Scratches on glass are one of those annoyances that are almost impossible to avoid. A phone screen that encounters the keys in your purse every day, a bathroom mirror that is cleaned with a too-rough cloth, or a ceramic hob that gets scratched by pots and pans despite being careful - these are all scenes that are not foreign to us. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of them or at least reduce their appearance without having to immediately replace the entire surface or put up with damage.
Before you decide on expensive professional services or even replacing the damaged one glasses, try some simple and affordable tricks. Some methods based on everyday household products like toothpaste, baking soda, or even baby powder can make a surprising difference. But beware – not all scratches are the same, and in some cases you’ll need to resort to specialized polishes. Read on to discover which solution is right for you!
1. Toothpaste – a simple trick for minor scratches
Toothpaste isn't just for beautiful teeth, it can also be great for minor scratches on glass surfaces. You should use a classic white toothpaste (without gel or grainy additives), as it acts as a mild abrasive.
How to use?
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cotton cloth or microfiber towel. Then gently rub the toothpaste into the scratch using circular motions for about 30 seconds to one minute. After that, wipe the surface with a slightly damp cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste. If the scratch is still visible, you can repeat the process several times.
Most effective on: mobile phone screens, mirrors, glass tables
2. Baking soda – a natural abrasive that really works
Baking soda is a universal household helper that we use to clean, neutralize odors, and even remove scratches from glass. Its slightly abrasive texture allows it to gently smooth the surface without the risk of further damaging the glass.
How to use?
In a small bowl, mix two teaspoons of baking soda with one teaspoon of water to make a thick paste. Apply this paste to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the damaged area using circular motions. After a few minutes, wipe the area with a damp cloth and check the result.
Most effective on: glass tables, mirrors, kitchen glass surfaces
3. Car polish – if it can fix scratches on a car, it will fix scratches on glass too
Car body polishing pastes are specifically designed to remove surface scratches and paint damage. Their effectiveness on glass is surprising, as they work similarly to car surfaces – smoothing out micro-scratches and reducing their visibility.
How to use?
Apply a small amount of car polish to a clean, soft cloth and gently rub it into the damaged area. Use circular motions until the scratch is less visible or disappears completely. Then wipe the surface with a damp cloth and repeat the process if necessary.
Most effective on: phone screens, sunglasses, glass tables
4. Baby powder – not just for babies, but also for scratches
Baby powder, which is commonly used for skin care, can help reduce the visibility of scratches on glass surfaces. It works in a similar way to baking soda, but is even gentler and less abrasive.
How to use?
Mix a small amount of baby powder with a few drops of water to create a paste. Then apply the paste to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it into the damaged area. After a few minutes, wipe the area with a dry cloth and check the result.
Most effective on: mirrors, glass tables, phone protective glass
5. Vegetable oil – an optical illusion for quick fixes
While vegetable oil won't remove scratches, it can temporarily cover them up so they're less visible. This trick is useful when you need a quick fix, like before a meeting or event.
How to use?
Using a cotton swab or soft cloth, apply a small amount of vegetable oil directly to the scratch. Gently rub it into the glass and wipe off any excess oil. The scratch will become less visible, but the effect will only be temporary.
Most effective on: phone screens, glass tables, mirrors
6. Ceramic hob – special care for a flawless appearance
Scratches on ceramic hobs are particularly annoying as they can affect their functionality. You need to be extremely careful when cleaning these surfaces as they are sensitive to coarse abrasives.
How to remove scratches?
The best way is to use a special cleaner for glass ceramic hobs that contains micro-polishing particles. If you don't have such a cleaner on hand, you can use a baking soda paste, but be extremely gentle and avoid rubbing too hard.
Most effective on: ceramic hobs
When is it time for professional help?
If home remedies don't work and the scratches are deep, it may be time to call in a professional. For more expensive devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, excessive rubbing or the wrong method can cause more harm than good.
Home remedies are often surprisingly effective, but only for minor scratches. While toothpaste, baking soda, or car polish can do the trick, for deeper damage, there’s no other option than professional repair or glass replacement. But if nothing else works, you can always console yourself with the thought that it might be time to buy a new device – you deserve a little pampering, right?
