NeXT MO disks (cleaning) - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

7 Mar 2001

Mark K. said:

...
 Cleaning the disk surface is easy (remember, with disk
side A up, the surface
for side A is underneath), so you may as well try that before attempting to
open the drive. If you don't want to buy a purpose-designed disk cleaning kit
you can use a lint-free cloth. Breathe on the disk and carefully wipe
radially, rotate the disk slightly and repeat. Preferably wear some plastic
gloves to prevent skin oils from touching the disk. 
	I once in an optics lab *suggested* (lucky me) breathing on a
component to moisten it before wiping. The instructor *yelled* at me (only
time) to make sure I didn't carry through. (CO2 + water in your breath =
dilute carbonic acid? He didn't amplify on what all is in breath, but he
made sure I used IPA or de-ionized water or something after that.)
	Not knowing the proper solvent, I'd tentatively suggest iso-propyl
alcohol, but would avoid breathing on optics (or media) if at all possible.
It may be MO disks are sufficiently rugged it makes no difference, but that
formative experience has convinced me it's not a good habit to be in.
								- Mark T.