Brought to you by HBA Gold Industry Partner, M&M Glass Company
Keeping glass surfaces clean and streak-free can enhance the aesthetic of your home and ensure clear visibility. Whether you are cleaning windows, shower doors, or decorative glass, it is essential to pay attention to the specific needs of different types of glass. Here are some best practices to make glass cleaning a breeze!
Glass cleaning tips
Test Cleaning Solutions: Before applying any cleaning solution to the entire glass surface, test it on a small, inconspicuous area. This helps ensure the solution won’t cause any damage or discoloration to your glass.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Cleaning glass in direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, resulting in streaks. Choose a cloudy day or clean when the glass is in the shade to prevent this issue.
Wear Gloves: Wearing rubber or latex gloves can help prevent fingerprints on the glass while you clean. Additionally, gloves protect your hands from harsh chemicals in the cleaning solution, ensuring a safer cleaning process.
Clean in Sections: Work in sections to avoid the cleaning solution evaporating too quickly, especially on larger glass surfaces. Apply the solution, clean, and dry one section before moving on to the next. This method thoroughly cleans each section without leaving streaks or residue.
Focus on Corners: Dirt and grime often accumulate in the corners of glass surfaces. Use cotton balls or Q-tips to reach and clean these tricky areas thoroughly. This attention to detail will enhance the overall cleanliness of your glass.
Now that you’ve got the basics, we’ll dive into best practices for cleaning different glass types. Understanding the unique needs of different glasses promotes the longevity of your surfaces.
Textured or Frosted Glass
Textured glass is a decorative glass embossed with patterns or designs, giving it a distinctive, three-dimensional surface. This glass provides privacy while allowing light to pass through, making it an ideal choice for bathroom windows, shower enclosures, and interior partitions.
Avoid harsh citrus-based cleansers as they can damage the glass, leaving streaks or residue. Instead, opt for mild ammonia or alkaline-based cleaning solutions. These evaporate quickly, leaving behind fewer dust particles and streaks. Additionally, using steel wool or rough cleaning pads can scratch the glass, diminishing its appearance.
Tinted Glass
Tinted glass enhances privacy by obscuring visibility while allowing natural light to filter through. It’s made chemically in manufacturing or by applying a tinted film to existing glass. In either case, tinted glass has unique needs to ensure its longevity.
The recommended cleaning method involves using a microfiber cloth and a spray bottle with mildly soapy water. Avoid using hard scouring pads, steel wool, or razor blades, as these can scratch the surface and compromise the tint. Additionally, avoid ammonia-based cleaners as they can cause discoloration and fading of the tint over time.
Ultra-Clear or Low Iron Glass
Ultra-clear, or low-iron glass, is a type of glass with reduced iron content. The lower levels of iron oxide result in significantly less greenish tint compared to standard glass, allowing for higher light transmission and clarity. Ultra-clear glass is typically used in jewelry stores since it gives the clearest view of the products.
While its low iron content makes the glass clearer, it does make it more sensitive. Be sure to use gentle cleansers like diluted vinegar or specialty solutions. Avoid harsh solutions using ammonia, and never use metal implements like razor blades. Instead, try using soft sponges and microfiber towels.
Talk to an Expert!
Here at the Home Builders Association of Greater Baton Rouge, we are fortunate to work with trusted partners who are experts in their fields. If you want to upgrade your glass, we recommend working with one of our partners, M&M Glass Company. For over three decades, M&M Glass has provided craftsman interior design features with unbeatable service. Contact them today to learn more.
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