We’ve all gone through the frustration of having to clean our windows only to find scratches on them. These scratches can have many causes: natural wear and tear, age, rowdy children, or perhaps a pet that wanted to sharpen its claws on the glass.
Whatever the reason, seeing scrapes and scuffs on the glass is an eyesore that reduces the visual appeal and clarity of your windows. You should address the problems before things get worse and the little scuffs develop into cracks. So, is there still time to fix the problem, or does this mean you need to replace your windows immediately?
We’ll get into these questions below, so keep reading!
Can Scratches on Glass Be Removed?
Yes, but it depends on the depth of the scratch.
If the scratch is superficial, there’s no need to worry, as you can fix the scrapes on your glass windows using DIY techniques and various cleaning solutions. However, if the scratches are too deep, home remedies will likely fail. Unfortunately, letting these issues go unaddressed could affect your window’s energy performance.
4 Easy Fixes For Window Scratches
You should first clean the surface of your glass window to assess the damage and depths of the scratches. Removing dust, grime, or debris preps the surface for a better clean and ensures the scratches won’t be further damaged once you start trying any of the methods.
You can use a mild soap and water solution to clear the debris and then dry the surface with a soft cloth to ensure you’re getting shiny and streak-free glass windows.
Afterward, determine the extent of the damages. If you can feel the scratches with your fingers or find that your nails fit inside them, you’ll need to call the pros for help. If not, move ahead with trying these tips to clear the scuffs off your windows.
- Make It Shine With Clear Nail Polish
This method works well if you need to precisely fix the scratches on the glass’s surface. Use an applicator brush to apply a thin layer of clear nail polish over the scratch, ensuring you use just enough product to fill the gaps.
Try to avoid applying too much nail polish, or you risk letting the product overflow or start dripping down the rest of the surface of the glass.
Wait an hour or two to ensure the nail polish dries, then wipe the excess outside the scratches with nail polish remover. Then use a microfiber cloth to dry the area.
- Try Rubbing Baking Soda
Another low-cost solution you (probably) already have at home is baking soda.
Mix one part baking soda and one part water in a bowl and stir until it forms a paste. Next, dip a soft cloth into the mixture and apply the paste to the damaged glass in a circular motion. Buff the paste onto the surface gently for 30 seconds to ensure the baking soda-water mixture is evenly distributed over the scratches. Finish by wiping away the mixture with a microfiber cloth and warm water.
Do this a few more times, and if done correctly, the scratch should become less visible or disappear altogether.
- No Baking Soda? No Problem! Use Toothpaste Instead
Toothpaste is not only essential to keeping your teeth healthy, but it can also remove scratches from glass. Without getting too much into the science behind it, toothpaste is a mild abrasive that can level out scratches to make them less noticeable.
White, non-gel toothpaste should be used on glass surfaces. You should also be careful with the application because you could end up worsening the problem by creating more scratches or dulling the glass’s surface if done incorrectly.
Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to a damp cloth and buff it gently onto the scratched glass surface. Do this for about 30 seconds and wipe off the excess with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. Repeat the steps as many times as it takes to clear the scratches off your windows. After, clean the residual toothpaste with water and a soft cloth.
- Bet on Glass or Metal Polish
If the damage on your window’s surface is resistant to the DIY solutions above, it’s time to bring in more powerful solutions like glass or metal polishing products. These contain chemicals like cerium oxide or iron oxide, which can remove the scratches on your windows by hardening the surface to make it more resistant to damage.
But if you’re not careful with your technique, these products could damage your glass even further. You can find these polishing products at your local hardware store.
Put a small amount of polish onto the surface using a soft cloth or cotton balls, and gently rub the product over the scratch in a circular motion. Do this for 30 seconds before cleaning any excess solution with a damp cloth and liquid dish soap.
Remember: you should only apply a little bit on the surface and gently buff the area to avoid further damage or scratches to your windows.
When All Else Fails, Call in the Pros
If you’re still wondering how to fix scratches on glass windows after trying all the DIY solutions we’ve listed, then it may be time to call Clera Windows + Doors.
For over four decades, we have been the trusted manufacturer of energy-efficient and long-lasting windows for numerous clients in Canada. With our premier collection of windows and doors, you never have to worry about your windows getting scratched up again.
Contact us today for a free estimate!
