There are many different types of glass, and most of them require cleaning at one time or another. Whether you are cleaning car windows, mirrors, house windows, collectible crystal or any other type, there are several things you should know about cleaning glass. Some of these things are important for the life of the glass being cleaned, while others are important for your own safety.
Obviously, safety is the number one priority when cleaning glass, so it is necessary to take the proper precautions depending on the type of glass that is being cleaned. The types of injuries you are trying to prevent when cleaning glass are those from cutting yourself on sharp glass, injuries as a result of breaking glass, and injuries that can be received through glass-cleaning chemicals from either skin contact or inhalation. It is therefore important to know the hazards associated with the type of glass you are cleaning before starting. The best way to do this is buy reading any warning labels on chemicals, preparing a safe work area and using the proper safety equipment, such as gloves or goggles, when necessary.
You will probably want to do the best job possible when cleaning glass, so it is important to use the proper solvent. This will not only clean the glass properly, but also will minimize the amount of streaking or residue that is left behind and prolong the length of time until you must clean the windows, mirrors, or other objects again. There are many different types of glass cleaning products to choose from, and none are necessarily better than the others – the type you choose should be based on your preferences. Some glass cleaners are general-purpose and made for a wide range of glass types, some are heavy-duty and designed to tackle more difficult jobs, and others are more environmentally friendly and free of harmful chemicals.
The next thing to do when cleaning glass is to find a proper rag, towel, or wipe that suits the job that needs to be done. Cloth towels are more likely to leave behind dust than paper towels, making it harder to clean the glass faster. There are other solvents that are made solely for the purpose of cleaning glass such as towels that are soaked with the cleaning agent so you can simply wipe the surface that is to be cleaned. Another thing to consider when cleaning glass, such as dinnerware or glassware, is that you can simply clean these types of glass in the sink with soapy water, or sometimes directly in the dishwasher. Again, it is important to be sure to read product labels in order to be sure that it is safe to do so.
