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Modern glass is designed to look beautiful, perform well, and last for years, but like anything in your home, it needs the right care to keep it at its best. Whether it is the glass in your windows, doors, balustrades, roof lanterns, or mirrors, regular cleaning helps protect the surface, keeps everything clear and streak free, and ensures your home always looks its best.
The good news is that caring for modern glass is simple. With the right techniques and a few safe cleaning habits, you can keep your glass looking spotless without causing damage. Here is a clear guide to help you look after the glass around your home, with a nod to the safe, specialist methods used by our sister brand Sheerwater Clean.
Start with the right equipment
Using the correct tools is the easiest way to avoid marks, scratches, or stubborn streaks. Modern glass has high quality coatings and finishes, so it is important to avoid anything too harsh.
The best tools to use include:
- A soft microfiber cloth or lint free cloth
- A gentle, non abrasive glass cleaner – if purified water is not available to you
- A bucket of warm water if needed
- A squeegee for larger panes
- A soft brush for frames and edges
Avoid rough cloths, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals. These can scratch or damage glass coatings, particularly on toughened or coated units.
It is also best to stay away from homemade mixtures that contain vinegar if you are unsure about your window type. Some modern coatings are sensitive to acidic solutions.
Use purified water where possible
One of the reasons Sheerwater Clean achieves streak free results is the use of purified water. Tap water contains minerals that leave marks once they dry. Purified water removes these minerals and gives a spotless finish without any residue.
For homeowners, this is especially handy when cleaning roof lights or larger panes because purified water dries clear on its own. If you do not have access to a pure water system, that is fine, but it is worth being careful with hard water, as it can increase streaking.
Clean on a cool, cloudy day for the best finish
Cleaning glass in direct sunlight might seem tempting, but it often leads to streaks because the product dries too quickly. A cool or cloudy day gives you more time to wipe, polish, and check your work.
If you do clean in the sun, work in small sections so you can finish each part before it dries.
Start with frames and edges
Before wiping the glass, begin by cleaning the frames and any surrounding seals. Dirt and dust gathered on the frame can spread onto the glass if you start the other way around.
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove loose dirt, then gently wipe the frame with warm soapy water. Do not saturate the edges of the glazing, as too much water can enter the frame or weaken seals over time.
If you have aluminium or uPVC frames, warm water and a mild detergent are all you need. For timber frames, use a damp cloth without soaking the wood.
Use the right technique for spotless glass
Now for the glass itself. Spray a small amount of glass cleaner directly onto your cloth, not onto the glass. This avoids overspray on seals and makes it easier to control how much product you are using.
Wipe in smooth, overlapping movements, then polish with a dry microfiber cloth until the surface is clear. For larger windows and doors, a squeegee helps create a professional finish. Start at the top and pull downward in straight strokes, wiping the blade after each pass.
Try to avoid circular motions, as they can leave swirl marks if the cloth picks up dust.
Avoid common mistakes that can damage glass
Modern glass is tough, but the wrong cleaning habits can still cause long term damage. Here are some things to avoid:
- Do not use abrasive pads or metal scrapers
- Do not use strong solvents or harsh chemical cleaners
- Do not use high pressure water directly on the seals or edges
- Do not clean tinted or coated glass with acidic products
If you have specialist glass, such as self cleaning glass or laminated acoustic glass, always check the manufacturer guidance or ask for advice to make sure you protect the coating properly.
Keep an eye on seals, hinges, and tracks
Cleaning is not just about the glass. Your windows and doors also rely on seals, tracks, and hinges to stay secure and work smoothly.
A few small checks during your cleaning routine help extend their lifespan:
- Wipe rubber seals gently to keep them flexible
- Clear any debris from sliding door tracks
- Lubricate hinges and locking points lightly once or twice a year
- Make sure drainage holes are free so water can escape
These quick tasks protect your windows and doors from wear and improve how they perform in all weather.
When to call the professionals
Some jobs are tricky to do safely at home. Glass roof lights, high windows, conservatories, and large glazed areas often need specialist equipment to clean properly. This is where companies like Sheerwater Clean make a real difference.
With purified water systems, soft brush poles, safe working methods, and trained professionals, they can clean areas that are difficult or unsafe for homeowners to reach. They also work without ladders where possible to reduce the risk of damage.
Professional cleaning is especially useful once or twice a year if you live near trees, busy roads, or areas with lots of pollen or dust.
Long term care keeps glass performing at its best
Modern glass is designed to be low maintenance, but the right care helps it stay clear, bright, and durable for years. Regular gentle cleaning prevents build up, protects coatings, and keeps your windows and doors looking as good as the day they were installed.
If you ever notice scratches, misting between panes, cracks in the seals, or glass that seems harder to keep clean than usual, it may be a sign that the unit needs attention or replacement.
Need advice or help with cleaning?
Whether you are looking for replacement glass, new windows or doors, or a safe and reliable cleaning service, the Sheerwater team is here to help. We can guide you on the best cleaning methods, advise on specialist glass care, or arrange a professional clean through Sheerwater Clean.
A little care goes a long way. With the right approach, your glass will stay crystal clear and looking beautiful for years to come.
