The best way to clean glass is with a soft cloth and a quality glass cleaner. Apply the glass cleaner to the cloth and clean with soft, circular motions until the glass is clean. Be careful not to spray directly on the glass, especially on mirrors.
How To Clean Mirrors Without Streaks
Mirrors can be one of the most frustrating glass surfaces to clean because even the smallest imperfections show up clearly. The first mistake many people make is using paper towels. Paper towels will not only leave behind tiny streaks, they will also leave behind particles that make the mirror appear dusty. Instead, use a microfiber towel which will not leave behind any remnants. Many people also swear by newspaper for a streak-free clean. Just be sure to wear gloves or wash your hands after as the ink may come off on your skin.
How To Clean Glass With a Waxy Film
So you finally got around to cleaning that one window that has been dirty for so long, only to find that it looks worse after cleaning than before you started. What gives?
Many times windows get a waxy or oily build-up on them if left uncleaned for long periods- especially the inside of windshields since vinyl protectant is usually sprayed on dashboards when cars are detailed.
To avoid damaging the glass or housing, always begin with the mildest solution and work your way up. If you’ve already tried a quality glass cleaner, vinegar and warm water may be another good option. It may take some elbow great and a few rounds of cleaning.
Using Acetone on Glass
If this doesn’t work, the next step would be to spot clean using a solvent such as acetone, rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits. Use sparingly as these can be potentially harmful to the glass. Always clean the glass afterwards to remove the solvent completely. For actual wax build up, avoid using razor blades as this may permanently scratch the glass.
How To Clean A Mirror That Is Hazy
Vinegar to the rescue again! If a mirror is hazy it will need some serious cleaning power, so don’t dilute with water. Wet either newspaper or a microfiber cloth with distilled white vinegar and wipe the mirror. Afterward, you may want to wipe with water to get rid of the vinegar smell, then follow up with a normal glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine.
Chemicals to Avoid When Cleaning Glass
– Amonia Based Cleaners – Leave streaking and attract dust
– Alcohol Based Cleaners – leave streaking and attract dust
– Plain water—is not an adequate cleaning agent. Will leave spots and streaks.
– Abrasives – anything that contains an abrasive should be avoided as it can permanently harm the finish of the glass
Glass Cleaning Tips
– Thorough glass cleanings are recommended at least twice a year and can be done seasonally—once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Thorough cleanings mean cleaning both the inside and outside of the glass, as well as the trim that surrounds the glass.
– Additionally, spot cleaning should be done as often as necessary.
– We’ve all been there….that one mirror that always streaks no matter how carefully you clean it. For the most stubborn streaks, try using undiluted distilled white vinegar. Be sure to wipe and dry the mirror quickly and polish with a clean dry microfiber cloth.