Repairing the surface of a damaged CD would seem like a natural subspecialty of the gender that grows up obsessing over woofers and tweeters and amps. On the other hand, how many guys grew up watching their older sisters polish their engagement rings with toothpaste, which also happens to be the abrasive of choice for treating a scratched CD?

Before you begin, listen to the CD and note where the worst skips are. With one hand opened wide, hold the CD by the edge and wipe gently with water and mild soap to remove dust and fingerprints. Using a lint-free cloth (an eyeglass cloth will do), dry the surface in clean strokes from the center to the outer edge. Do not use a circular motion. Now hold the shiny side of the CD under a bright light and look for whitish scratches (remember that CDs, unlike records, play from the center out). Dampen the cloth, dab with plain white toothpaste (no gels, no baking soda), and apply it to the scratch, once again working from the center to the outer edge. Rinse with water, dry carefully, and test the results. Repeat once or twice if the the CD still skips.