It doesn’t take much to make the windows in your home look grubby and unkempt. It can sometimes be a tricky task to master, that’s why we have put together this guide to share the most common mistakes people make when cleaning glass and how to avoid them to ensure they are streak-free and glistening.
Here’s what you need to know:
Using Glass Cleaner
While glass cleaners claim to be the be-all and end-all when it comes to cleaning glass, more often than not, the product leaves smudges and streaks, not only that some have hazardous ingredients that can be harmful to you and your family. The effort required to get your glass clear with glass cleaners can be frustrating and time-consuming, some make the mistake of spraying more cleaner onto the window in an attempt to clear the streaks and in most cases, this will just make them more prominent.
Not Using The Right Cleaning Cloths
Rubbing the wrong type of cleaning cloth across your glass is guaranteed to leave smudge marks. Most rags and dishcloth type materials will leave behind small pieces of lint. Decades ago, many people used scrunched up newspapers to clean their glass, however, printing ink isn’t the same as what it was back then and it will more than likely leave a residue on your glass. This will make your windows appear dirtier than they were before. Paper towel is another favourite but isn’t the most environmentally friendly option and can leave specks of towel behind which doesn’t give you that crystal clear finish that you’re aiming for. Other lint producers are clothes and tissues, so avoid these.
Scratches On The Glass
Cleaning glass with the wrong materials or scrubbing them can lead to scratches which are irreversible and look unsightly. This often happens from people using something abrasive to scratch off stuck-on contaminants such as bird poo. Make sure you are gentle when cleaning your glass and only use suitable products to prevent this from happening.
Making Circular Motions When Cleaning
Using circular motions to clean your glass can result in you making more smudges on areas that you have already cleaned. Try starting at one end of the glass and working your way down, up, or across. This way if you do accidentally go over an area that is already done it is not going to be as hard to fix.
Attempting To Clean Dry Glass
The glass must be moist before you wipe it over. Running a dry cloth over dry glass can cause the dirt and dust to scratch the surface. If there is built-up dirt that appears to be set onto the glass, spray with a little water first and let it sit for around 10 minutes before wiping it off.
Not Cleaning The Dirt And Dust Off First
Following on from the tip mentioned above, to get the best finish you should prep your glass first by removing any dirt or dust on it. If you go straight into it with your cloth and cleaning product, you will just be wetting the dirt and spreading it over your window, making it look worse. This will dirty more cloths, use more product, and take far longer to perfect than it should.
Cleaning Glass With A Universal Cleaning Cloth
You must have different cleaning cloths for different purposes in your house. Using one cloth to clean various surfaces is unsanitary and can lead to contamination. Your glass and window cloths must be clean, using one, hanging it up and then reusing it later will leave you with plenty of streaks and smudges that will be virtually impossible to remove.
Cleaning Glass With Soap-based Products
Soap based products such as detergents can leave a soapy residue and the ingredients in some can strip the coating of your glass which can detract from its appearance and longevity.
Not Fog Proofing The Mirrors
Most of us are guilty of wiping over the mirror with our hands after a hot shower. It is worth investing in fog-proof mirrors to avoid this or if they aren’t in your budget right now, you can mix one-part vinegar with one-part water and wipe over each morning.
Forgetting The Window Frames
When cleaning glass windows or doors, you will have to clean the frames too. Do these first before the panes that way you won’t risk smudging your newly clean windows.
Cleaning Glass In The Middle Of Summer
Summer in Australia is hot and while cleaning glass windows and doors at this time of year may seem like a brilliant idea, it can be more hassle than it’s worth. The heat will cause the water and cleaning product to dry rapidly leaving you with streaks. It’s best to clean your windows when the weather isn’t scorching.
The glass in your home keeps your family warm in the winter, cool in the summer and intruders at bay so, it is important to take care of it to ensure it is doing its job properly and going to stand the test of time. If you have any questions about glass cleaning or have a glass problem at your home, get in touch with our friendly team at True Blue Glass. With more than ten years in the industry, we know a thing or two about glass and will happily help if we can. Alternatively, check out our website for more information.
