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Best way to clean my old CD’s

  Good afternoon gentlemen my issue is this. I recently completed an extensive kitchen and living room remodel. My CD’s were placed in boxes ( some open top ) and spent the last year in the garage. The original cases are pretty dusty but not the discs. However I want to give them a proper cleaning before I start using them again and would like to know the best method. FWIT I also use a laser cleaner that involves a drop of fluid on a disc that’s inserted into my transport. If there’s a better system please advise on that too. The group’s input is always appreciated. Cheers my Peers, Mike B. 

buellrider97
goose
794 posts
 

I would be careful with any product that may damage the layer on the CD and probably only use CD recommended products.

buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97 OP
1,016 posts
 

Thanks to all for the input. I’m absolutely on board with NOT using a product that could damage the surface or leave a coating that would hinder the reader. I like the idea of 91% isopropyl and maybe distilled water to rinse. I’ll probably buy some Shine-Ola as that seems pretty popular. I have microfiber towels that I wash without any fabric softer or static pads to ensure they do not scratch. These are all commercial CD’s that I’ve acquired over the last 35-40 years. What’s interesting is some of those older CD’s are super thick and rigid. I have an Oppo 105 and a Musical Fidelity transport and I’ve not had any reader issues. Also any thoughts on the cleaner discs for my units is appreciated. The units have been in the closet for many years and I’m getting back to building my system. I’m grateful for your advice , Mike B. 

slaw's avatar
slaw
26,775 posts
 

FWIW, Record Research Labs /Shine Ola...same product

MFSL bought RRL and rebranded.

iani
18 posts
 

I've tried various cleaning methods for CD-SACDs; I don't recommend any cleaning product. The two best methods (even sonic) are : 1 - demineralized water and a smooth microfiber cloth like those used for camera lenses; 2 - If the disc has any dirty, use a solution of IPA and demineralized water (70% + 30%) and a smooth microfiber cloth. Always clean in a radial direction and soak up any remaining drops with a soft, non-rough paper towel, without rubbing.

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
1,471 posts
 

@mahler123 

I also find it interesting that some individuals advocate don’t do anything to a CD unless it’s really in bad shape then advocate using an unnecessarily aggressive and potentially deleterious cleaning method

I advocate doing nothing unless there are audible problems.  I cannot think of anything less aggressive than a no-contact ultrasonic cleaner.  For CDs, I get away with warm water and one drop of liquid detergent which gets rinsed off before drying.

For records, I use de-ionised water, polysorbate 'detergent' and Ilfoton added to the rinse water.  But CDs are flat polycarbonate.

Unlike records, CDs are incredibly tolerant of scratches.  The laser beam is a wide cone, focused on the label side of the disk.  It averages over a big circle on the clear side.  Then error detection and recovery take over.  Remember the demonstration disk playing without audible issues despite a 1/8" hole drilled through the playing area?

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