How to Fix Perfect Circle Scratch Xbox 360 – Easy Steps

Xbox 360 is equipped with a laser, used for collecting data from game discs. However, sometimes these games and CDs may portray circular groove; a malfunction that requires an immediate action. Yes, this is horrible, but thank God there is a way to fix it.

The most common to be held responsible for such an issue in your Xbox is the fractured laser. Count yourself lucky for you’re reading this article because we will show you how to fix a perfect circle scratch Xbox 360. This guide will save you a lot of money and play your games normally.

Since it is hard for Microsoft to replace broken discs, you can fix the issue right from your home. We have sampled several methods to help you. Briefly they include; toothpaste, for sanding, lip balm, etc. we will suggest various methods for you in this article; continue reading it.

Quick table

How to fix perfect circle scratch Xbox 360 (Guide)

Method 1: Using Lip Balm or Chapstick

This method involves simples steps like;

Step 1: Rinse off your disc using running water

You are advised to start with rinsing to get rid of any available grime and dirt. Remember, lip balm is suitable for filling scores in game discs.

Step 2: Go for a pure lip balm

Your lip balm should be plain with no flavors, glitter, or colors. Alternatively, a petroleum jelly such a Vaseline can also work for you.

Step 3: Smear the lip balm on the scratch

Use straight strokes to apply your lip balm to the disc’s scratches. The application should fully cover the scratch length; run it up and down.

Ensure that the scratch has a reasonable lip balm amount. Do the same for other scratches available on your disc.

Step 4: Remove excess balm

Under this step, you are required to use a soft piece of cloth to clean extra lip balm. Buffing is necessary after you have fully covered the scratch with the substance. More so, the buffing should be done in small circular revolutions.

Make sure there is no excess wax on the scratch. Up to this point, I am sure you are seeing the difference; the scratches are disappearing.

Step 5: Test the disc

After buffing all the extra lip balm, it’s now time to try and use your disc again. However, you should remove all the excess balm before injecting the disc into the console.

If the problem is persistent, there is another method that you can give a trial to. Try the second method, maybe it will work for you.

Method 2: Use a Lamp

Use the following steps to fix perfect circle scratch Xbox 360;

Step 1: Get a 60W lamp bulb

Heating your disc at the back will melt the plastic layer and eliminate minor scratches. For instance, a 60w bulb desk lamp will help you achieve this.

However, you are discouraged from using heating because it uses a lot of heat like a stove. On the other hand, avoid low-energy bulbs because they may not offer sufficient heat for melting the top coating.

Step 2: Warm the bulb

Warm your bulb for something like 8 minutes. Doing so is necessary to make sure that the outer layer of the disc will receive enough heat.

Step 3: Place the disc’s read side 3 inches over the lamp

Hold your disc close enough to the lamp; you should bring it closer until you feel the heat produced by the bulb. Don’t touch inside the disc, but the edges. Alternatively, you may insert your finger via the ring; if you require support.

Step 4: Rotate the lamp back and forth for something like 25 seconds

Holding the disc for an extended period may completely damage it. Therefore, you should try to test and fix it. It is wise to pull away the disc too soon rather than holding it too long.

Step 5: Finish

Immediately place the disc in the Xbox from the lamp. Power on the console and observe whether the discs work or not.

In occasions where the disc doesn’t work after all the above actions, maybe it is high time you professionally resurface it.

Method 3: Using Toothpaste

Follow these steps;

Step 1: Rinse of your disc

Under this step, you are allowed to make use of warm water to your disc before you apply toothpaste. Rinsing is necessary as it removes available grime and dirt from the disk. This will make the job ahead effective.

Step 3: Dry your disc

Use a soft clean piece of cloth like a microfiber to make your disc dry after rinsing. While drying, straight strokes will help you to wipe the disc from the center towards the edges.

Step 3: Apply toothpaste

Under this step, we recommend finding the best toothpaste to fix the disc scratches effectively. White toothpaste should help you in this, mostly those featuring some baking soda.

Applying toothpaste should be followed by sanding on the scratches area so that the laser may properly read the disc. Point and apply the toothpaste on the badly scratched area on your disc.

DO NOT use gel-based toothpastes or those that include whitening agents.

Step 4: Buff the scratch area in small circles

Under this step a tiny cotton swab will help you to buff the scratched area, but in small circular rotations.  Do it like you would do while waxing a car.

Buffing should run along the whole scratch length. However, buffing should involve much force; but make it gentle in a circular direction. 

Buff the scratches until they disappear. If you are keen, you should realize finer scratched developed toothpaste application. The notorious scratch should by now be the story of the past.

You can now go on and do the same to the remaining scratches until the whole disc is clear.

Step 5: Rinse and dry the disc

After you’re through with buffing out available scratches, go on and rinse your disc using clean water. The next action will be to dry it using a microfiber of a soft piece of cloth.

Method 4: Magic Eraser

Step 1: Buy Mr. Clean magic Eraser

Mr. Clean magic Eraser is an essential cleaning tool that you can come across in various supermarkets. An off-brand model may even go at a cheaper price, but ensure you get the melamine foam eraser.

Step 2: Brush the scratches

With your eraser, scrub the disc in straight lines from the middle or center to the edges.

Put in some more effort for the eraser to completely eliminate the scratches. Make it gentle to prevent wearing the whole layer.

Step 3: Rinse the disc

After you are done with polishing, put the disc under clean water. The magic eraser would have already worked on the scratches.

Step 4: Dry the disc

Drying is necessary before you use your disc and this should be done using a soft piece of cloth. Remember, drying should be done in the direction of polishing i.e., from the center to the edges.

Step 5: Test the disc

After you are done with polishing, rinsing as well as drying, the next step is to try your disc. Doing so will determine whether it plays or not. If the issue is stubborn, try repeating the entire process, but if it persists try a different method.

FAQ’s:

• Why does my Xbox scratch disc?

Disc scratches happen, mostly when your console is bumped or tilted during play. But, you can avoid this by ensuring that curious pets or boisterous siblings don’t get close to the console while playing.

• Is it possible to remove white stains on my disc left by the toothpaste?

Yes it is absolutely possible. Run the CD under warm water followed by a gentle wipe at the stains.

Final words

With all the above four methods on how to fix a perfect circle scratch Xbox 360, don’t throw your scratched disc. Give them another chance by trying either of the above cleaning methods. You can realize that each technique requires some cleaning materials that you can easily find in many supermarkets.