Common Mistakes to Avoid While Cleaning Glass, Accomac, Virginia (2024)

FAQs

What should not be used when cleaning glass? ›

Not Using The Right Cleaning Cloths

Most rags and dishcloth type materials will leave behind small pieces of lint. Decades ago, many people used scrunched up newspapers to clean their glass, however, printing ink isn't the same as what it was back then and it will more than likely leave a residue on your glass.

Heavily soak the window with soap and water or glass cleaner. Gently scrub areas with stuck-on debris or scrape the hardy glass with a razor blade. Remove soap and water from the glass with a squeegee. Follow up with a microfiber towel to thoroughly dry the window.

Observe good industrial hygiene practices. Wear safety glasses with side shields (or goggles). IF IN EYES: Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water. Remove contact lenses if present and safe to do so.

Household cleaners: Harsh chemicals in products like dish soap, multi-purpose cleaners, and even some glass cleaners can damage automotive window coatings and leave a residue that causes streaks. Sponges: Their textured surface can be too rough for delicate glass and may even trap dirt particles that lead to scratches.

Don't: Use paper towels or napkins to wipe your lenses

These paper products are abrasive enough to leave micro scratches that could distort your vision. Also, paper towels or napkins contain lint that may linger on your lenses after cleaning.

Harsh chemicals, especially those containing bleach or chlorine, should be kept away from glass surfaces. These chemicals can damage window frames, seals, and surrounding materials.

Vinegar, an all-natural and nontoxic cleaner, mixed with warm water is an effective and environmentally friendly glass-cleaning solution. Avoid using soap and paper towels for cleaning glass; instead, opt for a solution with minimal soap and use a microfiber cloth or newspaper to prevent streaks and lint.

All glassware must be absolutely grease-free. The safest criterion of cleanliness is uniform wetting of the surface by distilled water. This is especially important in glassware used for measuring the volume of liquids. Grease and other contaminating materials will prevent the glass from becoming uniformly wetted.

Most new glass is slightly alkaline and should be washed upon receipt and generally can be soaked in a 1% HCL or HNO₃ solution before wash and DI rinse. Never soak for long periods in strong alkaline solutions as it will damage the glass. Always follow up a soap or acid wash with a good DI water rinse.

What is the trick to cleaning car windows? ›

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth instead of paper towels. Microfiber cloths don't leave small paper fibers behind like paper towels, and they're also less likely to leave streaks. Use a reach-and-clean tool to reach the corners of the windshield.

Tips for Using Alcohol Safely as a Window Cleaner

Use the correct dilution ratio, usually 50% alcohol and 50% water, in a spray bottle. Protect your hands with gloves. Ensure proper ventilation when cleaning indoors. Always keep out of reach of children and pets.

To make this homemade window cleaner, first add 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 2-3 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar to a spray bottle. For best results, make sure your vinegar says "made from grain" on the label. Then add 1 cup distilled water.

The most common professional window cleaning solution recipe is filtered or distilled water and dish soap. Just a few spoonfuls of dish soap is all that's needed to create foam for gliding and to help break up any grease and dirt on the glass during cleaning.

Most people call isopropyl alcohol “rubbing alcohol.” It is also called isopropanol or “iso.” Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent, and a strong one at that. Iso quickly dissolves all types of organic and mineral contaminates on glass and other surfaces.