Domestic Glass Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
Glass products such as mirrors, tabletops, and splashbacks, can add light and class to your home, however, it is important to properly maintain them. To help you enhance the glass items in your house and keep them looking their best, here are our top glass maintenance and cleaning tips:
Windows and glass doors:
- Maintenance:
It is important to reinforce seals and cover gaps around your windows and glass doors to protect your home from harsh winter weather. Also, make sure to replace damaged windows immediately otherwise they can be a security risk. Regularly checking for cracks in the glass or condensation between the panes, especially with double glazing, will mean you catch problems before they worsen and your windows and doors will last much longer.
- Cleaning:
To clean your windows and glass doors effectively, wipe down with a lint-free cloth and a non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as Lee Glass & Glazing Glass Cleaner or a window cleaner. Avoid using abrasive materials like wire wool, as they will ruin the glass, and remove any jewellery or watches that could scratch the glass while cleaning. Also, don’t use too much water, because it will leave smear marks on the glass.
Glass tables and shelves:
- Maintenance:
A glass-topped table or glass shelves are a modern, stylish addition to any home, but they show every speck of dust and dirt, so you have to clean them carefully and often. It is wise to use place mats and coasters on the table so you don’t accidentally create marks. Don’t put heavy items on these surfaces either, as this could chip or damage the glass. To keep the surface shiny and attractive buff it with a dry, cotton cloth regularly.
- Cleaning:
Use a clean, lint-free cloth with a cleaning solution such as Lee Glass & Glazing Glass Cleaner or soapy water to wipe the surfaces, and as they are transparent, make sure you clean both the top and the underside of the table or shelf. To remove grime or built-up dirt rub vigorously with a cloth, and make sure you aren’t wearing any jewellery which could come in contact with the glass while you are scrubbing. Wipe the table down with a dry cloth afterwards, and if the cloth leaves dust behind you can use a piece of folded newspaper to remove it.
Glass splashbacks:
- Maintenance:
To maintain your glass splashbacks you need to replace the sealant around the glass panes every five years or so. If you don’t regularly clean your splashback it will lose its sheen, and grease and grime will build up. Aim to clean it every one or two weeks, and clean spills as soon as they happen. Buff the glass with a dry cloth after cleaning to ensure it is streak-free.
- Cleaning:
Like when cleaning other glass surfaces, a glass-cleaning product or soapy water solution is ideal. For best access to the splashback, apply the solution using a spray bottle. A microfibre cloth is perfect for cleaning a glass splashback, as it won’t leave any lint behind. To remove a difficult stain, leave the glass-cleaning solution on for a couple of minutes and then wipe it off as usual.
Mirrors:
- Maintenance:
If your mirror is in a humid room, such as the bathroom, then ensure it is kept dry by wiping it down regularly and using ventilation. Don’t use heavy-duty cleaning products which contain chemicals like ammonia or chlorine bleach, as they could damage the surface. Also, when cleaning don’t spray the cleaner onto the mirror as it will run down into the seams and damage the backing. You cannot let the cleaning solution come into contact with the edges or backing of the mirror.
- Cleaning:
Only wipe your mirror with a clean, lint-free cloth, because if you use dirty rags or scrapers it will scratch the surface. Simply wiping your mirror regularly with a dry cloth will maintain its shine, and then you can give it a proper wash with a non-abrasive cleaning solution, such as Lee Glass & Glazing Glass Cleaner, every one or two weeks. Don’t use any solvent cleaners as they may attack the backing paint or interlayer.
Here at Lee Glass and Glazing, we offer premium glass products, as well as glass repair, and glass replacement services, to customers all over Nottingham. If you need advice on how to clean and maintain the glass in your home, or if you would like to organise a free, no-obligation quote, contact our friendly team today.
