How do you clean different types of glass?
Sara IdenforsOne of the most common questions we receive from our customer service team is:
"Does window cleaner work on…?"
The answer is almost always yes. Glass is glass, but different glass surfaces are exposed to different types of dirt. Therefore, cleaning may need to be adapted slightly depending on where the glass is located.
Here we go through the most common glass surfaces and how to get them sparkling clean.
Car windows
Yes, window cleaner works excellently on car windows—both inside and outside.
Inside, there is often a thin film of dust, grease, and substances released from the car's interior. Outside, it is a matter of traffic film, insects, and road dust.
Spray window cleaner onto a window cloth or microfiber cloth and wipe. For exterior glass that is very dirty, it may be a good idea to first wash off the heavier dirt.
Wipe completely dry; too much window cleaner can leave streaks.
Mirrors
Mirrors are cleaned in the same way as windows.
Spray a little window cleaner and wipe with a clean window cloth or microfiber cloth. Work from top to bottom to avoid streaks, and do not spray too much. The product is both long-lasting and effective. Overuse is unnecessary.
Glass tables
Glass tables quickly collect dust and fingerprints.
A light spray of window cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth is usually enough to remove both grease and marks. Wipe afterward with a dry part of the cloth for an extra brilliant shine.
Shower screens
Here, the glass itself is usually not the problem—rather, it is limescale, soap residue, and skin oil.
For daily cleaning, window cleaner works excellently and leaves a shiny surface.
If limescale deposits have built up, they first need to be dissolved with a limescale remover. Once the limescale is gone, window cleaner works perfectly to give the glass a clear, glossy finish.
Eyeglasses
Yes, window cleaner works on ordinary eyeglasses, but we recommend first checking the eyewear manufacturer's care instructions.
Many modern types of glass have sensitive surface treatments, such as anti-reflective, dirt-repellent, or scratch-resistant coatings. If the manufacturer recommends specific cleaning products, it is always best to follow their instructions.
Chandeliers and glass prisms
Glass prisms and crystal chandeliers quickly become dull from dust.
Do not spray directly onto the fixture. Instead, spray window cleaner onto a soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe each glass detail. This gives a beautiful shine without leaving streaks.
Windows
Naturally, window cleaner also works excellently on ordinary windows.
For the best results:
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First wipe away loose dirt.
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Spray sparingly.
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Use a clean window cloth or microfiber cloth.
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Polish with a dry part of the cloth if needed.
- If it is very dirty, you first need to wash it with a bucket and cloth. Think of it as washing your car: Is this too much dirt to simply polish or wipe off? Adapt the method to the circumstances.
Other glass surfaces
Window cleaner also works well on, for example:
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Glass doors
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Patio doors
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Enclosed balconies
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Glass cabinets and display cabinets
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Glass oven doors (after grease and food residue have been cleaned off first)
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Glass tabletops
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Mirrored doors
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Glass railings
A few simple tips for a streak-free result
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Always use a clean microfiber or window cloth.
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Do not use more window cleaner than necessary.
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Turn the cloth over when it becomes damp or dirty. If you are unsure about the cloth, have some lint-free household paper ready to use if the cloth becomes too damp.
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It is best to wipe in daylight so you can immediately see whether any streaks remain.
With the right cloth and a good window cleaner most glass surfaces become sparkling clean – whether it is the car window, bathroom mirror, or glass table in the living room.
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Questions and answers
1. Which glass surfaces can I use window cleaner on?
Window cleaner works on most glass surfaces, such as windows, mirrors, car windows, glass tables, shower walls, glass doors, and display cabinets. Simply adapt the cleaning method to the type of dirt on the surface.
2. Can I use window cleaner on shower walls?
Yes, window cleaner works well for daily cleaning and removes light dirt, skin oils, and soap residue. If the shower wall has white limescale deposits, first use Limescale Remover to dissolve the limescale, then finish with Window Cleaner for a shiny finish.
3. How do I achieve a streak-free result when cleaning glass?
Use a clean microfiber or window cloth and spray sparingly with window cleaner. Wipe with a dry part of the cloth if needed and avoid using too much product, as it can leave streaks.
4. Can I use window cleaner on sensitive glass surfaces such as glasses and crystal chandeliers?
Window cleaner can work on some sensitive glass surfaces, but always check the manufacturer's recommendations first. For example, with glasses that have special coatings, you should follow the care instructions. For crystal chandeliers and glass prisms, it is best to spray onto a soft cloth rather than directly onto the glass.
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