How to Clean Glass

 20 Nov 2015

AGWA-Member-Logo245x103 How to Clean Glass

TECHNICAL FACT SHEET GUIDELINES FOR CLEANING GLASS

Introduction

The   durability,   beauty   and   transparent properties of glass have made it one of the worlds most utilised building materials. The correct cleaning procedure plays a vital role in maintaining the visual and structural qualities of glass.

Dirt on glass

The first possible phase in which glass can become dirty is usually during construction. Debris such as masonry dust, welding, cement particles, paint, and tape residue can come into contact with the glass.

Cement  and  concrete  are  highly  alkaline and can cause irreparable damage to the glass surface. Therefore all trades must take due care whilst working near glass. At the time of construction suitable precautions must be taken to minimise any damage to the glass surface.

The ongoing maintenance of the glass is an important factor in its performance. It should be explained to the end user, in the form of a simple cleaning procedure.

Cleaning of uncoated glass

Remove any dirt or debris from the glass as soon as it is visible. When possible avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight.

  • Flood the surface with water or cleaning solutions to remove loose dust and grit.
  • For best results, clean the glass beginning at the top and working downwards.
  • Wipe with a clean wet cloth, free of grit, (as gritty dirt particles picked up by the cloth could scratch the glass), until glass is visibly clean.
  • Rinse with clean water.
  • Dry immediately with a clean lint-free cloth or good clean squeegee.
  • Do not allow metal squeegee holders to touch the glass surface.
  • Do not use any additives that contain hydrofluoric acid, or have the possibility of forming hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluor- ic acid is a highly corrosive liquid and is a contact poison.

Cleaning of coated Low e glass

This addresses the procedures for cleaning pyrolitic coated (hard coat) Low E glass. The presence of the Low E coating can be confirmed by using an electronic continuity tester or by touch. Low E coating feels noticeably rougher than the smooth glass surface.

The following instructions will NOT harm ordinary uncoated glass. It is important to note the normal presence of a haze on some coated glass under some conditions. If encountered, consult the manufacturer before cleaning.

The coated surface of the glass will be to the interior. Extra care must be taken whilst cleaning this surface to prevent damage to the coating. Ensure gloves are worn, and jewellery and watches are removed before cleaning.

  • Flood the  glass  surface  generously with recommended cleaning product (clear liquid Windex (or similar), or a mixture of one part vinegar with ten parts water), or cloth saturated with the cleaning solution.
  • Wipe the wetted surface with a clean, lint free towel or cloth.
  • Wipe dry with a dry, clean, lint free towel or cloth. Do not use a squeegeeon the coated (interior) surface.
  • To  prevent   streaking,   stop   wiping when  the  glass  is  almost  dry  and there is a uniform film of moisture left on the glass surface. The moisture will quickly evaporate leaving a clean surface.

Spot cleaning of coated Low e glass Occasionally  spot  cleaning  may  be  required to  remove stubborn dirt  or foreign  materials  that  can  adhere  to  the Low E glass surface.

Spot cleaning products work to remove markings from grease, oil, tape adhesive and crayons, or other waxy materials as well as paint and rub-off marks from plastics.

  • Apply a small quantity of the manu- facturer’s approved cleaner for the type of coated glass you are cleaning, to a clean wet cloth or towel.
  • Rub on areas of glass needing spot cleaning.
  • Wipe clean using a dry, clean, lint free towel or cloth following the routine cleaning procedure given above.
  • Do not use razor blades, steel wool, scouring bristles or other metallic or abrasive objects  on  the  coated  surface. If metallic objects touch the coated surface, a thin layer of metal removed from the object may be deposited onto the surface, which results in a discoloured stain that is difficult to remove using normal cleaning procedures.

Cleaning of mirror glass

Special care must be taken when clean- ing mirrors particularly to the back and edges. Avoid any moisture or chemicals coming into contact with the silvering (back and edges) of the mirror.

  • Wipe over  the  surface  with  a  few drops of methylated spirits on a damp cloth.
  • Polish surface  dry  with  a  lint  free cloth. Do everything possible to ensure that the cleaning cloths used are free of any abrasives.

Note: These are general instructions. Please refer to manufacturer guidelines for specific cleaning procedures.

Sources: G.James—Glass Cleaning Guide, PPG Glass—Technical document TD-144 142, Viridian 2011 Architectural Glass Specifiers Guide, Pilkington—ATS-144 Technical information.

Published: March 2014

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is current at the time of publication. It is intended as a general guide only and the Australian Glass and Window Association (AGWA) recommends that you undertake your own investigations when specifying windows and glass products to ensure they comply with all relevant regulations and are fit for purpose.