From window panes to doors and shower stalls to mirrors, glass is one of the most popular and important elements in the design of a home. Homeowners should take care to ensure that their glass surfaces are regularly maintained and stay sparkling clean and free from dirt, smudges, and scratches. Here is a guide to caring for your home’s glass surfaces that will help you protect your valuable investment.
The first thing to keep in mind when caring for your home’s glass surfaces is to start with the basics. Keeping your windows, mirrors, and glass doors clean is essential to keeping them looking great. For everyday cleaning, use traditional glass cleaners or a natural vinegar and water solution that comes with a microfiber cloth. By frequently cleaning your glass, you can keep it free of dirt and smudges, maintain a clear view, and add sparkle to the room.
To protect your glass surfaces from scratches and chips, use a glass polish regularly. Professional glass polishes help to fill in scratches and chips, and protect your surfaces from further damage. When using a polish, make sure to follow the instructions on the label. If you are unsure about applying a glass polish your self, many home improvement stores offer professional application services.
Tips for Applying Window Coverings
Properly caring for your glass surfaces means being aware of how to properly apply window coverings. Before you buy any window coverings, be sure to measure your windows accurately, to ensure they fit perfectly. Then, be sure to follow the instructions for the type of cover you’ve chosen. When mounting blinds, shades or other treatments, use the appropriate anchors or hardware to avoid damage to your walls and windows.
Also, consider the interior design aesthetic of the room when you are selecting window coverings. Choosing the wrong window coverings can ruin a well put together design plan, while making the right choice can make the room appear larger, brighter, and more inviting.
Protecting against Natural Elements
To help protect your home’s glass surfaces from the elements, get into the habit of occasionally covering your windows and doors when the weather is extreme. During heavy rain or high winds, a protective cover can help reduce chances of damage from spray or debris. Also, in the winter it’s important to remember to de-ice or cover your windows when temperatures drop too low.
Another way to protect your home’s glass surfaces is to take a few basic safety precautions. Be sure to keep windows and doors securely closed and locked when no one is home, check that all locks are functioning properly, and if children are present, always keep windows and doors locked when they are around.
Finally, if you plan on redecorating or replacing elements in your home, carefully removing old wallpaper, paint, and other items is essential. Removing these items incorrectly can cause damage to the glass surfaces, so be sure to take necessary precautions.
Maintaining your Glass Year-Round
- Utilize window films for added protection from the elements.
- Cover your windows and outdoor glass surfaces with a tarp when weather is extreme.
- Wipe down your windows with your microfiber cloth and glass cleaner as needed.
- Check for chips or scratches and apply a glass polish to restore and protect.
- Be sure to take necessary safety precautions when children are around.
Conclusion
Caring for your home’s glass surfaces is an easy part of ownership that is often overlooked. However, proper maintenance and care can help to keep your windows, doors and mirrors looking great for years to come. Following the tips outlined here will ensure that your windows, doors and other glass surfaces remain sparkling clean and free of dirt, smudges, and scratches.