How to Remove Scratches From Glass Windows
Over time, a lot can happen to the windows of your home – both inside and out – including scratches. If you accidentally notice scratches on the glass, you may not even know how they got there. (If you haven’t just seen the kid reach for a pair of keys and walk into town, scribbling on the window. If so, then it probably is.)
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to get rid of scratches on glass windows, provided they are not too deep. (In this case, it is the work of a window professional.) In an article on ThisOldHouse.com, Ann Golub shares some of these scratch removal strategies. Here’s what you need to know.
Use clear nail polish
Even if you’ve never done a manicure in your life, it’s helpful to have a bottle of clear nail polish with you for household chores, such as removing scratches from windows.
In this case, apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the scratched part of the window and let it dry for about an hour. “After the varnish has dried, use a cloth slightly dampened with nail polish remover and sweep across the surface to remove excess varnish outside the scratch itself, ” Golub writes .
Refer to toothpaste or pumice soap
This method works using either regular white toothpaste or a mildly abrasive soap such as liquid pumice stone (or whatever you would use to remove serious stains from your hands). Clean the scratched (s) part of the window first, and then let it dry.
After that, Golub says to apply a small amount of toothpaste or mildly abrasive soap to a soft, slightly damp cloth and rub the scratched area for about 30 seconds with small circular motions and light pressure. Then wipe off any remaining toothpaste or soap and check for any scratches. If they are still there, repeat the process.
Polish with softest steel wool
While steel wool may seem like the cause of scratches on windows rather than a way to remove them, Golub says using thin steel wool can help sand the scratch out right away.
The key is to make sure you pick the right type (this will be # 0000 steel wool ) and start with a fresh gasket, “as a worn gasket can lead to new scratches on the window surface due to accumulation of rust or dirt on the old steel wool. , – explains Golub .
Gently rub the thin steel wool in a circular motion for a few minutes at the scratch area. Then wipe off any leftovers and check your progress. Holub doesn’t suggest repeating the process this time around if there are any scratches, so if that’s the case, you can try one of the other methods.