How to Protect Your Glass From Scratching

Whether it’s a dining room table, a bathroom mirror, or a living room window, scratches are the last thing you want to see on your glass. Some scratches are nearly invisible to the naked eye, but once you notice them, they can be hard to ignore.

In order to keep the glass in your home looking beautiful, follow these tips to protect glass from scratching. We’ll also review tricks you can use to remove minor scratches, fast.

Types of glass scratches

Before taking the necessary steps to protect your glass from scratching, it’s important to understand the different types of scratches that affect glass. After years of experience in the glass industry, we’ve learned that no two scratches are alike. When educating our customers about their problem due to scratched glass, we simplify the types of scratches into four main categories:

1. Minor: Scratches that can be difficult to see unless you look at the glass from a certain angle. These scratches are shallow enough that you can’t feel them.
2. Moderate: Scratches that are not deep, but are substantial enough to catch the edge of your fingernail.
3. Heavy: Scratches that are deep. The indentation these scratches make can be felt with the touch of your finger. Heavy scratches are more noticeable up close.
4. Extreme: Severe, deep scratches that can be seen from some distance away.

When to call a professional

Typically, minor scratches can be repaired without the help of a professional. If minor scratches aren’t repaired promptly, they can get worse. In the case of moderate, heavy, or extreme scratches, attempting to repair the glass yourself can be dangerous and can likely result in more damage. At True View, we’ll professionally remove scratches or replace the glass if needed.

Tips to protect and prevent glass from scratching

Now that you understand the different types of scratches that occur in glass, here are some easy tips you can follow to keep your glass safe from scratches.

Clean glass safely and effectively

As surprising as it may sound, frequent cleaning is essential in keeping your glass scratch free. It’s important to double check that the cleaner and cloth you use to clean your glass aren’t directly responsible for causing scratches. For example, napkins and paper towels can scratch glass, and should not be used for cleaning. Instead, use a lint-free microfiber cloth to clean and dry mirrors, tables, and other glass surfaces.

When looking for the right glass cleaners, look for products labeled with terms such as “glass-safe” or “made for glass” to ensure they won’t cause any unintended damage. For a scratch-free shine using products you have at home, check out this easy DIY glass cleaner from instructables.com.

To make your own glass cleaner at home, you will need the following:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
• 2 tbsp. corn starch
• 4 cups warm water

Using safe, non-abrasive ingredients, such as vinegar and rubbing alcohol, along with a microfiber cloth ensures your glass will be safe from scratches caused by cleaning.

Protect tabletops from kitchen items

Surfaces like glass tabletops are a great design element. However, they can be prone to scratches if they are in a high-traffic area of your home, such as the kitchen or dining room. To protect your tabletop from scratching, avoid placing hot items such as plates, bowls, or cooking utensils directly on the table. Encourage family members to always use placemats and coasters whenever they put something on the table. That way, you can still enjoy meals at the table without scratching the glass.

Use a tablecloth or runner

You might not want to cover your beautiful glass tabletop with a tablecloth, but doing so during a meal is a surefire way to protect the table from scratching. If you don’t want to go with a full table cloth, table runners come in a wide variety of colors and complements the style of any dining room, without compromising the look of your table.

Watch children and pets

Children can scratch glass with their toys, and pets can scratch glass with their claws. It’s important to watch children and pets around glass such as mirrors, table tops, and windows, and to limit their access to the glass, if possible. For example, a baby-gate can keep small children away from rooms with floor-length mirrors. You can also move your furniture away from the wall to keep pets from getting to the window. If your pet scratches at your glass door when they want to be let out, consider installing a pet door.

How to remove minor scratches from glass

No matter how diligent you are in protecting your glass, scratches can still happen—but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. By addressing minor scratches as soon as possible, you can keep the scratches from getting worse and prevent new ones from forming. There are several products that can be used as an easy DIY temporary fix for minor scratches. To fix scratches long-term, it’s important to contact a professional.

Clear nail polish

Clear nail polish can cover and disguise scratches by filling in the scratched area. Clean the area around the scratch with a glass cleaner, and then use the nail polish applicator to carefully apply a thin layer of polish to the scratch. Allow the polish to dry, then use a cloth to remove any excess polish.

Toothpaste

Toothpaste isn’t just good for polishing your teeth—it can also help polish glass. Dab a small amount of toothpaste onto the scratch and gently use a damp cloth to rub it across the surface. Make sure to rub the toothpaste softly to avoid causing more scratches. Wash away the rest of the toothpaste and clean the glass for a finishing touch.

Baking soda

Creating a paste of baking soda and water can be an effective way to remove scratches from glass. In a small bowl, mix one ½ cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Once you’ve made a paste, use a cloth to rub it around the scratched area. Then, clean the glass and assess if the scratch is still noticeable. This method may take a few repeated attempts for the scratch to be completely removed or become less visible.

How we can help

If you’re dealing with scratched glass of any type, we’re here to help. At True View, we use all the latest methods and equipment to address scratches ranging from minor to extreme—and for just about any type of glass. If the scratches are too severe to be fixed, we can replace the glass as well. There’s no job too big or too small for us to take on, and we guarantee that your job will be completed in a safe, professional, and timely manner.

Contact us today to get started and receive a free over-the-phone quote.