Tips from the pros
We are sometimes asked how to get really big panes of glass clean. Here are a few tips from a local pro we know:
It’s important to note that it’s easier more pleasant to do this when the hot sun is not beating directly on the glass as it causes the cleaning solution to dry too quickly in our hot Florida sun, resulting in streaks.
What you will need:
- White vinegar
- Distilled water
- Microfiber cloth
- Old newspapers
- Dusting brush, old toothbrush and cotton swabs
- Soft dusting cloth
- Sponge
- Spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth
- Glass squeegee tool
1. Remove loose dust
With a soft dusting cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth), thoroughly wipe down the glass frame to remove any loose dirt and dust. This is important before using any liquid solution, as it can cause the dust to stick to the surface.
2. Make a homemade cleaning solution
You can always use a commercial glass cleanser but it is really expensive, however, you can make your own cleaning solution with just two ingredients – white vinegar and distilled water.
Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and distilled water and put it in a spray bottle. This homemade cleaning solution is effective and eco-friendly.
White vinegar has acetic acid that can clean, sanitize and deodorize nearly any type of surface. Distilled water is perfect for this job because it will not leave streaky deposits on the glass surface like tap water does as it contains minerals.
3. Spray the solution and clean
Spray the solution directly on one area of the glass surface. Using a soft sponge, rub away the dirt. Rub the glass in a circular motion to remove all the spots and make it clean and shiny. Do it in a gentle way to allow the solution to do its work and avoid applying too much pressure. Spray different areas of the glass and work your way across the entire surface.
In case of stubborn marks, you may have to rub it more. Try to keep the solution from coming into contact with the frame.
4. Swipe with squeegee tool
This is the pro’s tip, dry the glass with a squeegee as quickly as possible. Start from an upper corner of the glass pane and gently draw the squeegee down in a straight stroke. Repeat again and again until you have covered the whole surface.
Finish by pulling the squeegee across the bottom of the pane of glass.
5. Wipe with a dry cloth
Now, wipe the surface quickly with a dry, soft cloth. Make sure to wipe in one direction only. If using vertical strokes, do the same for the whole surface. Try to do it quickly to prevent streaks.
6. Buff the glass
Another expert tip is to give the glass surface a nice buff, use either a microfiber cloth or old newspapers. Using the dry microfiber cloth, just buff the glass. You will see the remaining water streaks disappear, leaving behind a clean and shiny surface. This will help dry the window’s entire surface. You can also use a crumpled-up sheet of newspaper to remove any moisture from the surface. If you want, wear rubber gloves to avoid getting newsprint on your hands.
7. Wipe the edges of the panes
Once the glass surface is thoroughly clean, take a close look at the edges of the panes. Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth. To remove marks, you can even use a damp cloth but not anything that is dripping with water.
Additional Tips:
You can use distilled vinegar to clean stubborn grime. The smell of vinegar may stick around for a bit, but after some time it will disappear.
Do not use regular water to clean any glass surface, as the minerals in it can leave behind streaks.
Do not use paper towels, which will leave streaks.