Cleaning stained glass is a five-step process, that we have explained here:
Step 1: Remove all Dust and Dirt From the Glass With a Soft, Dry Cloth
The first step in cleaning stained glass is to remove all of the dust and dirt from the surface of the glass. You can do this using a soft, dry cloth. Be sure to brush away any dirt or dust that is lodged in the crevices of the glass. If you don’t, the debris might end up scratching the glass surface!
Step 2: Apply a Small Amount of Window Cleaner to Another Soft, Dry Cloth and Clean the Glass Until it is Streak-Free
The next step is to apply a small amount of window cleaner to a soft, dry cloth. Ideally, you should use a microfiber cloth. It is made of very small fibers that reach into the smallest crevices to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Microfiber cloth is also lint-free, which means it won’t leave any streaks or residue on the glass.
Be sure to avoid getting the window cleaner on the paint or lead around the edge of the glass. Gently wipe the glass until it is streak-free.
Step 3: If Any Stains Persist, Apply a Small Amount of Toothpaste to a Damp Cloth and Rub the Stain Until it Disappears
Don’t go overboard with the toothpaste, otherwise, you will face trouble removing it. A little goes a long way! Pro tip: you can sprinkle a drop of lukewarm water, as heat tends to dissolve stains quicker. Just take care not to overheat the water, that could also damage your beautiful stained glass.
Step 4: Wipe Away Any Remaining Toothpaste With A Clean, Damp Cloth
After you have rubbed the stain until it disappears, wipe away any remaining toothpaste with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to rinse the cloth well before wiping the glass. Also, keep in mind that some types of fabric do a better job of cleaning than others. This includes cotton, as it is highly absorbent.
Step 5: Buff the Glass With a Dry Cloth to Remove Any Streaks
Finally, be sure to rinse the glass well afterward to remove all of the toothpaste. You don’t want any unsightly streaks left at the end. A perfectly smooth and neat finish is what you need to achieve. A microfiber cloth or absorbent dry and clean cotton cloth would do the job best. Pro tip: If you don’t have a cloth, you can use clean newspaper to dry buff the stained glass.
Tips to Clean Stained Glass Efficiently
When cleaning stained glass, it is important to be gentle and avoid getting the window cleaner on the paint or lead around the edge of the glass. It is also vital to use the correct glass cleaner. We recommend a window cleaner that is ammonia-free and free of strong, harmful solvents.
White streaks running down stained glass?
Are you noticing unsightly white streaks across your stained glass panels? This is a common occurrence. You may not have realized it, but stained glass windows require a small level of ongoing maintenance. When stained glass windows are assembled, a stained glass putty is applied to fill the void between the glass and the lead coming. Over time, this stained glass putty can become weak and brittle. Rain, even light rain, can collect in this void as it grows and the white streaks are actually the stained glass putty powder streaking down the glass. This is a sign that your stained glass windows need some maintenance by reapplying the stained glass putty. A task like this should be handled by a professional stained glass craftsman like those at the Cavallini Co., Inc., however, if you feel you have the ability to tackle a project like this, you can purchase the stained glass putty needed at our online store: cavalliniglass.com.
Cleaning stained glass can be a daunting task, but following these simple steps will help you achieve streak-free results in no time! For the best-stained glass cleaning products and supplies, be sure to visit Cavallini Art Glass in San Antonio, Texas. We offer a wide variety of products that are perfect for stained glass cleaning and restoration. Our expert staff is here to help you get the most out of your stained-glass projects! Contact us today to learn more about our stained-glass services, or visit cavallinistudios.com to see samples of our work!