Frustrated by car scratches? A simple trick using vinegar and kitchen foil could make them vanish — without a trip to the garage.

There’s nothing more annoying than discovering a scratch or scuff on your car after parking at the supermarket. And with professional repairs often costing upwards of £300, even minor cosmetic damage can feel like a major headache.

But what if the solution is already sitting in your kitchen cupboard?

According to some car repair experts, a simple mix of white vinegar and aluminium foil could be all you need to reduce the appearance of surface-level scratches – without spending a fortune.

How It Works: The £2 Scratch Removal Method

Some say this easy DIY trick can improve the look of light scratches for just a couple of pounds.

First, clean the scratched area with mild soap and water to remove any dirt, rinse with water, then dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Cut a piece of foil large enough to cover the scratched area and dip it into the white vinegar. You’ll want the foil to be soaked but not dripping.

Once prepped, rub the foil gently over the scratch in small, circular motions. The process works because aluminium ions are released into the acidic vinegar, and the foil itself acts as a mild abrasive.

This is enough to buff out a surface-level scratch. But it’s not strong enough to do any damage to the surrounding paintwork, as long as you’re gentle.

Does It Really Work?

While it won’t perform miracles on deep gouges or peeling paint, this low-cost hack can visibly reduce fine surface scratches.

If the scratch is still visible after the first round, you can repeat the process until the desired result is achieved. Just remember to rinse off the area with clean water afterwards to remove any vinegar residue, and then dry with a cloth.

When It’s Time to Call in the Professionals

This trick works best for minor, surface-level blemishes — the kind you might get from trolleys, keys, or brushes with foliage.

With deeper scratches, which have removed several layers of paint, you’ll need to visit a repair shop to get it fixed properly.

However, for small scuffs and marks, this DIY solution can be a surprisingly effective way to improve your car’s appearance, without paying body shop prices.

You probably already have these items at home, so there’s nothing to lose by trying it.
It’s a great way to save money and avoid an unnecessary repair bill.

What You’ll Need for the Scratch Repair Hack

• White vinegar – any supermarket brand will do
• Aluminium kitchen foil – cut to size
• Mild soap and water – for cleaning beforehand
• Soft cloth or towel – for drying and finishing

Final Thoughts

In a cost-of-living crisis, every little saving counts — and this £2 car care hack could help you dodge a costly trip to the garage. It won’t fix everything, but for small cosmetic scratches, it might be the cheapest fix you ever make.