How to Clean a Laptop DVD Drive

With a dependable laptop computer, you can work on important documents, chat with employees and clients, and update the social networking profiles for your business from virtually any location. Over time, though, your laptop's DVD drive is bound to accumulate dust, especially if it is left open for extended periods. With a few basic tools that can be found in the supply room of any workplace, you can have your laptop's DVD drive looking and working like new.

Manual Cleaning

Unplug your laptop if it is currently being charged. Open the DVD drive by pressing the "Eject" button or right-clicking on the drive's icon and selecting "Eject."

Blow compressed air into the open drive to expel any dust that has collected.

Dampen a cotton swab with warm water or rubbing alcohol. Make sure the cotton swab is lightly dampened, as you don't want moisture dropping into the DVD drive.

Wipe the drive's lens clean using the dampened cotton swab. Apply as little pressure as possible; the lens is very delicate and may be easily scratched.

Dab the lens dry with a fresh cotton swab. The drive should be completely dry before you resume using it.

Laser Lens Cleaning

Unplug your laptop and open the DVD drive. Blow compressed air into the drive to dispel accumulated dust.

Insert the laser-lens cleaning disc in the drive. Close the drive and give the computer time to load the disc.

Run the cleaning disc. The exact manner in which you do this will vary by brand, so if you are unclear on how to use it, check the disc's packaging, the enclosed instruction sheet or the manufacturer's website for specific directions.

Wait for the disc to finish running. A window should pop up, notifying you that the process is complete.

Eject the disc and use your freshly cleaned DVD drive in the usual manner.