8 ways to remove scratches off your smartphone

With an increased usage of smartphone, users face an unwanted consequence. Every day, millions of smartphones fall screen faced on the ground and receive unwanted scratches.

Usually, the remedy would be to replace your screen or add a durable screen protector to avoid the small scratches, but if for some reason you have missed out on those two options, here are a few tricks that may help remove scratches.

Before you try any of these methods, make sure you have switched your phone off, take the battery out (if you can) and seal any ports with adhesive tape to prevent any water damage.

Some of these methods work for both screen and scratches on the body of the device.



Toothpaste

I can’t believe it took me that many years to test toothpaste as scratch remover.

— Cameron Williams (@Wasgo) June 21, 2015

Generally, a very popular method which almost everyone must have tried out. One common mistake users make is that they end of using the gel-based toothpaste which doesn't help. You have to make sure you use an actual toothpaste. though and not the gel-based ones.

Dab a small amount of toothpaste on a cotton swab and then wipe it on the screen where the scratch is. Once you’re done, wipe it with a dampened cloth to remove the excess toothpaste.

Sandpaper

U should try fine grade sandpaper , and finish off with turtle wax scratch remover

— jfw (@jfw_j) January 19, 2018

This method is not for the screen but to smoothen out the scratches on the back of the phone. You must use fine sandpaper and press it gently onto your phone. As you rub it on the back, make sure you keep checking your phone's screen. If you are not super careful, you may just end up having more scratches on the screen.

Magic Erasers

Look what a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Old English Dark Wood Scratch Remover, and elbow grease did for the table.... http://t.co/25C3PgbuII

— Annie Marshall (@authoramarshall) June 25, 2014

Magic erasers are the perfect size to erase out the small scratches. But the looks can be more deceiving and it works much like the sandpaper, therefore, the cautions remain the same.

Baking Soda

@LizzyDanger ...or a 'scratch' remover. If they are not very deep, try getting some baking soda, wet it & gently rub with a circular motion.

— BAB (@msquick1) April 1, 2011

Baking Soda can be a really handy phone scratch remover. Be careful with the measurements though so that you don’t end up with more water on your phone.

Mix two parts of baking soda in one part water in a bowl. Stir it until becomes a thick paste, apply the paste gently in circular motion. Once you’re done, clean it with a dampened cloth to remove all the excess paste from the screen.

Baby Powder

PHOTO: REUTERS

This works the same way as the baking soda method. Just replace the baking soda with baby powder but be careful with the water so you don't do more harm than good.

Vegetable Oil

PHOTO: REUTERS

This works as a temporary solution. Add one tiny drop of Vegetable oil on top of the scratch and rub it just enough to quickly fix it. It's more of a cosmetic fix with the scratches reappearing soon enough.



Car scratch removal creams

PHOTO: 3M

Car scratch removal creams can minimise minor scratches. Apply the cream to a clean soft cloth and rub it on the scratch in a circular motion. Then wipe off all the excess cream with a dampened cloth.

Car Polish or Wax

PHOTO: SILVO

Arguably the riskiest method, Car polish can sometimes remove the screen coating and result in larger scratches as well. So try this one at your own risk.

Pour the polish in a bowl, dip a soft cloth into the polish and then rub that on the scratch in a circular motion and wipe it clean once you think you are done.

The best thing to do when you buy a smartphone is getting a 360° protector on the device. That usually bears the brunt of a device falling. Your last resort would be to replace your screen if the screen is broken but for scratches on other parts of the device, these remedies are worth a try.

This article originally appeared on Mashable.