It waited 31 years just for me to do this.
Haha, this idiot used isopropyl alcohol to clean a CD! What a dumbass!
Isopropyl alcohol can damage CDs? Shit…
Pretty sure rubbing alcohol isn't dangerous to the data layer, I think it just damaged the printed label
That looks like marker ink too, I’m wondering if they only just wiped off a sharpie label on an old writable CD?
Nope. This one: https://www.discogs.com/release/317952-Alphaville-First-Harvest-1984-92
Problem is, label and data layer are only separated by thin lacquer on CDs, as I noted in other comment. I am not sure if alcohol also damaged that layer since this was just short-term exposure, but it at least made it more vulnerable. If it did damage the protective layer, then the reflective layer will be allowed to oxidize which will ruin the disc.
That is why you shouldn't use permanent markers on CDs. The ink will leech through the label and protective layer over time. They are too thin.
That looks like marker ink too, I’m wondering if they only just wiped off a sharpie label on an old writable CD?
If it's the data side that got damaged, you might be able to restore the disk, as long as the damage is not major. The actual data is written on a thin film that's sandwiched between two layers of plastic. The plastic on the outside can be ground down and polished back to a smooth, clean finish. Disk polishers used to be kinda popular back in the day.
Well, you've made a mistake so I don't have to. Thanks for sharing!
Oof, very sorry to hear that! What CD was it?
Pretty popular and widely available CD (Alphaville - First Harvest): https://www.discogs.com/release/317952-Alphaville-First-Harvest-1984-92
So nothing too special, but still...
It's the sense of loss, an item you enjoy that's survived all this time. I've been there, I'm sorry that happened, so we all learn, what's a better cleaning agent for CDs? I'd probably try the type of Windex with vinegar in it, but now I'm questioning that!
I usually use this display cleaning foam:
It never caused any damages and it's great at removing fingerprints, but not much more than fingerprints.
Oh good to know, I'll keep an eye out for that! Or something like it at least!
Ah the joy of realizing you messed things up by trying to fix them. I feel you.
it depends what CD, but its a roll of the dice to use isopropyl alcohol.
I used it to get the "Blockbuster (Do not remove)" sticker off a ps1 game that i bought at a retro game store. It covered the entire disc. I thought I was going to ruin it. but I decided I had no choice as it was getting caught in my PS2 and would potentially break both if I left it alone.
It worked out, but it was a scary and calculated risk.
Does this damage the label or data side?
The damage was done from label side, however with CDs there's just a thin lacquer layer below the label and that's it.
Image source
Which is why you also shouldn't write onto CDs with permanent markers.
DVDs on the other hand have a relatively thick plastic layer on top, offering fairly good protection.
Image source
Edit: Added white background to 1st image
Can’t CDs also have two layers of plastic? I thought it was just cheap CDs that printed the label directly onto the data layer.
I wonder the ratio of readers these days asking themselves what is a CD?
And also asking, how does it compare to a high-yield savings account?
Be sure to follow the rule before you head out.
Rule: You must post before you leave.