Many people have heard that toothpaste can be used to remove light scratches from mirrors. The idea is that the abrasives in toothpaste can polish out minor scratches, making the mirror look good as new. But does this bathroom trick really work? Let’s take a closer look at whether toothpaste can effectively remove scratches from mirrors.
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How Does Toothpaste Work on Scratches?
Toothpaste contains mild abrasives that help clean teeth and remove surface stains. These abrasives create a light “scrubbing” action as you brush your teeth. When toothpaste is applied to a scratched mirror, the abrasives in the paste lightly grind away at the top layer of glass in the scratch. This grinding action works to smooth and level out the scratch, making it less visible. The most common abrasive ingredients in toothpaste include:
- Calcium carbonate
- Silica
- Aluminum oxide
- Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
These abrasives have sharp, irregular edges that enable them to scrub away stains and scratches on hard surfaces like teeth and glass. However, toothpaste abrasives are designed to be gentle enough to not damage tooth enamel with extended use. So they may not be abrasive enough to completely remove deeper scratches from mirrors.
Factors That Affect Results
Whether toothpaste effectively removes mirror scratches depends on a few key factors:
Depth of the Scratch
Toothpaste can only polish out very fine surface scratches. Deep scratches penetrate deeper into the glass and cannot be fully removed by toothpaste alone.
Abrasiveness of the Toothpaste
Toothpastes vary in their abrasiveness, with some containing more abrasive ingredients than others. A highly abrasive toothpaste has a better chance of reducing the visibility of fine scratches. Whitening toothpastes tend to be more abrasive.
Scratch Location
Toothpaste works best on isolated scratches. It cannot smooth out overall cloudiness or widespread scuff marks on older, worn mirrors.
Technique
Gently massaging the toothpaste into the scratch with a soft cloth can improve results. Letting the paste sit for a few minutes before wiping it off allows more time for the abrasives to work.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Here is a simple technique for trying to remove mirror scratches with toothpaste:
- Clean the mirror thoroughly with glass cleaner first.
- Select a white toothpaste with moderate to high abrasiveness.
- Put a dab of toothpaste on a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Gently massage the toothpaste onto the scratched area using small circular motions.
- Let the toothpaste sit on the scratch for 2-3 minutes.
- Wipe off the excess toothpaste with the cloth.
- Rinse the mirror with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
For deeper scratches, repeat this process once or twice more to get maximum results.
Before and After Examples
Here are some before and after photos of using toothpaste on mirror scratches:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
 |
 |
As you can see, the toothpaste helped reduce the appearance of a surface scratch but did not completely remove a deeper scratch.
Toothpaste Pros and Cons
Here are some pros and cons of trying to use toothpaste to remove mirror scratches:
Pros
- Readily available
- Inexpensive
- Works for minor surface scratches
- Makes scratches less noticeable
- Polishes and cleans as it helps reduce scratches
Cons
- Doesn’t fully remove deeper scratches
- Takes effort and patience
- May not work well on old, cloudy mirrors
- Can’t fix cracked or chipped mirrors
The Verdict
So does toothpaste remove mirror scratches? Overall, toothpaste can slightly reduce the appearance of very fine surface scratches but it does not completely eliminate deeper scratches. Toothpaste is best for polishing away new, minor scratches. While it may make scratches less noticeable, it’s not an efficient method for badly scratched mirrors.
Alternative Scratch Removal Options
For more heavy duty mirror scratch removal, consider these alternative options:
Glass Polish
Specialty glass polishing compounds are more effective than toothpaste for removing scratches. They contain cerium oxide or other abrasives designed to polish glass. They come as creams or liquid gels that you rub into scratches using a soft cloth. They are safe for mirrors.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda is a mild abrasive and vinegar helps dissolve debris in scratches. Combine to make a paste, apply to scratches, let set briefly, then rinse. For deeper cleaning power, boil a solution of 1 cup white vinegar with 2 tablespoons baking soda and apply warm.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
These popular cleaning sponges contain light abrasives that can help erase mirror scratches with a gentle buffing motion. Be careful not to press too hard or you can damage the mirror surface.
Car Headlight Cleaner
Liquid car headlight kits contain powerful abrasives capable of removing deep scratches from glass lenses. Use sparingly and with caution on mirrors to avoid excess scratching. Test on a small area first.
Automotive Wet Sandpaper
Wrapping wet 800+ grit sandpaper around a rubber squeegee and gently sanding can level out scratches. Wet the paper and re-wet frequently. Follow with a quality car wax or polish. Be extremely cautious not to grind too hard and cause more damage. Practice first on old mirrors.
Prevent New Mirror Scratches
Once you remove scratches from your mirror, take steps to prevent new damage:
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrub sponges on mirrors
- Use microfiber cloths and spray glass cleaner instead
- Consider applying a glass protector sealant
- Be careful not to bang jewelry or hard objects into mirrors
- Keep mirrors away from direct sunlight to reduce fading
Treating mirrors gently will help keep them looking scratch-free for years.
When to Call a Professional
For badly damaged antique or specialty mirrors, call a professional mirror restoration company. Professionals have specialized equipment to grind down scratches and resurface damaged mirror glass. This produces better results than DIY methods, but is more costly.
The Bottom Line
While toothpaste has minor effectiveness at reducing the appearance of very fine mirror scratches, it fails to fully remove deeper scratches. For best results, use specialty glass polishing creams or seek professional help for deep scratch damage. But toothpaste can be a cheap, easy first option to try on minor new scratches. Just don’t expect miracles from this classic bathroom trick.
