Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do I remove scratches from my car with a home remedy?

I got scratches on my car from accidentally using a dirty rag in a small area. How do I remove scratches from my car paint with a home remedy?

avatar
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
​​Oh no, at least it was a small area! Thankfully, there are home remedies you can use to
remove scratches
from your car paint.
  • Toothpaste: Who would have thought? You can use whitening toothpaste to dull the scratches on your car paint. Make sure it is a paste, not a gel, and that it contains baking soda for the fine grit texture that’s needed to even out the area around the scratch. Apply with a soft, clean cloth, but make sure not to rub it in too much, or you could damage your clear coat.
  • 3,000-grit sandpaper and rubbing compound: This combination will come in handy for some larger scratches and will make smaller scratches all but disappear. Soak the sandpaper in water for a few minutes to avoid dry friction and gently sand the scratch. Then, apply the rubbing compound and buff it with a clean rag.
The scratches should fade away!
Accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to have top insurance coverage. To avoid breaking the bank, download the
Jerry
app, which sends personalized quotes from over 50 providers to your smartphone, for free and in minutes.
Good luck with your buffing!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings