Different Types of Glass in Jacksonville, FL
It’s a clear, sunny day when you look out your window to admire the beauty all around you. But all you see is streaked, smudged glass. It sounds like it’s time to clean your windows! While you’re at it, why not spruce up your mirrors, shower doors, fireplace glass, and windshield? We’ve got all the glass-cleaning tips you need.
Getting Started
Before you begin, remember these foundational techniques:
- You can always buy commercial glass cleaner or make your own. Mild dish soap and water or a simple 1:4 solution of white vinegar and distilled water will suffice.
- To prevent streaking, avoid cleaning your glass in direct sunlight.
- To avoid drips, begin at the top of the window and work your way down.
How to Clean Different Types of Glass
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore specific types of glass and how to clean them.
Cleaning Annealed Glass
Annealed glass is a standard product with no special coatings or technology. It’s a common choice for windows and other household applications. Luckily, annealed glass is easy to clean.
- Wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust.
- Gently scrub using a soft, lint-free glass cleaning cloth or sponge and your preferred cleaning solution, making sure to cover every inch.
- Rinse the cleaning solution with warm water, then dry the glass using a clean, lint-free cloth. For large windows, a squeegee may be helpful.
Cleaning Tempered Glass
Tempered glass, often found in car windows and shower doors, is heat-treated for extra strength and safety. This type of glass requires special attention when cleaning.
- Apply your chosen cleaning solution.
- Wipe with a soft cloth, paying special attention to corners and edges.
- For stubborn splatters, scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Rinse with distilled water to minimize mineral deposits.
- Dry with a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning Coated Glass
Coated glass, such as that found in energy-efficient windows and tinted auto glass, has a special surface treatment that requires careful cleaning to avoid damage.
- Lightly dust the surface.
- Apply your cleaning solution.
- Wipe the glass gently with a soft cloth, and then rinse with distilled water to avoid streaks or water spots.
- Dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth.
Cleaning Self-Cleaning Windows
As the name suggests, self-cleaning windows have a special coating that breaks down dirt with sunlight, which then washes away in the rain. These windows need less frequent cleaning, but a little help now and then never hurts. In the absence of rain, simply rinse the windows with a hose and allow them to dry naturally. That’s it!
Cleaning a Bathroom Mirror
Fingerprints, toothpaste splatters, and water spots detract from your reflection. That’s why no bathroom wipe-down is complete without cleaning the mirror.
- Spray your cleaning solution directly onto the mirror or a soft cloth.
- Wipe the mirror, starting at the top corner and moving across and down.
- Buff with a lint-free cloth.
Cleaning Glass Shower Doors
Glass shower doors are a magnet for soap scum and hard water stains. Cleanliness here makes your bathroom sparkle.
- Spray your cleaning solution onto the glass and let it sit for several minutes. Reapply as needed to maintain a wet surface.
- Wipe down with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly.
- Dry immediately to prevent water spots.
Cleaning Fireplace Glass
Fireplace glass doors can accumulate soot and ash, obscuring your view of the cozy flames. Regular cleaning keeps your fireside evenings enchanting.
- Make a paste with water and ash, apply it to the glass, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Wipe clean with a wet cloth.
- Buff with a clean, dry cloth.
Cleaning a Glass Stovetop
A clean glass stovetop makes your kitchen shine. Don’t let spills and splatters rob you of this joy!
- Remove any loose debris.
- Apply your chosen cleaning solution, then use a razor blade or non-abrasive pad to remove cooked-on messes.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and buff with a dry one.
Cleaning a Windshield Interior
A clear windshield isn’t just a pleasure to look through—it’s a safety necessity. Cleaning the outside with a squeegee at the gas station is easy, but what about the inside?
The trick is to use a far-reaching tool with a microfiber cloth on the end. Apply your preferred cleaning solution to the cloth and scrub vertically until the glass sparkles from the inside out.
Contact Baker Glass
With the right glass cleaning tools, a quality glass cleaning cloth, and a bit of know-how, you can achieve gleaming, crystal-clear windows and mirrors in every room. But sometimes, glass fixtures need more than a good cleaning. For times like these, Baker Glass is ready to assist.
Offering unmatched glass installation and repair services in Jacksonville, FL, we bring 30 years of experience, quality workmanship, and customer service to every job. Our specialties include home window glass, shower door glass, and auto glass. Call our experts at (904) 388-9126 or contact us online today to learn more.
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