How to Use Toothpaste to Remove Scratches
How to remove light scratches from CDs, DVDs, cell phone screens and glass using an abrasive toothpaste.
The next time you scratch a CD, DVD, sunglasses lens or even a cell phone screen, you don't have to replace the item -- simply use toothpaste to remove the scratch marks instead. It's important to use a toothpaste, rather than a gel, because it's the gritty texture in the paste that removes the scratches. For best results, choose a toothpaste contains a bit of baking soda in the formula, which will make it even more gritty and abrasive.
Removing Scratches from Cell Phone Screens
Squeeze a fingertip-size dollop of toothpaste onto the tip of a
Rub the toothpaste into the scratches using slow circular movements -- don't press too hard, which could remove any coating on the screen. After you've smoothed out the scratches, slightly dampen another clean, soft cloth with water and gently wipe the paste completely off of the screen.
Removing Scratches from DVDs and CDs
To remove scratches from a DVD or CD that skips when played, squeeze a fingertip-size amount of toothpaste directly onto the scratch and work it into the surface using a clean, soft cloth. Allow the paste to rest on the scratch for one minute.
Next, wipe the toothpaste away with the cloth and rub a cut piece of banana into the scratch using small, circular motions. Then rub the inside portion of the banana peel over the scratch.
Dampen another soft cloth with water and wipe the surface of the DVD or CD clean. Spray a small amount of window cleaner onto the disc and wipe it off with the cloth.
Removing Scratches from Glass
You can also use toothpaste to remove small scratches from glass. First, wipe the glass clean using a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Again, squeeze a fingertip-size dollop of toothpaste onto a soft cloth and work it into the scratches using gentle circular motions for 30 to 40 seconds.
Wipe the paste off of the glass with a damp cloth. Dry the surface with a lint-free cloth, and repeat the process as necessary until the scratches are gone.
Warning
Toothpaste is best for removing small, light scratches rather than deep ones.
Toothpaste won't repair scratches on black, white or any other color plastic or metal appliances -- you'll need to use a product that deposits color, such as a paint pen or wax.
The Drip Cap
- The next time you scratch a CD, DVD, sunglasses lens or even a cell phone screen, you don't have to replace the item -- simply use toothpaste to remove the scratch marks instead.
- Rub the toothpaste into the scratches using slow circular movements -- don't press too hard, which could remove any coating on the screen.
- To remove scratches from a DVD or CD that skips when played, squeeze a fingertip-size amount of toothpaste directly onto the scratch and work it into the surface using a clean, soft cloth.
- Then rub the inside portion of the banana peel over the scratch.
Writer Bio
Josh Arnold has been a residential and commercial carpenter for 15 years and likes to share his knowledge and experience through writing. He is a certified journeyman carpenter and took college-accredited courses through the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters training center. As a Los Angeles-based union carpenter, Arnold builds everything from highrises to bridges, parking structures and homes.
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