Unless you’re really lucky, or careful and keep it in the carrying case, at some point you’re going to get scratches on your iPod or iPhone. They might just be hairline scratches that are barely noticeable, but most likely they will be pretty extensive and can interfere with the viewing screen. If your iPod is constantly going in and out of the pocket of a shirt or pants, the surface of the cloth will cause minute abrasions on the plastic – just ask any eyeglass wearer who carries his glasses around in a pocket instead of the case. These scratches can be really annoying especially when they are on the view screen.

If this has happened to you, do not despair. Minor scratches are easily repaired. The bad news is, if you have gouges that are really deep, there’s not much you can do but replace the unit.

Here are three relatively inexpensive and easy ways to get rid of iPod scratches.

Special Lens Polishing Kits

For about $10 to $20, you can buy a special lens polishing kit from your local optometrist, or check on-line to see what might be available. Be sure to read and carefully follow the directions that come with the kit, to avoid doing further damage to your iPod.
[sniplet AdSense Skyscraper]

Off-the-shelf polishing alternatives

It’s not necessary to buy a custom polishing kit to remove scratches from your iPod. Clear furniture polish, or one of those scratch removal pens like the ones the late Billy Mays advertised on TV can fill the annoying little hairline scratches and abrasions that come from rubbing your iPod against rough cloth surfaces. If you use furniture polish, apply it carefully, starting in a small area of an outer corner rather than the center of the view screen. Rub it gently in a circular motion with a soft cloth, and if it works on the test surface, then slowly apply it to all scratched areas. Some people recommend using toothpaste to remove scratches. It can fill in the minor scratches on white surfaces (assuming you use white toothpaste), but when it dries, it can become powdery and flake off.

The Military Method

The cheapest way to mend minor scratches is that old military standby, Brasso. It can be difficult to find unless you live in a city near a military base. Army and Marine bases are best because these services still do the spit shine and shiny brass routine for parades and ceremonies. A small can of Brasso will cost you less than five bucks and will last practically forever. To remove scratches with Brasso, apply a small amount (about half the size of a dime) to the damaged area and using a soft cloth, rub it in gently with a circular motion. Continue with the gentle circular buffing until the filmy coating has disappeared, and the scratches will be gone as well.

Whichever method you use, remember that if your iPod has a non-glare coating, the chemicals that fill in minor scratches are also likely to remove the coating. It’s always a good idea to test a small unobtrusive area first before applying anything widely, especially the iPod display screen. Knowing how to get rid of iPod scratches is a handy skill if you want your device to work well and last a long time.