Removing etchings from glass can be tricky. There are various methods for eliminating etchings from glass, and you can try as many of them as you need because the ingredients are easy enough to find in your kitchen cupboard or bathroom cabinet.
These are some of the best-known methods that can be easily applied at home and give wonderful results.
1. Mix a Small Amount of Baking Soda With Toothpaste
The first step to removing an etching from glass is to mix together baking soda and a small amount of toothpaste. You will need to rub this mixture on the scratches until they are clear.
It’s best to leave this mixture on the glass for up to ten minutes. Then, rinse it off the glass under running water and wipe it clean with a clean cotton cloth. This method should only be used if the etching hasn’t penetrated the glass surface too deeply, or it can cause more harm than good.
After the glass is rinsed and wiped clean, check to see if the etching has been removed. If it has not, repeat the previous steps. If your etching still doesn’t come off, move on to the next step on this list.
2. Wrap the Glass in a Vinegar-Soaked Dishcloth
You can use vinegar to remove etching from glass. To do so, you’ll need a vinegar-soaked dishcloth or paper towel.
Wrap the vinegar-soaked dishcloth or paper towel around the glass for about an hour – this will give the vinegar the time it needs to work on your glass item. At the end of the hour, remove the towel from the glass.
The etching should be removed from the glass. At this point, rinse off the surface and dry it with a paper towel or dishcloth to make sure no vinegar is left behind. If vinegar is left on your glass, it can leave a mark if not thoroughly rinsed away.
Make sure to look for any marks that may have been missed or places where the etching is still present. If you notice any such spots, repeat the steps mentioned above until the glass is completely clean. I would recommend starting from the top – that is, using the baking soda and toothpaste mixture and then using vinegar.
3. Soak a Cloth in Acetone and Rub It on the Surface
Acetone can be used to remove etchings in glass and is a safe and natural way of doing so. It’s easy to get your hands on too!
There are other household items that can be used to remove etchings from glass rather than acetone, such as vinegar or olive oil. However, these can take more time than using the faster-acting acetone.
You can use either pure acetone or an acetone-based nail polish remover. Keep in mind that the nail polish removers have other chemicals on top of acetone, so they may not work as quickly as pure acetone will.
To use acetone to remove glass etchings, you’ll need a few supplies first:
- An old cotton t-shirt or rag
- Acetone (nail polish remover containing acetone will also work)
- Rubber or latex gloves for your protection
Be sure to wear gloves and make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area. Acetone can irritate the eyes and nose, and these precautions will make sure you’re protected from any risk.
You’ll have to start by soaking the end of your cloth in acetone. Then, use it to rub away the etching.
You can also pour nail polish remover onto a cotton ball to wipe away any etching marks you can see on the glass. Make sure not to use too much liquid at once, as it may spill over to the rest of the glass.
You may need to repeat this several times until all of the etchings are removed. Allow time for drying between applications so that you don’t smear the acetone and the etching marks over the rest of the glass surface.
Once you’re done, wipe away any excess acetone with another rag before it dries on your surface. Avoid touching dry areas as much as possible afterward.
Rinse and dry the glass, then check to be sure the etchings are completely gone.
4. Use Denture Cleaning Tablets
If you’re still unable to remove etchings with the above products, denture cleaning tablets may provide the solution you need.
Dissolve a couple of cleaning tablets in the water and allow the solution to stand for approximately an hour.
Then, take a toothbrush or a bottle brush and dip it in the solution. Use the brush to scrub the glass, moving in a circular motion.
The etchings should be completely removed once properly treated and rinsed off of your surface after it has finished absorbing into the material. If some etchings are still visible on the surface, repeat this process as many times as necessary until they have been successfully wiped away by one of these methods.
If your glass is full of etchings, place it in the solution instead. Allow the glass to soak for a bit before removing it and gently wiping it down with a soft cloth. As mentioned above, rub the cloth over the glass surface in a circular motion.
When finished, rinse and dry thoroughly with a towel before you use the glassware again.
5. Use Strong Cleaners to Remove Glass Etching
If your glass still has etching, there are some stronger chemicals on the market that can be used to remove etchings from your glass. You can easily find them online, and I personally recommend Goo Gone Goo & Adhesive Remover and Goof Off Heavy Duty Remover from Amazon.
These two options offer quick alternatives for etching removal. They work quickly and effectively, and you’ll have clear glassware before you know it.
However, when you use strong cleaners on your glass items, it’s essential to keep in mind that the stronger the chemical you use, the greater the risk that you’ll damage your glass. When you use them, make sure that you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.
6. Use a Metal Polisher
If you don’t have access to glass cleaners, you can also use a metal polisher to remove etchings from the surface of your glasses. RoadWorks Metal Polisher and Sealant is not only effective at getting rid of etchings from glass, it’s also extremely effective when used on aluminum and stainless steel.
When using metal polish, make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. These products often contain strong acids and petroleum solvents that could damage your glass surface if used incorrectly.
Aftercare Tips for Your Glassware
While removing etchings from your glassware may seem relatively straightforward, there are some additional considerations you should keep in mind. These will ensure that your glass items are in the best shape possible after you’ve addressed the etchings.
Rinse Under Running Water After Using a Chemical Cleaner
It’s essential to thoroughly rinse your glass after using any sort of chemical cleaner, including metal polishes. Some chemicals can leave a residue on your glass after use which you want to avoid. Stronger chemicals may even damage or etch your glass further if not washed away fully.
Therefore, it’s essential that you rinse under running water immediately after using the cleaner and dry with a soft cloth.
When using any sort of cleaner, always follow instructions carefully and take care when storing your glasses after they’ve been cleaned so that you don’t accidentally knock them into something else, potentially causing further damage!
Dry and Wipe Them With a Cotton Cloth to Avoid Water Spots
Allow your glass to fully air-dry before wiping them with a cotton cloth to remove any excess moisture that may cause water spots. Once fully dry, inspect your glass for any missed etchings. Once you’re satisfied they are free of etchings, place them back in your cupboard for future use!
Be Careful With Your Glassware in the Future
Most glassware will undergo a small amount of etching over time due to natural wear and tear. However, there are steps you can take to ensure this natural etching is as limited as possible.
- Wash your glassware by hand rather than in a dishwasher.
- Wash your glasses with cold water.
- Wash glasses immediately, and don’t let any debris (especially food debris) stay on them overnight.
- Limit your use of chemical detergents that contain ingredients like phosphates
- Use soft water to clean your glassware when possible. Additionally, the softer the water, the less detergent you’ll need to use.
Conclusion
These steps will ensure that your glassware is clear of any unwanted etchings and that your pieces look as pristine as they did when you first purchased them. Be careful when cleaning etched glasses as some chemicals will cause more harm than good depending on what type of material was damaged during its creation process.
To avoid future etching damage, take care when stacking glasses inside cupboards, as even small knocks and bumps could cause more marks on surfaces if they aren’t handled properly.
