Scratches on your windows or windshield can be frustrating and often require prompt repair. WD-40 is a popular household product known for its versatility, so you might wonder: can it remove glass scratches?
The short answer is no, WD-40 does not remove glass scratches. While it’s great for preventing rust, loosening stuck parts, and cleaning tough residue, it’s not formulated to repair or restore damaged glass.
Although WD-40 is effective on many surfaces, it should not be used as a glass scratch remover. In this article, we’ll explain why WD-40 doesn’t work for scratch repair, whether it can damage your glass, and how it can be used safely on glass surfaces for other purposes.
Why WD-40 Can’t Remove Scratches From Glass
While WD-40 can help clean glass, it can’t fix scratches — so why do so many people believe it can?
The truth is, WD-40 can temporarily make glass scratches less visible, but it doesn’t actually repair or remove the damage. It creates a surface-level illusion by filling in the scratch and drying clear, which masks the imperfection. Unfortunately, the scratch is still very much there—and that’s a problem. Masking the damage without properly fixing it can weaken the glass, leaving it vulnerable to cracking or shattering over time.
WD-40 has been a trusted household staple since 1958, and for good reason. It’s widely used for everything from preventing rust on tools to cleaning sticky residue from various surfaces. Over the years, people have discovered dozens of uses for it, but glass scratch repair isn’t one of them.
It’s worth noting that WD-40 can help reduce the appearance of light scratches on vehicle surfaces, but only to a limited extent. That’s because it was originally developed as a lubricant and water-displacer, not an adhesive or repair compound. Its primary purpose is to protect metal parts like shocks, spark plugs, and hinges from moisture and corrosion.
The fact that WD-40 dries clear can make scratches look less noticeable, which has led to the common misconception that it “fixes” them. But the damage remains and using WD-40 in place of a proper solution may lead to bigger issues down the line.
If you want to actually repair a scratch on your windshield or window, the best approach is to use a dedicated glass repair kit. One highly rated option is the LOMEEN Windshield Repair Kit, available on Amazon. It includes two bottles of resin, curing strips, and sleeved razor blades to help remove cured residue and restore clarity to your glass.
Bottom line: WD-40 is not meant for glass repair. For real, lasting results, stick to products specifically designed to fix scratches and chips.
Does WD-40 Damage Glass?
The chemicals in WD-40 won’t necessarily damage glass when used on a vehicle. The scratches may even appear hidden, though not actually repaired.
However, WD-40 can damage glass if used on eyeglasses. Depending on what you’re applying it to and how it’s used, you could risk damaging or even breaking the glass.
Applying WD-40 to a car window or windshield typically won’t cause lasting harm. But if something strikes that area again, you could end up with deeper scratches — or worse, the glass could shatter — since the scratch was only covered up, not truly fixed.
If you apply WD-40 to scratched eyeglass lenses, the chemicals in the product can wear down protective coatings due to its solvent content. Plus, you definitely don’t want those chemicals near your eyes.
How You Can Use WD-40 on Glass
WD-40 can be used to clean glass, including car windshields. However, it’s important to wipe away all residue before using your windshield wipers. If not, the chemicals in WD-40 can damage the rubber on the wiper blades.
Keep in mind: WD-40 is not a substitute for windshield washer fluid. Using it in place of proper wiper fluid can corrode the blades over time, especially when combined with dirt and debris, creating a potential hazard on the road.
That said, WD-40 can help prevent bugs from sticking to your windshield. We’ve all experienced a messy “splat” while driving. Spraying WD-40 on the glass and wiping it off can make it easier to remove bugs and the residue they leave behind.
Conclusion
WD40 is perfect for other household needs and cleaning, but you should never use it to remove glass scratches. You’re better off buying a glass repair kit or calling a professional.
However, you can use WD40 as a perfect cleaner for your windshield and windows for stubborn dirt and bugs. Just ensure you wipe it away and don’t leave it to destroy any rubber material nearby.
