Builders' guide: how to remove concrete from glass

Simon Edward • 17 November 2025

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Concrete spatters on glass are a common problem in building projects. Find out how to remove the residue in 5 easy steps.



Concrete spatters on glass are a common problem in building projects. Find out how to remove the residue in 5 easy steps.

It's a common issue faced on construction sites. At the end of a project, when it's time to tidy up, there are concrete spatters on glass.


Luckily, it's not difficult to remove those stains. You just need the right tools and the right method. However, you need to be careful not to scratch the glass as you go.


So, without further ado, here's how to remove concrete from glass on a building site. We hope it helps with those vital finishing touches.


What tools do you need to remove concrete from glass?

To remove concrete from glass, you need three things:

  • Something to soak the concrete
  • Something to blot it with
  • Something to scrape it off

For soaking, you can use water, a solution of detergent and water, WD40 or a specialist concrete remover. Whatever you choose, make sure it's suitable for spraying onto glass. If it's too harsh or abrasive, you could end up scratching or otherwise damaging the surface.


There are many types of concrete remover on the market. Some also work with plaster and grouting. You can get concrete remover in a spray bottle or in a carton. In the latter case, you'll need to decant the solution into a spray bottle.


When using concrete remover, make sure you follow the instructions. You'll need to know, for instance, how long to leave it on the concrete before blotting and scraping.


Picture of workers on a building site working around glass.

To blot the concrete, you'll need a sponge or scrubber of some kind. As with the liquid, this must be gentle to avoid damaging the glass.


Finally, you'll need something to scrape the concrete with. This could be a plastic putty knife or a blade. If it's a metal blade, you'll need to be extra careful not to scratch the glass. Types of blades used for this job include Stanley knife blades and razor blades.


If you don't have any of these tools to hand, you may be able to complete the job with an old debit or credit card.

How to get concrete off glass in five easy steps

  1. Wet the concrete stain until it's soaked.
  2. Spray the concrete with your cleaning solution.
  3. Blot the stain with a sponge or scrubber. Don't let it dry out and don't apply too much pressure. Keep blotting until the concrete has softened.
  4. Use the scraper to remove the concrete. As with the sponge or scrubber, be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can scratch the glass.
  5. Rinse the glass with water. If necessary, do another pass with the scraper. Repeat until the glass is clean.

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