
Minor scratches on your car can take away its beauty, which can be pretty unpleasant. Additionally, frequent body or collision repair shop visits can be time-consuming and costly.
But do you know that with simple tools and techniques, you can remove those unsightly scratches on your car’s body in no time?
That’s right! You can save a few bucks by tackling the scratches yourself! Though you have to stick around to find out.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to remove scratches from a car at home. These methods are affordable, easy to follow, and require minimal equipment.
Let’s begin!

Simple DIY Methods to Remove Car Body Scratches
Using Scratch Removers
As the name implies, scratch removers are specially formulated products to remove scratches from cars. They are easy to use and come in different forms, such as creams, pastes, and liquids.
Scratch removers contain very fine abrasive materials that gently buff the surface of the paint, removing the scratches and restoring the car’s appearance.
The application process is simple and usually involves applying the scratch remover to a microfiber cloth and rubbing it onto the affected area in a circular motion.
They work best for light to moderate surface scratches, and their effectiveness may vary depending on the severity of the scratch.
However, it’s important to note that scratch removers are unsuitable for deep scratches that penetrate the paint and expose the metal underneath. In such cases, other DIY methods or professional assistance may be required.
Applying Baking Soda
Next on the list is using baking soda. This household item has many uses, including removing scratches from car bodies.
The method involves creating a paste using baking soda and water. The paste is then applied to the scratch using a microfiber cloth and rubbed gently. Baking soda works by removing a thin layer of paint from the car’s surface and blending the scratch with the surrounding paint.
After rubbing the paste for a few minutes, the area is rinsed with water and dried with a clean cloth. It’s essential to use a gentle touch when using baking soda, as excessive rubbing may cause more harm than good.
Using Toothpaste
Don’t be surprised if we tell you that toothpaste can also be used to remove car scratches. Its abrasive properties make it an effective DIY solution for removing surface scratches from car bodies. Apply generously to the affected area and rub gently in a circular motion using a microfiber cloth.
Toothpaste is readily available and affordable, making it an excellent option for minor scratches. However, using non-gel toothpaste is essential, as gel-based toothpaste may not have the abrasive properties needed for removing scratches.
Using Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent used for various purposes, including removing surface scratches from car bodies. For this method, create a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water.
Apply to the affected area using a microfiber cloth and rub gently till the scratch is no longer visible. You’d want to rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
Are you one of those asking, “how to remove scratches from a black car at home?” Here’s what to keep in mind when using this method.
Vinegar is an eco-friendly option for removing minor scratches, but it’s important to use the white option only, as colored vinegar may leave stains on the car’s surface.
Other Methods
Aside from the DIYs mentioned above, there are other methods you can try to remove scratches from your car.
One of these methods is using scratch repair kits. You can pick one of these in automotive stores. They contain everything you need to remove scratches from your car’s body. The kit includes a compound that fills in the scratch, making it less visible and a polishing pad that helps to restore the shine of the surrounding area.
Another method is using touch-up paint. This method is best suited for small scratches and involves applying a matching touch-up paint to the affected area.
The paint fills in the scratch and blends with the surrounding paint, making it less noticeable. However, it’s important to ensure that the paint matches the car’s original color, and the application should be made carefully to avoid smudging.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s essential to take a close look at the scratches on your car to determine whether you can use one of these DIY methods or take it to professionals in a painting body shop for repair.Remember that most superficial scratches will usually be manageable with the methods outlined in this blog post.
Nevertheless, deeper and more severe car body damage is better left to experts. If conservative measures don’t fix the issue entirely, either leave it alone to prevent further damage or contact a reliable and trustworthy shop that can help bring back the beauty of your vehicle.