is it ok to clean laser lens with rubbing alcohol

Is It Safe To Clean The Laser Lens with Rubbing Alcohol?

Having difficulty playing your favorite CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc? The culprit could be a dirty laser lens. The laser lens reads the information on the disc, and if it's dirty, the quality of the read is affected, resulting in stuttering, skipping, or erroneous playback. So, what's the solution? Cleaning the laser is an excellent way to fix the issue. But is it safe to clean the laser lens with rubbing alcohol? This article will help you find out.

What Is A Laser Lens?

Before we get into the details of cleaning the laser lens, understanding what it is will make things clearer. The laser head assembly (LHA) in a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player is responsible for exactly what its name suggests – reading the disc. This assembly consists of a motor for spinning the disc, a laser head for reading the disc, and a lens for focusing the laser on the disc. If the laser is dirty, it cannot read the information correctly, causing problems in playback.

Why Do You Need To Clean The Laser Lens?

Laser lenses can get dirty over time due to dust, fingerprints, or other foreign material. Once the lens is dirty, the laser cannot focus correctly, leading to skipped tracks or discs that won't play at all. Cleaning your player's laser lens is quick, easy, and inexpensive, and could save you the money you would have spent on buying a new unit.

Why Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol is a quick-drying liquid generally used as a disinfectant, antiseptic or cleaner. The benefits of using rubbing alcohol as a cleaning solution for a laser lens include its low cost, ready availability, and the fact that it's easy to use.

What Grade Of Rubbing Alcohol Should You Use?

Although rubbing alcohol is an ideal option for cleaning lenses, it's important to know the different grades available. Commercial-grade rubbing alcohol comes in concentrations that range from 60-99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). In general, 70% IPA is recommended for cleaning electronics, including DVD lenses. Using a higher concentration of alcohol may dry out plastic or rubber, which may cause cracks or other damages.

How To Clean Your Laser Lens With Rubbing Alcohol?

Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to disconnect the player from its power source. Once that's done, follow the steps below:

1. Locate the laser lens within the device, which will typically look like a small, circular glass lens.

2. Use a can of compressed air to lightly blow off dust or debris from the lens. This step is to ensure that no particulate debris is left on the lens.

3. Dampen a cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use a gentle touch to apply the cotton swab to the lens. Use a circular motion around the lens for about 10 to 15 seconds. Use a dry cotton swab, and dab it gently on the lens to remove any excess alcohol that has not evaporated.

4. Repeat the above steps with your device plugged back in, and test it to see if the laser reads the disc properly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cleaning the laser lens with rubbing alcohol is a safe and cost-effective way to fix your player's reading issues. Following the steps we discussed above ensures that you complete the task correctly without causing any damage to your device. Always make sure to use appropriate concentrations of rubbing alcohol and check for any damage that may result from cleaning with alcohol. If you are unsure, consult a professional or seek alternative cleaning options.