How to get scratches out of glass windows
Windows are hard – but they're not completely scratch-proof. Explore some tried-and-tested tips to get scratches out of glass.
Glass has a reputation for being delicate. But did you know it actually ranks around 5.5 on the Mohs hardness scale? That makes it more resistant to scratching than iron, steel and brass.
However, that doesn't mean it's immune. Dust, dirt, abrasive cleaning tools and even pet claws can occasionally leave scratches on an otherwise pristine window.
If this happens to you, don't worry – all hope is not lost.
In this guide, we cover some tried-and-tested DIY solutions that can help restore windows with light scratches. And for those deeper or more pervasive abrasions, we also look at when it's best to call a professional or replace the window entirely.
First step: assess the damage
The first thing you should do is examine the damage. If the scratches are too deep or cover a significant portion of the surface, our DIY solutions may not be sufficient.
Start by cleaning the window thoroughly with a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth. You're trying to remove smudges or dirt that could either hide the real depth of the scratch or make it seem bigger.
With the window clean, how big is the scratch? If it covers a large area, it could be too much for simple solutions to remedy.
Next, try the fingernail test. Simply run a fingernail over the scratch. If your fingernail easily catches on the scratch, it's probably too deep for DIY.
Have you investigated and think the scratch seems manageable? The following methods might just do the trick.
Simple solutions to fix scratched windows
Abrasives
Toothpaste
For minor scratches, you might find success with toothpaste. Your best bet is using whitening, non-gel toothpaste, as it has a lightly abrasive texture that's just right for windows.
There's no need for a toothbrush. Just grab a small, soft cloth. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratched area and rub it with the cloth in a circular motion. Continue for a minute or two.
Now, rinse the area with water and examine it. If the toothpaste seems to be working, you can repeat the procedure once or twice more. But if it's no help, it might be time to move on to another method.
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarb, the famous household staple, has a plethora of uses. It should come as no surprise that removing glass scratches is one of them.
First, mix equal parts water and bicarbonate of soda to form a thick paste. From then on, the approach is quite similar to the toothpaste method.
Apply a small amount to the affected area and rub it in circular motions using a clean, soft cloth for a couple of minutes. Then, wipe the area clean using a new cloth and warm water.
Check your progress. You can repeat the process a few times if necessary.
Abrasives not doing it?
There are other substances you could try to use in a similar fashion, such as liquid pumice. You can even find commercial products designed specifically for this task.
But chances are, if you've tried one or two of these to no avail, the scratches might just be too stubborn or deep.
Don't lose hope just yet. There are other routes you can try. Let's have a look at them.
Other options
Clear nail polish
For a different approach, you can rummage around your house for some clear nail polish. Any transparent polish will do.
The previous methods work by smoothing out the scratches. However, with nail polish, you'll be filling in the scratches.
Simply clean the glass well and apply a small layer of polish. It will take a little while to set.
After about an hour, use nail polish remover and a microfibre cloth to remove any excess polish. With a little luck, the scratch should be gone.
Sanding
This is where things get a little more serious.
Before you bring out the power tools, ask yourself whether you're confident using them. There's no shame in leaving it to a professional – and getting it wrong could do more damage than good.
Feeling up to it? You'll need an orbital sander or buffer and a buffing compound.
Now, start polishing the glass with the buffing wheel, adding small amounts of the buffing compound as you go. The idea is to make sure it doesn't dry out while you're working, as that could damage the glass.
After a while, clean the area with some water and inspect. As with all the other methods, you can rinse and repeat as needed.
When is it best to call a pro?
Maybe the scratches are just too severe, and our DIY aren't doing the trick. Or perhaps you're not ready to break out the power tools.
If that's the case, you might want to enlist the help of a professional window repair firm. Its experts can assess the state of your window and suggest the best way forward.
Naturally, this will be more expensive than a DIY solution. It's up to you whether the benefit justifies the cost. In some cases, it might be best to replace the window altogether.
When should I consider replacing the window?
A very scratched window is probably a very old window. Chances are, the scratches aren't the only problem with it.
That's where a replacement window can start looking like the most cost-effective option. Not only will the new window be scratch-free, but it will also come with many other benefits.
Modern options, such as our triple-glazed windows, outperform older windows in every way. Replace an old, worn window with triple glazing and you can expect:
- Improved thermal efficiency, which can mean lower heating bills
- Noise reduction – a perk if you live on a busy road
- Less condensation
- Better security
This way, a window replacement isn't just a visual improvement. It also brings financial benefits and improves the comfort level of your home.
So, will you tackle those scratches with some elbow grease, or do you think it's time for a replacement? We hope that our tips help you make an informed decision.
Are you looking for new windows in Yorkshire? At Calder Windows, we have more than 30 years of experience in supplying and fitting high-quality doors and windows. We're proud to be the go-to experts in the area. Get in touch today for a quick, competitive quote.
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