Tech Support Pits:

From Carolyn===
Big problem here, Webby.
When we got our car back from being repaired, our box of CDs
were a mess.  Looked like something brown had been spilled
on them. Wetness all over!  Smelled terrible!!  It looked like
coffee or cola, but because of the sour smell, I suspect
maybe chocolate milk.
What's the best way to try to save them?  Will I ruin them if I
put them in warm soapy water to get rid of the stickiness and
then rinse and drain well and wipe gently with a soft cloth?
I must have 2 dozen CDs there!  Sure hate to lose them all.
Any help you can give me will be appreciated.

Frantically, Carolyn

Dear Carolyn
I would not soak them too long. Judging by the sorry state
of the sun catcher that I had made from AOL CD's, they are
not weather proof.

For CD's (and a lot of other stuff, including the floor
of the boat) I use Watkins citrus cleaner, thinned down
with about 8 parts of water.

I spray it on with an old Windex sprayer, let it soak 5-10
seconds, then rinse with warm water. All the dirt and glued
on chocolate or malted milk or whatever will run right off.
After that just stand them into your dish rack and let
them dry.

Polishing them, once they are clean, with a microfiber
cloth or old, well washed t-shirt doesn't hurt them, but
should not be necessary.

If you don't have Watkins citrus cleaner, you could try
Windex. It's a LOT more expensive, but a pretty good
cleaner.

In what country and town are you located ? In case I am
using brand names that are totally unfamiliar to you, tell
me where you are and I'll find the equivalents.

Have FUN
Dear Webby