From an excitable pet’s sharp claws to branches rubbing against the house, there are many ways windows can get scratched. Repairing the damage to window glass doesn’t always have to mean calling a glass professional, but you should address scratches quickly before they develop into cracks. This guide outlines a few simple ways you can remove scratches from a glass window yourself.
Easy Methods To Get Scratches Out of a Glass Window
No matter what their origin, you can repair light scratches easily. If the damage is deep—for example, if there is a groove in the glass you can feel with your fingernail—you may want to consult a professional glass repair service. Major scratches or cracks in windowpanes might require incurring the cost of a full window glass replacement.
Here are some simple ways to remove small scratches from glass, using materials generally on-hand at home.
Method 1: Toothpaste or Pumice Soap
Regular white toothpaste or mildly abrasive liquid soap can polish fine scratches out of glass.
Materials:
- Plain white toothpaste—varieties containing baking soda and/or formulated for whitening purposes work better than gel formulas
- Mildly abrasive soap for heavy-duty hand cleaning, like liquid pumice
- Soft rag or old washcloth
Directions:
- Clean the area first and let it dry.
- Apply a small amount of toothpaste or soap to a lightly damp rag and use small, circular motions with a bit of pressure over the scratch.
- Keep rubbing for about 30 seconds.
- Use a clean rag to wipe away the excess toothpaste and see if the scratch has been polished away.
- Repeat as needed.
Method 2: Nail Polish
Clear nail polish can help hide a glass scratch.
Materials:
- Clear nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Clean rag or paper towel
Directions:
- Apply a thin layer of nail polish to the entire scratch area and let dry for about 1 hour.
- After the polish dries, use a cloth moistened slightly with nail polish remover to swipe over the surface, removing any excess nail polish outside the scratch itself.
Method 3: Glass Buffing
If your glass needs a bit more attention and you still prefer a DIY solution, try a metal- or glass-polishing product that comes in a paste. You can purchase these products online or at your local hardware store.
Materials:
- Metal or glass polishing product—look for one containing cerium oxide
- Clean, soft rag or sponge
Directions:
- Apply the polish by following the directions on the label, taking care not to use too much product since excessive amounts could cause new scratches to appear.
- When finished, wipe away excess with a clean, damp cloth.
Method 4: Fine Steel Wool
Buffing away a scratch with superfine steel wool may be the fix you need. Look for the finest grade—not the kind you polish a pot with. It will be labeled #0000 steel wool.
Use a new pad for buffing, as a worn one may introduce new scratches to the window surface due to rust or dirt buildup on old steel wool.
Materials:
Directions:
- Use the steel wool in a circular motion for several minutes at the site of the scratch.
- Rinse away residue when you’re finished and see if your efforts polished the scratch out.
Method 5: Glass Scratch Filler Kit
You can find ready-made scratch repair kits at local hardware or automotive stores or online. They contain a glass-polishing compound and typically come with special pads for application.
Materials:
Directions:
- Follow the product’s directions to apply the polishing compound to lightly scratched glass that’s been cleaned and dried.
- Do not apply excess product or rub the area too vigorously, as you may cause more damage that way.
A professional glass repair service can assist you if none of the above DIY scratch removal or glass replacement methods work.
Our Conclusion
Windows can get scratched, but fortunately, there are a number of ways you can fix small scratches using supplies you likely have at home. If the scratch is big enough to fit your fingernail, we recommend calling a professional.
