Regular cleaning of glass is important to ensure that there is no discolouration and deterioration at the glass surface. Indeed it may be necessary according to the atmospheric conditions prevailing in the area to determine the frequency for regular cleaning, particularly where infrequent cleaning could result in obstinate dirt having to be removed by methods and labour at greater cost. Again the usual effect of dirt on glass is to reduce the light transmittance, which was probably one of the reasons for the glass being installed in the first place.
Generally, cleaning of glass as a routine operation is by the use of warm water with soap or mild liquid detergent, followed by rinsing with clean water. Washleather or cloth is suitable to use for transparent glass but certain types of washleather or imitation washleather have been know to cause streaking if the glass has not been initially polished with a cloth. For glass having a textured surface into which it may not be possible to clean off with a cloth, a stiff plastic or bristle brush is effective. Obstinate dirt in such cases can usually be removed by
using either whiting in water or methylated spirits.
If dirt, contamination, staining and the like are not overcome by these normal methods, then other means may be adopted but before choosing a particular form of treatment it is advisable to determine wherever possible the actual cause of the trouble. If the cause is an on-going one, the first step should be to prevent further trouble at source. The remedy perhaps could be in the sealing of concrete lintels or the provision of drip channels so that the rain will not run down the glass surface. However, where obstinate staining is present, the answer may be in the use of a specialist cleaning and polishing process by experts.
Self cleaning glass must be cleaned as soon as possible after the building work is completed by rinsing with water to remove all traces of dust, abrasives etc. Then either spray on or apply by a saturated cloth a cleaning solution (a mild detergent and water solution is recommended) onto the coated surface. Gently rub the wetted coated surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. Rinse with water and wipe nearly dry with a dry, clean, lint-free towel or cloth. The use of a squeegee on the coated surface is not recommended. If it is absolutely necessary to use a
squeegee then particular care must be taken to prevent any metal parts from contacting the coating or dirt particles becoming trapped under the blade and dragged across the coating. If the water quality is particularly hard (i.e. greater than 180ppm combined content of calcium carbonate CaCO2 and magnesium carbonate MgCO3) then rinsing water should be softened through a domestic water softener or through the addition of a couple of drops of detergent
(dishwashing detergent suffices) to litre of water.
Insulating glass units should be cleaned in accordance with the types of glass used in the construction of the unit, as described for clear and self cleaning glasses. Body tinted glasses and surface coated glasses should be cleaned carefully to avoid surface scratching. When cleaning excess water from the surface of any unit, no water or cleaning agents should be allowed to come into permanent contact with the edge seal due to poor perimeter seals or
blocked draining holes in drained and ventilated frames, they may attack the edge seal of the unit.
Fire resistant glasses constructed in a laminated form must not have water in contact with the edge of the glass. The special materials used in the lamination of the glass will be affected by contact with water.
The information provided in this document provides general guidance as to best practice with regard to glass
cleaning.
It does not, however, constitute any representation or warranty with respect to the products, their suitability for any application.
Under no circumstances must a metal scraper ever be used to remove excess paint from the surface of glass, it will result in surface scratching.