A Step-by-Step Guide on How To Clean Glass Doors
Glass doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can quickly accumulate dust, smudges, and grime, leaving them less than sparkling.
Keeping your glass doors clean is essential, whether it’s your front door to make a gleaming first impression to guests or internal doors that add elegance to your home.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how best to clean glass doors and daily cleaning tips so you can keep your external and internal doors gleaming.
What tools do I need?
You’ll need:
- Glass cleaner or a homemade solution (white vinegar & distilled water)
- Dusting brush, old toothbrush and cotton swabs
- Sponge
- Microfibre cloth
- Spray bottle
- Soft dusting cloth
- Old newspapers
- Squeegee
Prepare the surface
Remove dust and loose dirt
- Wipe away any dust or loose dirt with a dry microfibre cloth in a downward motion so the glass frame catches it. This will prevent dirt from mixing with your cleaner and spreading across the glass.
- Give the frame and sill a wipe afterwards, followed by any hinges or handles. Sometimes, you can find a buildup of dirt in the corners of the glass panes; you should be able to remove these with an old toothbrush or a cotton bud.
Protect surrounding areas
- Ensure you protect wooden frames and windowsills from any damage by placing old newspaper along the sill to catch any stray drops of cleaning solution - you don’t want it seeping into the woodwork.
Make your cleaning solution
- To make a glass cleaning solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and distilled water into a spray bottle.
While you can buy glass cleaners in the shop that don’t contain any ammonia or alcohol, it's just as easy to make your own, and it comes with benefits. White vinegar cleans, sanitises and deodorises almost any type of surface because it contains acetic acid, while distilled water will ensure you’re not left with any streaky deposits following the cleaning. Your windows may smell faintly of vinegar immediately after the cleaning, but a quick air out will rid you of that problem.
Tip: Don’t use tap water. Tap water, while much less fuss, contains minerals that will leave streaks on your clean glass panes.
Clean the glass using a sponge or a microfibre cloth
- Spray your homemade solution directly onto the surface of the glass, and rub away any dirt using a sponge or cloth, focusing on smudges and spots.
- Rub in a circular motion, which is the best way to remove all the spots and ensure a clear and shiny surface. Press gently to allow the solution to work its magic, spraying in different areas and working across the surface.
Dry the glass with a squeegee
- The most effective way to dry the glass is to use a squeegee. Start in the upper corner of the glass and gently pull the squeegee in a downward motion. Repeat until the whole of the glass is dry and clear.
- To finish, simply pull the squeegee across the bottom of the window.
Buff the glass
- Once you’re done, quickly take a dry, soft cloth and wipe the glass in one direction only across the whole surface. Do this quickly to avoid streaks.
- Buff the glass with a dry microfibre cloth, otherwise old newspaper will do the trick. Don’t use paper towels. These are also big offenders for leaving streaks on your glass.
How can I prevent streaks on glass doors?
- Clean on cloudy days or in the evening. Direct sunlight can cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leading to streaks.
- Use distilled water, not tap water, in your cleaning solution to avoid mineral deposits.
- Dry the glass immediately after cleaning using a squeegee, followed by a quick buff with a microfibre cloth or newspaper.
Additional tips for patio and internal glass doors
Patio Doors
Patio doors often face exposure to the elements, requiring extra care:
- Clean both sides of the glass for a thorough result.
- Check and clean the tracks regularly to remove dirt and debris that could affect door movement.
Internal Glass Doors
Internal doors may accumulate fingerprints and dust:
- Wipe them down weekly as part of your cleaning routine.
- Use a soft, damp cloth for frames to maintain their finish.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, as internal glass doors often have decorative elements or finishes that harsh chemicals can damage.
How often should I clean my glass doors?
Clean glass doors every 1-2 weeks for high-traffic doors or monthly for lesser-used doors.
Your glass doors will need a proper cleaning every so often to keep them sparkling. But with regular cleaning, you can make this job less time-consuming and keep your doors looking their best.
Daily door cleaning tips
Spot clean: Wipe away smudges, dust, and fingerprints on internal doors and spot clean patio or exterior doors as needed.
Dust regularly: Prevent buildup by dusting the glass and frames weekly.
Avoid common glass cleaning mistakes
- Don’t saturate the glass: Excess solution can seep into frames and potentially damage the wood or cause mildew in crevices.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers: Tough scrubbers, like steel wool, can scratch the glass, especially on treated or decorative surfaces.
- Don’t forget the frames: Neglecting frames and handles can cause dirt to build up, reducing the overall appearance of your doors.
Find your new internal and external glass doors at Leader Online
Keeping your glass doors clean improves the look of your home and ensures longevity and functionality. With regular maintenance and the right techniques, you can achieve streak-free, sparkling results every time.
Read our door maintenance and care info for more information on keeping your doors in their best shape.
Time to upgrade? Refresh your home with exterior doors with glass or internal glass doors.
Need more help? Contact our expert product team for more help and advice. We’ll know what size you need and can discuss pricing and availability over the phone.
