How to Repair Scratched Glass

Although glass is a high performance and extremely versatile material – suited to a huge variety of domestic products and home features – its major drawback is scratches.

Scratches can quickly ruin the aesthetic of your glass windows, tables, splashbacks or induction hobs.

But, you might be surprised to learn how easy it is to repair scratches, and restore your glass products to their original, flawless finish.

Keep reading to find our comprehensive guide on how to repair scratches on glass in the home, and the most effective ways to prevent glass scratches in the first place.

The most common methods for repairing scratched glass

Repairing scratches on glass can be achieved quickly and easily.

You can achieve this through a number of different DIY methods, depending on how deep and severe the scratches are. Please note, the methods below are not guaranteed to work in all situations.

The bicarbonate of soda method:

(For lighter scratches)

• Mix together bicarbonate of soda with a small amount of water, until a paste is formed.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, apply the paste to the scratch. Gently rub the paste into the scratch, using small circular motions.
• Rinse the area with water, until all of the paste is removed.

The toothpaste method:

(For lighter scratches)

• Apply a small amount of toothpaste directly onto the scratch.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently rub the toothpaste into the scratch, using small circular motions.
• Rinse the area with water, until all of the toothpaste is removed.

The metal polish method:

(For lighter scratches)

• Choose a metal polish that does not have any abrasive particles.
• Apply a small amount of polish directly onto the scratch.
• Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently rub the polish into the scratch, using small circular motions.
• Rinse the area with water, until all of the polish is removed. Then, wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Specialised glass scratch remover:

(For deeper scratches)

• Choose a specialised glass scratch remover, such as cerium oxide.
• If you’re using cerium oxide, mix the product with water (following the manufacturer’s instructions).
• Apply the mixture to the scratch, using a soft cloth and rubbing in circular motions.
• Rinse the area thoroughly with water, until all of the product is removed.

How to repair scratches on glass windows

Clean the glass thoroughly, using a glass cleaner.

Check the glass scratches, and gauge how deep or extensive they are. If the scratches are very deep, you would be best contacting a professional glass specialist.

Depending on the depth of the scratch, you can use one of the following methods: the baking soda method, the toothpaste method, the metal polish method, or apply a specialised glass scratch remover.

How to repair scratches on glass table tops

Clean the glass table top thoroughly. First sweep away any dirt, debris or crumbs, then use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth, to remove any final dust and achieve a thorough clean.

Gauge how deep the glass scratches are. If the scratches are very deep, we recommend contacting a professional glass specialist.

Depending on the depth of the scratch, you can use one of the following methods to remove it: the baking soda method, the toothpaste method, the metal polish method, or apply a specialised glass scratch remover.

Before you start, make sure you test any of the methods that you plan to use on a small portion of the table. This will ensure that the technique does not unintentionally cause any further damage.

How to repair scratches on glass protectors

Glass protectors are commonly used on electronic devices, such as smartphones, smart watches and tablets.

It can be tricky to repair scratches on these protectors, because they usually have coatings that enhance their protective capabilities.

However, if you only have light scratches on a glass protector, you can try the following methods:

Clean the glass thoroughly. We recommend using a glass cleaning wipe (commonly used for glasses) to achieve a thorough clean. Use either the toothpaste method or the baking soda method.

For these methods, we recommend using a cotton bud, to precisely target the affected area. Make sure you only use a very light level of pressure when cleaning the glass protector.

We also suggest that, if the scratches affect your device’s functionality, it would be best to replace the glass protector.

How to repair scratches on glass splashbacks in the kitchen

Clean the glass thoroughly. This step is particularly important for glass splashbacks, as they are particularly prone to build-ups of food, grease, water stains and dirt. Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to achieve a thorough clean.

Gauge how deep the glass scratches are by using your finger. If you can can’t feel anything, it’s just a small scratch that should be easy to repair – if you feel a large grove, or a indent you can fit your nail into, this may need specialist treatment.

Depending on the depth of the scratch, you can use one of the following methods: the baking soda method, the toothpaste method, the metal polish method, or apply a specialised glass scratch remover.

When using these methods, we recommend using masking tape to protect the rest of the glass splashback (which haven’t been scratched).

If you use a specialised glass scratch remover, after you have tackled the scratch, make sure you clean the splashback thoroughly. This is particularly important in kitchens or bathrooms, so that all chemicals are completely removed.

How to repair scratches on glass induction hobs

Clean the glass thoroughly. Glass induction hobs are also particularly prone to build-ups of food, grease and dirt. Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to achieve a thorough clean.

Take a look at how deep the scratches are. If you can’t remove the scratches, we recommend contacting a professional glass specialist.

Depending on the depth of the scratch, you can use one of the following methods: the baking soda method, the toothpaste method, or apply a specialised glass scratch remover.

Make sure that you don’t use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals when repairing the scratches, as this can cause further damage.

If the scratches are deep, it is important that you seek the advice of a glass specialist. Since glass hobs are electrical units, it can be dangerous to attempt to repair a deep scratch.

How to correctly clean glass

Our top tips for correctly cleaning glass:

Use a cleaner that’s specifically designed for cleaning glass. You can either buy a commercial product or make your own glass cleaner.

You can do this by either mixing equal parts of water and rubbing alcohol, or equal parts of water and white vinegar.

Dust the glass thoroughly, before you start cleaning. We recommend using a soft cloth or duster for this step.

Avoid abrasive materials. Even for stubborn stains, make sure you only use soft sponges, cloths or non-abrasive scrubbers.

Avoid paper towels. This is because they are more prone to leaving streaks and lint particles.

Avoid cleaning under direct sunlight. This is because the cleaning solution can dry too quickly, leaving behind streaks.

How to avoid scratches on glass in the home

Our top tips for minimising the risk of scratching glass in your home:

• When cleaning glass, use soft and non-abrasive materials
• Use mild, non-abrasive glass cleaners
• Avoid harsh cleaning agents and other chemicals (such as those containing ammonia or bleach)
• Use coasters and mats for your glass tables
• Use chopping boards for your glass table tops or hobs
• When using a glass hob, ensure your pans are smooth underneath
• Apply protective glass films or guards
• Maintain your glass regularly, and repair any scratches quickly (before they are allowed to develop)
• Add felt pads under any objects that are kept on glass tables or countertops

If you’re struggling to repair a glass scratch yourself, or if you think that your glass product or window needs to be replaced, the team at Stevenage Glass is on hand to help.