Maybe you are dreaming about installing wall-to-floor windows in that sunny room on the corner or have already put in a glass wall facing your patio. The next question that wanders into your head is, “How do I keep all of that glass sparkly clean?” Indeed, the key attribute of glass is its transparency, which is ruined by smudges, smears, streaks and spots. Here, we go over home glass maintenance in detail.
Proper cleaning tools
When it comes to glass, the tools you use make all the difference. Do not try to clean glass with paper towels, rags, old newspapers or kitchen sponges. You will need a squeegee and clean microfiber cloths.
If you have glass walls or tall windows, consider investing in a squeegee with an extendable handle and a dusting or window-cleaning tool with an extendable handle. Look for a cleaning tool that has an attachment that holds replaceable microfiber cloths. Armed with these two tools, you can stand safely on the ground and wash your glass walls up to the ceiling.
For cleaning the corners and edges of window frames, invest in a box of cotton buds. Nothing beats a cotton bud when it comes to cleaning small spaces and crevices.
Proper cleaning solutions
When cleaning glass to a streak-free shine, you have to clean it twice. The first round of cleaning is intended to remove the dirt and debris. You can use plain water for this round of cleaning, but for especially dirty surfaces, adding a few drops of liquid dishwashing solution to the water will ensure all of the debris comes off.
The second round of cleaning removes any remaining debris and produces that streak-free shine everyone wants. You can use a commercially available solution or make your own by mixing two cups of water with half a cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle.
The general cleaning process
For the best results, clean in the following order:
- Clean the debris off the glass with water
- Clean the window frames, corners, and crevices while the glass dries
- Clean the glass a second time with a glass-cleaning solution
- Buff the glass to a shine
How to get that shine
After you have removed most of the debris from the glass, let the glass dry completely or dry it off with a microfiber cloth. Working in small sections from top to bottom, spray a small amount of glass cleaning solution on the surface and use the squeegee to scrape it off. Repeat until you have covered the entire surface.
Next, use a dry, clean microfiber cloth to gently buff the surface. This final step will remove any remaining spots or streaks and produce the desired transparent look.
Tips and tricks
Clean frequently
Cleaning glass surfaces frequently prevents oils, grime and soap scum from building up. The recommended cleaning intervals are:
- Windows: every 4 to 6 months
- Mirrors: once a week
- Tables and other interior surfaces: daily
- Stovetop: after each use
- Shower doors: after each use and once a week
Cleaning the shower after each use may sound like overkill, but a quick wipe-down with water will prevent soap scum from building up. A more thorough cleaning should be performed once a week.
Interior glass surfaces that are touched a lot, such as tabletops, railings and doors, may need to be cleaned daily to remove fingerprints. Fingers leave oily residue behind that can be difficult to remove if it is left to set for days.
Clean in sections
Do not make the mistake of spraying the entire glass surface with the cleaning solution and then applying the squeegee. If the solution starts to dry, you will end up with streaks and smudges. You need to spray the cleaning solution on a small section and then quickly squeegee that part before moving on to the next section.
Don’t clean on sunny days
Do not try to clean warm or hot glass; this makes the cleaning solution evaporate rapidly, leading to the streaking problem described in the previous section. Select a cool, cloudy day for window-washing. Conversely, do not try to clean windows when it is below freezing. Your cleaning solutions may develop ice crystals or freeze on the glass.
Do not use paper towels
Many people will tell you to use paper towels to clean glass. Paper towels leave residue behind and can never achieve a streak-free shine. In addition, they are environmentally unsound; use microfiber clothes that can be used, washed and reused instead.
Do not use razor blades
Some people think a razor blade is a good way to scrape dirt and debris off glass. Do not ever do this. Razor blades can cause serious damage to glass surfaces. If some dried-on debris does not want to come off, soak it with soapy water and use a microfiber cloth to remove it.
Be aware of surrounding materials
Be careful with your cleaning solutions. If they get onto walls, floors or your expensive flat-screen TV, they may cause damage. When in doubt, throw a tarp or towel over nearby surfaces and objects for protection.
Troubleshooting
I have bubbles
A common problem that may arise is the development of bubbles (suds) during the final squeegee cleaning step. This problem is caused by applying too much cleaning solution. If you develop bubbles, wipe the glass clean, let it dry, and start over.
Scratches and chips
Although glass is a very strong material, it can be scratched by metal and diamond-tipped tools. Minor scratches can often be buffed out with metal polish or a mixture of water, toothpaste, and baking soda. Apply the material to the scratch and gently rub in a circular motion.
Chips and deep scratches will require glass replacement by a professional. A residential glass repair company can examine the damage and provide advice and services.
Special glass treatment solutions
You may have noticed that commercial glass cleaning solutions are available that claim to perform a range of different functions, such as preventing fogging and water spots. In most cases, you do not need fancy glass cleaning solutions. However, preparations with anti-fog properties can be very useful when applied to bathroom mirrors, and cleaning solutions that prevent water spots can help keep glass surfaces exposed to rain sparkly clean for longer than regular cleaning solutions.
Cleaning solutions that claim to prevent mold and bacteria from growing are generally a waste of money. These organisms cannot grow on glass surfaces. However, they can grow in cracks, corners, and crevices around the glass; if you want to apply anti-mold cleaning solutions, focus on these areas.
Tinted and treated glass
Many custom home glass installations include special tints and treatments to block UV light or improve the insulating properties of the glass. It is best to ask the installers about how to clean these products. However, in general, factory-tinted glass can be cleaned like regular glass. Glass that has a film applied over the surface should be cleaned gently with ammonium-free and vinegar-free solutions. Look for a glass cleaning solution designed for tinted windows. Avoid applying too much liquid, and don’t scrub too hard. Otherwise, clean these windows using the same techniques as recommended for untinted glass.
We hope you have learned that home glass care is not difficult or particularly time-consuming, particularly when a reliable glass professional has installed it. Avoiding the dreaded streaks is simply a matter of know-how.