How to Remove Scratches From the Glass Surfaces in Your Home

Over time, all surfaces wear down—and that includes glass. Maybe an abrasive material scratched the mirror over your entryway or you accidentally scraped a cast iron pan across your electric stove. We won't sugar coat it: It isn't always possible to remove a scratch from glass, especially if the line is particularly deep. If the scuffs are minor, however, there are a few effective polishing agents and cleaning methods you can try. Here, a home repair expert offers his best tips for restoring glass' smooth surface—and what to do when a scratch is just not coming out.

Glass Surfaces You Can Remove Scratches From

You can typically remove scratches from glass surfaces that have a hardness level lower than that of the materials you'd use for scratch removal, like cerium oxide or polishing compounds. Luckily, most of the glass in your home falls under this category.

"Common glass items such as windows, mirrors, and glass tables can often have minor scratches polished out effectively," says Steckel. "However, tempered or safety glass, as well as glass with special coatings, may be more challenging to repair due to their increased hardness and specialized properties."

Materials You'll Need to Remove Scratches From Glass

Stock the following items in your cleaning kit before you attempt to remove a scratch from a glass surface:

• Cerium oxide (or jeweler's rouge)
• Soft cloths or microfiber towels
• Baking soda and water mixture

According to Steckel, a glass polishing compound, like cerium oxide or jeweler's rouge, is your best bet when it comes to buffing out scratches. He also advises having several soft, lint-free cloths or microfiber towels handy; use them to apply the polishing compound and polish the glass effectively.

If you'd prefer to try a home remedy before bringing in the chemicals, a simple paste of baking soda and water can also be effective on scratched glass surfaces.

How to Remove Scratches From Glass Windows

Maybe a bird flew into the pane—or you accidentally knocked your left hand, engagement ring and all, against the window as you walked by. Even cleaning a window pane with the wrong materials can cause scratches (be wary of paper towels, which can cause small, but difficult-to-remove lines). If you notice a scuff, take the following steps to remove it from your window, courtesy of Steckel.

1. Start by cleaning the glass thoroughly to ensure no dirt or debris exacerbates the scratches. 
2. Next, apply a glass polishing compound like cerium oxide to a soft cloth and gently buff the scratched area in a circular motion. 
3. Keep the compound moist to prevent excess friction. 
4. Regularly check your progress; reapply as needed. 
5. Finish by cleaning the window again to remove any remaining polishing compound. Wipe dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Scratches From Glass Stovetops

A glass stovetop is one of the easiest glass surfaces in your home to scratch. Luckily, newer models composed of glass ceramic boast scratch-resistant technology that keep them in better shape for longer—but nothing is truly scratch-proof. If you do notice a line or two on your stove, you can tackle it with a paste of baking soda and water.

1. To remove scratches from glass stovetops, begin by ensuring the surface is cool and clean. 
2. Create a paste using baking soda and water and apply it to the scratched area. 
3. Gently rub the paste in a circular motion using a soft cloth or sponge. 
4. Rinse the area with water and dry it thoroughly to assess the scratch's visibility. 
5. Repeat the process if necessary and consider contacting a pro if the scratches still remain.

What to Do If You Can't Fully Remove a Scratch From Glass

There are times when a scratch just won't budge and becomes challenging to repair with home remedies. If this happens to you, Steckel says to try leveling up your approach: Attempt the polishing process again using a more aggressive polishing compound (this might mean switching to a chemical cleaner if you started with baking soda)—but be cautious not to damage the glass further.  "For deeper scratches, it's always advisable to bring in a pro to assess the damage," says Steckel.