What Causes Scratches in Glass Dining Tables?

Sharp Tools, Cutlery and Other Items

• Metal is harder than glass, and using utensils and tools near glass, even simply setting them down with no protection or cushioning and then moving them around on the surface of the table, can mar the smooth glass. Something as simple as setting a set of keys on glass, can leave marks and dings.

Dishes and Serving Dishes

• It is a normal thing to lift and move dishes around on the table, but pulling a heavy serving dish across the table or moving a dish to another spot may scratch the glass top.

Kid's Play

• That tempting surface is a calling card for busy little hands, children's toys and pretend play. Blocks and cars can make scratches in the glass.

Table Work

• Arts and crafts, fix-it tasks or kids project's can damage the surface of the glass, scratching and marring it.

Improper Cleaning

• Cleaning a glass tabletop is like cleaning a mirror or window. Abrasive chemicals and rough cloths used for wiping or cleaning the surface can damage the glass.

Prevention

• To prevent scratching a glass tabletop, use a tablecloth or place mats to set dishes and silverware on. Make sure there are cushioned hot pads or plates to set serving dishes on. Do not scrape anything across the surface of the glass top. Lift instead of drag. For art, craft or kid projects put a protective covering over the glass before you start work. Put padded bottoms on decor items or vases set on the table. Clean using a soft cloth, liquid dish soap and water, or appropriate glass-cleaning sprays.