How to Clean a CD Player

Cleaning a CD player is easy as long as you know what you're doing.

Steps

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    Make sure there is no CD in the player. Open the tray and disconnect the power cable without switching it off from the power button - this will leave the tray open, allowing you access to the optics.
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    Unscrew and remove the top cover. Turn the cover upside down and place the screws inside it to prevent losing them.
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    Spray some WD40 on a Q-Tip (cotton swab) and grease the rails that the laser slides on. To move the laser and grease the part of the rails under it, turn the biggest of the plastic cogwheels - make sure you don't use excessive force when doing this.
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    Take another cotton swab and dip it in the ethanol.
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    Squeeze it between your fingers to remove excess ethanol. The cotton must be damp, but not dripping.
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    Clean the lens of the laser by wiping with the cotton swab.
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    Wait a few minutes until the lens dries.
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    Put the cover back on, and fasten the screws, making sure to avoid over tightening them (this could crack the plastic case)
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    Turn on the player without putting a disc in it. If your player is a mini-system, switch it to CD mode. You will hear a sliding sound, which is the laser returning to its proper position.
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    Put in a CD and enjoy!

Tips

  • Make sure the cotton swab is tightly twisted. There must not be cotton strings left on the lens.
  • If your player still doesn't work, take it to a repair shop. Don't tamper with the electrical system.

Warnings

  • Never put your hands in something that's plugged in the power socket! Even skilled technicians don't if they can avoid it!

Things You'll Need

  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • 95% ethanol (isopropyl alcohol will also work - both may be found in pharmacies)
  • WD-40 or similar thin spray-grease
  • Cotton swabs (Q-Tips)

Article Info

Categories: Maintenance and Repair