust on the DVD, a soft cloth can often remove it without cleaning solutions. Microfiber cloths work well because they have a very tight weave of cloth that attracts dust and helps keep it from scratching the surface of the DVD.

How does Vaseline remove scratches from CDs?

Remove Scratches From a CD/DVD With Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)

  1. Step 1: Materials. Before you start removing scratches from your CDs and DVDs, you should grab your materials. ...
  2. Step 2: Cleaning Time! Now it's time to apply the petroleum jelly. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove the Scratches. ...
  4. Step 4: Finished!

Can you clean CDS with alcohol wipes?

Mix 1:1 parts of water and rubbing alcohol into a small container, and dip in a cotton ball. Wipe over the CD in the same way that you used the cloth. You can rub very gently to remove any marks or stains. Rest the CD on the towel, let it dry for about 30 minutes and return it to its CD case.

Can you clean CDS with baby wipes?

General rule is, if it's safe for your eyeglasses, it's perfectly safe for a disc. You can clean them with eyeglass cleaner, water, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, even liquid dish soap, but *make sure you clean them with a liquid*. You can even rinse them under the tap if you must.

Can mold grow on DVDs?

Actually, it is very common. At least where I live (Sydney, Australia). I collect retro video games (discs) and I estimate 30 - 40% are affected with mould on the data side of the disc surface. We also get mould growing on camera lenses.

Can you watch DVDs with water?

When it is necessary to clean your DVDs, take care not to scratch them. A mild solvent, like rubbing alcohol or window cleaner. These evaporate quickly and don't leave a residue. A one-to-one solution of isopropyl alcohol and water usually works well [source: Hatch].

Do microfiber cloths scratch CDs?

3M Microfiber Electronics Cleaning Cloth

Even the softest facial tissues are made from abrasive wood fibers that will scratch your DVD. Once you've got you're cloth, you can choose a cleaning solution.

How do you stop a CD from skipping?

Squeeze a small dab of toothpaste onto the scratched surface of your CD and spread it evenly over the surface of the CD with your finger. Polish the CD. Using a radial motion, slowly work the toothpaste around the CD.

How do you take care of CDs?

Do:

  1. Handle discs by the outer edge or the center hole.
  2. Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
  3. Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.
  4. Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.
  5. Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.

Can you clean CDs with vinegar?

Wipe the disc with a cloth that has been dampened with white vinegar. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through the oils left behind by your fingers, as well as any other dirt and grime that might be on the disc. Start at the center and wipe straight out to the edge of the disc to avoid damaging the disc.

Can you clean a CD with eyeglass cleaner?

Safe DVD Cleaning Solutions

You can use a few different products for a cleaning solution without worrying about them damaging the DVD: Lens cleaner for eyeglasses or electronic screens that is water-based. A mild dish soap that is water-based. Isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol and water - mixed at a rate of 1:1.

How do you clean a dirty disc?

How to Clean the Game Disc

  1. Only use a clean, soft, cotton cloth (not paper towels, facial tissue, etc.)
  2. Only use water (not soap or any other cleaning solution)
  3. Do not use solvents such as: benzine, window cleaner, paint thinner, anti-static aerosol spray or abrasive cleaners to clean the disc.

What is the lifespan of a CD?

Generally speaking, discs with recorded media will degrade faster than those without. Despite this, unused (with no data) CD-Rs and CD-RWs have the shortest predicted lifespan (five to 10 years), followed by recorded DVD-RWs (up to 30 years). Recorded CD-RWs and DVD-Rs have a predicted lifetime of 20 to 100 years.

Do CDs lose quality over time?

Well-cared-for CDs can last many decades — even centuries. But storing a disc in a hot car or playing it often can eventually lead to "CD rot." "By increasing the relative humidity and temperature, you're increasing the rate of chemical reaction occurring," she says.

Do DVDs last forever?

A typical DVD disc has an estimated life expectancy of anywhere from 30 to 100 years when properly stored and handled.