If you’ve dealt with glass surfaces before, you’ll know just how tricky it can be to clean without a couple of streaks here and there. For the most part, cleaning glass is quite time-consuming. However, read on as Clean Heart Maids dives into everything you need to know to get those glass surfaces looking brand new. From cleaning mirrors and windows to all other glass surfaces, you will be a pro after using the tips and tricks below!
Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Glass Surfaces
Before you can get down and dirty, you will need to ensure that you have the proper cleaning cloths. Glass requires microfiber cloths, paper, or specially crafted wool cloths. All three of these cleaning rags will get the job done without those pesky streaks. Don’t forget, newspapers are also essential, and they will leave your glass surfaces shining.
To prepare for cleaning glass, you’ll need to ensure that your cleaning chemicals are stored effectively. Maybe you prefer to create DIY cleaners. You can easily mix 1 tbsp of vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol for cleaning glass. However, it is essential to note you should never mix ammonia and vinegar. You can also use ammonia on cloudy glass.
After cleaning, all you’ll need to do is rinse the glass with some water to ensure that the residual soap is gone. If you’re aiming for perfection, you can also add some vinegar to the water and just watch as the glass sparkles.
Another helpful tip for dealing with glass is to keep an eye out for those sneaky streaks. To find streaks on your glass surfaces, you’ll need to view the surface from the back and the front. Focus on the dried surfaces to spot those streaks.
Achieving A Streak-free Mirror or Window
To clean your mirror or window and avoid streaks, consider doing the following:
- Add a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol to a cotton pad and look out for noticeable buildups on the surface. As soon as you spot them, it’s time to get started as you work quickly to remove the buildup.
- Now, you’ll need to spray your surface down with cleaner. However, it doesn’t need to be soaked.
- Using your microfiber cloth, you’ll need to start with the left corner and drag the cloth to the right. Next, it’s down and then back to the left side.
- When the surfaces are all wiped down, you’ll need to look at a 45-degree angle to ensure that there are no scuff marks. If for some reason, you notice spots, you can easily spot clean and buff dry.
Homemade Window Cleaning Solution (Green)
If you prefer DIY cleaners instead of the store-bought option, we’ve got you covered. However, distilled water is highly recommended instead of local tap water. With these combinations, you’ll be on your way to enjoying streak-free surfaces.
Homemade Window Cleaner with Essential Oils
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 10 drops of essential oil
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
Combine all the ingredients by shaking them in a spray bottle. You can simply use the essential oil of your choice to add interesting scents.
Rubbing Alcohol Window Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup distilled water
- 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol
- 2-3 tbsps. of white vinegar
Since this one contains rubbing alcohol, it is important to note that it will dry very quickly on glass surfaces. The vinegar and rubbing alcohol should be added to the bottle, followed by the distilled water and shake.
Dish Soap Window Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 16 ozs. of hot water
- A couple of drops of dishwashing liquid
Combine both in a container. It is advisable to use distilled water since it leaves surfaces without streaks.
How to Remove Sticky Substances from Glass
Most, if not all, sticky substances can quickly come off your glass surfaces if you use a knife or razor blade. However, using some commercial lubricants and solvents can also do the job. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to use some cleaning paste to get the gunk off.
When you use razor blades, they will easily break the bonds between the sticky substance and the glass. All you’ll need to do is hold the blade at an angle parallel to the surface and work it under the material. If the material in question doesn’t solidify, you can apply lubrication to the blade. Some mineral spirits work well to get the job done.
Since some surfaces aren’t suited for mineral substances, you can use some olive oil to loosen the sticky substance. However, this takes some time and should be left to settle.
Removing Scratches from Glass
Scratches on the glass can seem impossible to remove. Clean Heart Maids begs to differ! You’ll need the following for removing scratches and cleaning glass surfaces:
- Vinegar
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
- Non-gel toothpaste
After wiping the area, apply some toothpaste. Keep in mind that brands with baking soda are better suited for this task. Next, you’ll need to buff the toothpaste into the scratch using the microfiber cloth and some circular motions. When the area feels smooth to the touch, you can now rinse and repeat until the scratch is gone.
A solution of vinegar and water should be mixed and in a bowl. Using a clean microfiber cloth, clean the surface.
How to Clean Glass Cooktops
You may be wondering how to clean your glass stove thoroughly. When the stove is cooled, spray the surface with some vinegar. Next, sprinkle some baking soda on top of the vinegar. A microfiber cloth should then be dipped in the water and wrung to remove any excess water.
The cloth should be placed on top of the mixture and left to sit for at least 15 minutes. When the time is up, you can simply wipe away the vinegar and baking soda. Repeat these steps until the glass surface is adequately clean.
Cleaning Up Broken Glass
Dealing with broken glass can be quite a challenge, especially if it’s scattered all across the floor. Tiny, unnoticed shards possess a serious threat to those who are unaware of them. Let’s jump into some cleaning tactics to deal with broken glass.
If you didn’t already know, potatoes are great for picking up those bits of glass on the floor. All you’ll need to do is get a spud or any other vegetable and press it into the glass. Pressing down on the glass with the potato should cause the glass to stick to the potato.
Next, you can use a slice of bread to do the same. Since bread has a larger surface area, it will attract the glass pieces to stick to it. If you’re out of bread and potatoes, some tape can also do the job. However, the thickest and widest type of tape is better for this. Simply press the tape into the glass and watch as it sticks to the tape.
Additionally, a paper towel folded a couple of times can also be used and pressed into the bits of glass. However, it’s best to ensure that the paper is thick enough to prevent it from cutting the paper.
How to Dispose of Broken Glass
If you’re dealing with big pieces of broken glass, you’ll need to break them into smaller pieces. A simple way to do this is to wrap the glass in a piece of cloth. Next, you’ll need to use a hammer or another heavy object to break the glass into tiny pieces. After the glass is in smaller pieces, it’s best to put it into a box for disposal.
To seal the box, you can use some tape. It is advisable to label the box as “Broken Glass” to prevent anyone from opening it.
Last Thoughts on Cleaning Glass Surfaces
As we conclude, Clean Heart Maids hopes the above tips and tricks help you clean glass surfaces efficiently. Your mirrors and windows will be streak-free and sparkly after you use the proper cleaning rags and solutions. Remember to wear gloves to protect your skin while using any cleaning solutions. Clean Heart Maids is here for all of your cleaning questions, advice, and needs. If you’re ready to take the load of cleaning off your list of tasks and to-do’s, contact our team today!