Ever stood in front of a streaky window or a grimy glass table, Scotch Brite pad in hand, and wondered if you're about to make things worse instead of better? You're not alone.

Cleaning glass can be tricky, and using the wrong product can leave you with a bigger headache than you started with.

In this post, I’ll shed some light on if Scotch Brite will scratch glass.

We'll look at different types of Scotch Brite pads, discuss which ones are safe for glass (and which ones aren't), and even explore some alternatives.

And I'll show you how to remove Scotch Brite scratches.

Will Scotch Brite Scratch Glass?

So, here's the deal - there's no simple yes or no answer to whether Scotch Brite will scratch glass.

It really depends on which Scotch Brite product you're using. They've got all sorts of cleaning pads and sponges, each made for different jobs and surfaces.

Some are totally fine for glass, while others... well, they could do some damage.

The key is to know how abrasive each product is. Scotch Brite actually uses different colors to show how tough each product is on surfaces.

Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Pad / Sponge (Green)

You should NEVER use Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Pads on glass.

It's made for those really tough cleaning jobs, and is very abrasive. It will definitely scratch glass.

It can cause tiny scratches that you might not see right away, but they become visible in direct sunlight. And once those scratches are there, they're super hard to get rid of.

These pads are better for things like cleaning grills, ovens, and outdoor tools where a few scratches aren't such a big deal.

Scotch-Brite No Scratch Pad / Sponge (Blue & White)

Now, the Scotch-Brite No Scratch Pad is a different story.

These come in blue or white, and they're made to be gentle on more delicate surfaces, including glass. They're made with softer stuff and don't have those abrasive bits like the green pads do.

A lot of window cleaning pros actually recommend the white Scotch-Brite pads for cleaning glass, including windows and cooktops.

They do a good job of getting rid of dirt and grime without risking scratches on your glass.

Scotch-Brite Light Duty Printed Scrub Sponge (Pink & Yellow)

The Light Duty Printed Scrub Sponge, which is usually pink and yellow, is kind of in the middle between the heavy-duty and no-scratch options when it comes to how abrasive it is.

While it's not as rough as the green pad, it's still not the best choice for glass surfaces.

This sponge is better for cleaning dishes, countertops, and other stuff that's not as easy to scratch as glass.

Scotch-Brite Alternatives To Use On Glass

If you're looking for something other than Scotch-Brite products to clean glass, here are a few good options:

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers have become really popular because they can clean all sorts of surfaces, including glass.

These sponges are made of melamine foam and are great at getting rid of tough stains and residues without scratching.

They work by using super fine abrasives that break down as you use them, so they're safe for glass surfaces as long as you don't press too hard.

#0000 Steel Wool

Believe it or not, super-fine #0000 steel wool is a favorite among window cleaners for those tough spots on glass.

Even though it's made of steel, this grade is so fine that it won't scratch glass if you use it right.

It's really good at getting rid of mineral deposits and other stubborn stuff that other cleaning methods might not handle.

Weiman Cook Top Scrubbing Pads

These pads are made specifically for glass and ceramic cooktops, so they're safe to use on glass surfaces. They're good at getting rid of burned-on food and residue without scratching.

And you don't have to just use them on cooktops - they work well on other glass surfaces too, which makes them pretty handy for cleaning around the house.

How To Remove Scotch Brite Scratches From Glass

Did you accidentally scratch your glass with a Scotch-Brite pad?

All is not lost. It can be tricky, but it is possible to get rid of those scratches or at least make them less noticeable.

How To Remove Scotch Brite Scratches From Glass

Here's how you can tackle this problem:

Things You Need

Before we start, you'll need to gather up some supplies. You need:

Cerium oxide powder
Water
A polishing pad (felt or microfiber)
A drill or rotary tool
A spray bottle
Microfiber cloths

Removing Scotch Brite Scratches

First things first, give that glass surface a good cleaning to get rid of any dirt or little bits that could cause more scratches while you're polishing.
Mix up some cerium oxide powder with water to make a paste. You want it to be about as thick as peanut butter. A good mix is usually 2 parts cerium oxide to 1 part water.
Take that paste and put it right on the scratched area. You can use a clean cloth or just your fingers for this.
Now, attach the polishing pad to your drill or rotary tool. Set it to a low speed - you want to keep it under 2000 RPM to avoid heating up the glass too much.
Start polishing the scratched area. Use moderate pressure and move the tool in a consistent pattern. You can go in circles or back and forth, just make sure you're covering the area evenly. Keep spraying water on it to keep the paste from drying out.
Every now and then, wipe the area with a microfiber cloth to see how it's going. If you can still see the scratches, just keep polishing for a few more minutes.
Once you're happy with how it looks, give the glass a thorough cleaning with a glass cleaner to get rid of any leftover cerium oxide.

Just remember, this works best on surface scratches.

If you've got deeper scratches, you might need to start with a finer sandpaper before using the cerium oxide. And this might not completely get rid of really deep scratches.

If you've got a lot of scratches or they're really deep, it might be best to call in a professional glass repair service.

They'll know exactly what to do to get the best results.

Bottom Line

When it comes to cleaning glass with Scotch Brite products, you've got to be careful.

Some Scotch Brite pads, especially the white or blue "No Scratch" ones, are fine for glass.

But others can really do some damage. So always check what it says on the package and pick products that are made specifically for delicate surfaces when you're cleaning glass.

Will Scotch Brite Scratch Glass? (Explained)