How to Clean the CD Player

Remove the address from the CD player. If the disc tray is in the CD player, open the tray and unplug it (do not turn it off with the power button). This will keep the tray open for you to reach inside.

Use a manual dust blower for preliminary cleaning. This type of rubber squeeze ball is often used in the place where a jeweler’s camera or equipment is stored. You need to squeeze the ball to gently blow the dust out of the slot and disc tray.

• Compressed air spray is also an alternative, although not very safe. You should only spray quickly with short jets to avoid unnecessary strong impact, and check to make sure the nozzle is completely dry. Some aerosols have a small amount of liquid in the compressed air and this can damage the drive. ^[2]

Remove the lens cap (also known as the reading eye). If after blowing the dust the problem is still not fixed, you need to approach the lens. Unless this is a pop-up portable player, you’ll need to unscrew the unit’s outer case first. Once the CD tray is accessible, look for the small pins or screws that secure the plastic cover that covers the top of the lens assembly. Gently press on the latch or remove the screw with a small head screwdriver. Below that is a small circular reading eye (about the same size as a phone camera lens) located on one side of the disc axis. ^[3]

• Note: this process may void the CD player’s warranty.

Choose lint-free wipes. Clean microfiber towels are ideal. You can find them at electronics or eyewear stores. Cotton swabs can also be used to clean electronics. ^[4]

• Use cotton swabs only if there is no other way. While effective in cleaning, cotton swabs carry a risk of scratching the lens.

Apply a small amount of high concentration isopropyl alcohol to the lens. Use isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of at least 91% (ideally 99.9% “reagent” alcohol). Alcohol in low concentrations can leave a smudge on the lens. Dab a little alcohol on a towel/cotton, not wet, and then gently wipe over the lens. Continue wiping until the center of the lens is shiny and has a slight blue sheen. ^[5] A slight blur in the outer ring is usually not a problem. ^[6]

• You can use a lens cleaner instead of alcohol. Although rare, in some cases you will need deionized water to remove residual sugary residue. ^[7]
• Deep scratches can make the lens unreadable. If the scratch is relatively inconspicuous, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Allow the lens to dry before reinstalling the cap. Wait a few minutes for it to dry so that the alcohol does not remain inside the machine. In the meantime, you can use a sponge to blow away dirt (if any) inside the machine.

• Avoid tightening the screws too tightly as this may cause the plastic cover to crack.

Try using a lens cleaning disc. This type of disc gently brushes the CD player and cleans the dust. In most cases, cleaning discs won’t be as effective as the methods above, and even low-quality discs can cause further damage. ^[8] You can try if other methods don’t work, or skip to the last step if you want more in-depth repair. The cleaning disc usually runs on its own after it is inserted into the appliance, but you should also check the user manual first.

• Do not use cleaning CDs for combo CD/DVD players. Cleaning discs for CD players can scratch the DVD drive. ^[9]
• Look carefully at the warning on the product label before buying. Not all sanitary discs are compatible with all devices.

Consider in-depth repair. If the CD player still doesn’t work, you can try further disassembling and checking other components. This method is relatively difficult and requires the device’s manual. If you are patient and technically minded, try the following: ^[10]

• Slowly turn the drive upside down while observing the lens. With a normal disc head, the lens will move up and down smoothly without jamming or tilting. If the lens isn’t working correctly, you may need to replace the entire player (or simply buy a new CD player).
• Carefully remove the components around the lens (if possible). If you have access to the rotating mirror (looks like a small piece of glass), clean it in the same way as with the lens.
• Look for the plastic gear attached to the laser system. Rotate this gear slowly with a cotton swab and watch the related parts move. If any parts are dirty or not smooth, apply a thin layer of light electronics lubricant.