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Using Mikro-Smooth w/o Scratching

I've seen several people complain in this forum that they get tiny scratches on their CDs from using Mapleshade's Mikro-Smooth. I had the same problem and thought it was from grit on the polishing pads, so I ordered some new pads. Unfortuately, the scratches continued. I was about to give up on the product when I decided to try a new approach--skips the pads altogether and spread it around the CD with my index finger (after washing my hands).

The result was 1) no scratches 2) improved sound. So I decided Mikro-Smooth is a keeper. I follow it up with Optrix spray and the Ionoclast, but I might experiment with Vivid and Auric Illuminator instead of Optrix. Has anyone tried one of these latter combos?

Tony
socprof
4 responses Add your response
sean
6,231 posts
 
I'm almost afraid to mix & match random chemicals for fear of causing some type of reaction between them. I know people that have literally passed on ( died ) from mixing typical household cleaning solvents and inadvertently inhaling the fumes that resulted. While i'm not real concerned about keeling over from the fumes of CD cleaners being mixed together, i'm concerned about the longevity of the discs themselves and the random reactions that may take place. Anyone ever noticed degradation of their discs from using specific "cleaners" and / or mixing various cleaners together? Sean
>

Currently listening to: Days of the New / Days of the New via Redbook CD
txp1
148 posts
 
I gave up Mikro-Smooth after using it on about seven or eight CDs due to the scratching problem. Since it was new, the pads were also new. Two of the CDs were scratched, one pretty bad although I'd technically still call them 'light surface scratches'. The CDs were scratch-free prior to using the Mikro-Smooth. I may need to try Tony's method, but these days I listen almost exclusively to LPs.

Two common household cleaning products that are dangerous when mixed together are chlorine bleach and ammonia. Mixed together, even in a toilet bowl for example, they make mustard gas.

Terry
socprof OP
37 posts
 
You rinse Mikro-Smooth off the CD with water after polishing, so chemical reaction should not be an issue.

Tony
mhu
102 posts
 
I've used the Mikro-Smooth in the past. I've always thought that the point of using it is to scratch away the thin "plastic" surface. I've used it on about ten cds, noticed very slight improvements, but no problem playing the cds eventhough they are all scratched up.
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