Stained Glass Maintenance: How to Clean Stained Glass

How to Clean Stained Glass

When it comes to stained glass maintenance, you need to be gentle. Here's how to clean stained glass and what cleaning products you'll need.

Stained, or colored, glass has been around as early as 686 BCE. But how do you clean this 2,700-year-old work of art? If you've got it--old or new--in your home or office, knowing how to clean stained glass can help keep it let in more light while ensuring it stays in tip-top shape.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know, from materials to process. Keep reading to learn how to clean stained windows.

Materials For Cleaning Stained Glass

You definitely want to avoid anything abrasive, acidic, or basic when cleaning stained glass windows. Using such materials runs the risk of etching or scratching the glass, or worse. Keep reading to learn how to clean stained glass windows with the right materials.
Instead, you'll want a soft cloth--like microfiber. While you're collecting materials, get two so you can use one wet and one dry. The best way to keep stained glass clean is to dust occasionally with the dry cloth, but we're going to discuss when you actually need to wash your stained glass.
Get some towels too. You're also going to need a large bowl to wet and rinse one of the cleaning cloths. Cotton swabs are also useful.
You'll need some distilled water. If the glass is really dirty, you might consider getting some cleaner--but make sure the cleanser meets these requirements:

No vinegar
No ammonia
Non-abrasive
Neutral pH (in the 6.5 to 7.5 range)

Don't use anything stronger on your stained glass. If you can't get it clean with these materials, you'll need to contact a professional restorer.

How To Clean Stained Glass

Now that you know what you'll need, let's get into the actual process to clean your stained glass without damaging it. The process is simple, but depending on the complexity of your window(s), it can take some time.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

We won't go through the list of supplies again--see above. But you want to ensure you have everything ready to go. Once you put liquid on the glass, it will streak if you don't clean it right away.

Step 2: Protect The Sill(s)

Place towels on the window sill(s) to keep them from getting wet. If you skip this step, you'll just end up with more messes to clean.

Step 3: Prepare The Wet Cloth

Fill the bowl with the cleaning solution of your choice or distilled water, or a mixture of water and cleanser. Dip one of the microfiber cloths in the water and wring it out until it's just damp.

Step 4: Wash

Starting from the top down, clean the glass panes. Rinse the microfiber cloth every now and then to keep it clean. You can use a cotton swab for hard to reach spots.
Dry each section of glass with the dry microfiber cloth before washing the next section.

How to Clean Stain Glass: Bonus Tips & Conclusion

If your glass is streaked after you clean it, you can use calcium carbonate, or whiting powder, to remove the streaks. If the lead has turned white and powdery, clean with a soft cloth while wearing gloves and a face mask.
Because lead is poisonous, throw away the cloth, mask, and gloves when you're finished. There isn't a known safe level of exposure to lead.
If you have additional questions about how to clean stained glass, drop us a comment below.

That is all for now! May sunshine fill your day!

Fascinating and Fundamental Part 7

How to Install Stained Glass Window Inserts

Did you recently buy stained glass window inserts? If you have a pre-made window frame, you can easily install stained glass inserts. Here's your guide.

Congratulations on your beautiful new stained glass window inserts! Stained glass can add new light, privacy, and value to your home. Once you get it in place, that is.

Know how to properly install your new stained glass piece? If you have a pre-made window frame, you can easily install your new art. Let us walk you through the process to avoid injury or frustration.
Keep reading to learn more.

Adding Stained Glass to Existing Windows

Keep the insulating properties of your modern windows by installing your new stained glass insert on the inside of the window. This also protects your stained glass and lead from weathering and deterioration.
Achieve the look you want without replacing the entire window. When you sell your home, you need not leave your stained glass window inserts behind. You can simply remove the stained glass panels and move them to your new home. The additional layer of glass and air gap creates a double pane window. This insulates far better than a window alone.
Bonding tape ensures that no dust or dirt can get between the clear pane of glass and your new handmade piece of art. This method does assume that your windows are currently in good shape. If the glass is cracked, pitted, chipped or loose, make repairs first.

Stained Glass Window Inserts In Vulnerable Areas

If you are having stained glass installed in a bathroom, kitchen or similar place with very moist air, protect your artwork. Make sure the stained glass panel is between the existing outer glass window and another clear glass pane. Moisture is highly corrosive to the lead in the panel.
The glass sandwich is then framed into place and surrounded with matching trim and a bead of caulk. A simple coat of paint and the installation is watertight, professional and beautiful.
Similarly, stained glass panels can be very fragile compared to solid safety glass. Protect the security of your home by insisting the stained glass transoms and side lights are break-resistant triple layers.

Installation Steps

Taking chances with your new stained glass art is not recommended. If your home is new construction or a permit renovation, safety glass may be required. For example, in a door or shower, your stained glass insert must be sandwiched between layers of safety glass.

Step 1

Examine your existing glass for cracks, chips or missing putty. Repair if needed. Clean the window inside and out. Neutralize the pH.

Step 2

Use a high-quality glass bonding tape to seal the stained glass window to the clear pane of glass.

Step 3

If a triple window in called for, bond another layer of clear safety glass on the inside of the stained glass. Frame the insert with matching trim. Seal with caulk and add finish painting.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of stained glass in your home requires proper installation. Add stained glass inserts to the laundry, entry, kitchen, and bath or more light, privacy, and value.
Proper installation protects the beauty of your new stained glass window inserts for many years to come.
Questions about installation? Contact us today!

That is all for now! May sunshine fill your day!