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How do I clean CDs with isopropyl alcohol?

Hello:

I just purchased some 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove some Optrix clouding (I didn't follow the instructions and wipe the CDs completely dry).

Anyways, my CDs seem to be much more clean than dish soap / water.

So, can others provide me with tips on using isopropyl alcohol for cleaning CDs:
1) Should I use undiluted 91% isopropyl alcohol or should I dilute it with distilled water. If so, what are the appropriate proportions?
2) How long do you leave the isopropyl alcohol on the CD for maximal effect?
3)Any potential to damage my CDs by using this cleaning protocol vs soap and water?

Do you think isopropyl alcohol is safe for CDRs?

Is there any potential for damage to my CDs or CDRs from repeated cleaning with 1) isopropyl alcohol or, 2) soap and water?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

mshan
vectorman67
42 posts
 
** I don't use soap. It can clog the grooves

I believe what 7671 was referring to are the pits on the CDs, not the grooves. Now, I don't know if soap can necessarily clog these pits per se, but it can probably leave residue that could diminish the CDs reflectiveness, which is as bad as clogging them.
hockey
32 posts
 
Actually the "pits" are molded into a reflected layer which is then coated with a smooth protective layer. The CD surface is completely smooth - no pits to clog.
eddaytona
216 posts
 
I use kodak lens cleaner or eyeglass cleaner with a non-woven eyeglass cloth from a small spray bottle. Works great and is very gentle. Photo optics and plastic eye glass lens material is very suseptible to minute scratching. Figure if it is safe on these sensitive materials it would be safe on CDs.
clbeanzfb43
28 posts
 
Try the Sams club eye glass care kit,it is 2 dollars has a spray bottle of lense cleaner for all plastic/glass eyewear.
And get this they refill the spray bottle free whenever you take it in.You also get nose pads and nice eyewear screw driver,howzat 4 value!
jes453dc3
65 posts
 
Cleaning polycarbonate with IPA, (iso-propyl alcohol)? I agree with Dogeatpuppy on this one. I don't work in the plastics industry, but still remember what I'd learned at College about polymers.

Do not clean your discs with alcohol or petroleum products.
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