We’re surrounded by glass. It’s present in many different aspects of our lives, from windows to showers, mirrors to deck railings, sunrooms to windshields. No doubt about it, glass is a big part of our spaces! The question, though, is how to keep it clean. With the wide variety of glass available, it’s no surprise that there are different ways to keep different glass types clean. Regular cleaning can prevent a host of difficult scrubbing, and what you’re using makes just as much of a difference as when you’re cleaning.
Shower Doors
How often do I clean glass shower doors? With how often showers get used, the easiest way to keep them clean is by cleaning them daily or weekly to prevent soap scum and water stains from building up.
What do I use? Using a squeegee on your glass every time you’re done showering is the most efficient and doesn’t require any additional cleaning products. If you do choose to use a product for daily or weekly maintenance, use a soft cloth that won’t scratch the glass while you’re cleaning. Some cleaners, whether commercial or homemade, can damage stone or tile surrounds, so make sure that the product you’re using is safe for your shower.
Mirrors
How often do I clean mirrors? Mirrors see a lot of daily use and they can get dirty quickly. Cleaning them daily or weekly will keep them sparkling and prevent any spots or splatters from building up.
What do I use? A diluted vinegar solution or glass cleaner along with a soft cloth will make the job easier. Pre-treating any large droplets or spots before you completely clean the surface will prevent them from adding streaks.
Exterior Glass
How often do I clean exterior glass? Exterior glass, like windows, patio doors, glass railings, and sunrooms, will have different cleaning requirements depending on where you live and what season it is. Homes in dry dusty areas will have different cleaning needs than homes near the sea, and a rainy fall season will have different cleaning needs than a sunny, pollen-filled spring. Generally, monthly cleaning can go a long way to reduce the amount of scrubbing required, but depending on your home, you may need to clean them more often or less frequently.
What do I use? For exterior glass surfaces, a squeegee and a bucket of warm water and soap will do the best job, though it may take a little bit of practice to be efficient at it. Protect windowsills with a towel and keep the bubbles to a minimum for best results. Protect door jambs and windowsills with a towel and save cleaning for when the glass isn’t hot. Hot glass will dry cleaning solution quickly, leaving you with streaks and a lot more work to do. If you decide to use a spray cleaner instead, make sure the one you choose is safe for nearby surfaces, and use a soft cloth or sponge that won’t scratch the glass. Paper products can leave lint and they often move dirt around rather than removing it, so use them sparingly.
With the right equipment and regular cleaning, you can keep the glass around your home sparkling clean for a long time to come! In addition to maintenance, some glass surfaces can also be installed with coatings that can increase the time between cleanings, such as Clearshield for shower doors, or CONSERVAGLASS SELECT™ for sunrooms. Happy scrubbing!