?>Different types of window glass need to be taken care of differently. However, glasses are the last thing that comes to our mind when going on a cleaning spree.
The Shard, Louvre Pyramid, and Crystal Palace are some of the most famous glass buildings in the world. What is common among them is their glass structure, and the fact that sets them apart is that they are made of different types of glass. As a result, the cleaning methods of these glass structures differ.
Let us understand the types of window glass and how they must be maintained in this blog.
Types of Window Glass & What to Use for Window Cleaning
The window glasses are ruled by the five types of glasses mentioned here. These glass types are tempered, low-E, annealed, heat-strengthened, and insulated glass units. Every glass type needs to be cleaned differently as they are made of different glass formulations.
Now, let us concentrate more on understanding these different types of glass and the best method to clean them.
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Annealed Glass
Also known as float glasses, this glass type undergoes a cooling treatment to improve its durability. This cooling technique reduces internal stresses and minimises the chances of breakage. Even if the glass breaks, it breaks into big shards.
The best method for cleaning windows made from annealed glass is to first soak them in soapy water or a glass cleaning solution. Then you can scrub the debris or use a razor blade to scrape the glass. Once this is done, you can leave the window to air dry or use a microfiber towel to wipe the glass.
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Tempered Glass
This is a glass category that is 4x-5x stronger than annealed glasses and is heat-strengthened. Also known as safety glasses, if these glasses break; they break into small pieces and do not cut your skin deeply.
Tempered glasses are easy to clean but need to be handled carefully as their surface gets scratched easily. Therefore, scraping the surface with a razor blade is not recommended. The best method to clean windows made of tempered glass is to wipe the surface with hot water and mild soap. The window should be wiped with a microfiber towel and then left for air drying.
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Low-E Glass
These types of window glass have two coatings to protect your home and office space from heating up. This window glass limits the UV rays from penetrating inside. The first coat is applied when the glass is in the making process, and another coat is applied after the glass is made.
To clean the windows made of Low-E glass, you must use a cleaning solution. Spray the cleaning solution on the glass window generously, and then wipe it with a clean, lint-free towel. Be mindful when cleaning this glass type, as you must not use a razor blade or squeezer on the interior of the glass surface.
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Heat-Strengthened Glass
As the name suggests, these types of window glass are heat-treated to induce surface compression. These glasses have more strength than annealed glasses. On breaking, this glass type breaks into sharp, small pieces. Heat-strengthened glass is typically used in areas with a high wind load.
The best method to clean windows made of heat-strengthened glass is to wipe the surface with a chemical-free cleaning solution. You must use a clean towel or cloth to wipe the surface. However, remember not to wipe the windows when they are about to dry to prevent streaking.
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Insulated Glass Units
Also known as double-glazing or double-pane windows, these glasses are designed to keep the temperature regulated. These types of window glass keep your house cool in the summer and hot in the winter.
To clean insulated glass units, you can use a vinegar solution. Use a 10% vinegar solution to coat the inner surface of the windows. Cover every spot with the vinegar solution, and once it is dry, rinse it out with alcohol.
Taking care of your window glasses is crucial to keeping your home dust-free. Different types of glasses have different maintenance needs. Therefore, when doing the task of window cleaning, you should know what type of glass has been used in your doors and windows.
Dos and Don’ts of Windows Cleaning
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Use the right tools for windows cleaning. You can use a DIY vinegar solution or take the help of a chemical-free cleaning solution available in the market. | Don’t focus on the use of squeegees to clean the window. They might seem like the best option but can scratch the glass surface. |
| Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the windows after cleaning. | Don’t use paper towels to dry the windows. They leave lint traces behind that make the windows look dirty. |
| Use newspaper to remove the spots and get a streak and lint-free shine. | Using razor blades on safety glasses is not the best method to clean windows. They leave scratches behind. |
| Wash windows on a cloudy day. | Ammonia-based window cleaners are a big no, as they hold onto moisture. |
Following the do’s and don’ts mentioned above will help you keep your windows shiny and free from dust particles. These are the general tips you can follow for window cleaning. However, the best method to clean windows still depends on the type of window glass and the product you are using.
Conclusion:
Maintaining sparkling windows doesn’t have to be a chore. By understanding the different types of window glass and their specific cleaning needs, you can achieve a professional-looking shine without harsh chemicals or risky methods. Remember, the right tools and techniques are key.
Embrace the gentle touch of microfiber cloths and harness the power of do-it-yourself vinegar solutions. With a little knowledge and these handy tips, your windows will no longer stay the old dusty panes. However, for a professional outlook on the issue, contact our experts at ClearView.